Citizenship
Citizenship Enquiries
For more information on citizenship eligibility and the Citizenship Test call the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 880, visit the department at 26 - 30 Lee Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 or at Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Warringah Citizenship Ceremony
Council conducts an official Australian Citizenship Ceremony presenting citizenship certificates to welcome new citizens into the community. Council holds regular ceremonies throughout the year at Warringah Council Chambers, Dee Why.
Warringah Citizenship Ceremonies are an hour and a half including refreshments. Children under 16 are encouraged to attend their ceremony but are not required to. The parent who applied for the child’s citizenship must attend the ceremony to receive the Citizenship Certificate on their behalf.
Family and friends are welcome. To ensure there are enough seats we recommend two guests per candidate. Bring a camera to capture a memento of the ceremony. If you wish to hold a holy book during your Citizenship pledge, please bring your choice of scripture. Photo ID is required. For more information call 9942 2502.
Eligibility for Australian Citizenship
To be eligible for Australian Citizenship you must:
- be a permanent resident of Australia
- be aged 18 years or over at the time the application is made
- satisfy the residence requirement
- be able to understand the nature of the application
- be able to speak and understand basic English
- understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
- be of good character
- intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
You may be required to take the Citizenship Test. For more information including the current residence requirement call 131 880 or visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Citizenship Test
The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Bill 2007 means most people must pass a test before they apply for Australian citizenship by conferral. If you are required to sit the test you must pass it before you apply for citizenship.
For more information on who is required to take the test, where to take the test, how to make a booking and how to prepare for the test call 131 880 or visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Notification of Citizenship Ceremony
After you have passed the Citizenship Test and lodged your application with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship you will receive a reply confirming your approval as an Australian Citizen.
Approximately four to six months after your first letter you will receive a letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship inviting you to a Citizenship Ceremony at Council where you will receive your Australian Citizenship Certificate. Council is unable to invite you to a particular ceremony. In outstanding circumstances contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Passports
You must attend a Citizenship Ceremony before applying for an Australian passport. If you wish to travel prior to attending a ceremony you can use your current passport and re-enter 'Australia' on a resident’s visa. For more information contact:
The Australian Passport Office
26 Lee Street
Level 7 Gateway House
Henry Dean Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Phone: 131 232
