Update (October 2026)
Online ceremonies were a temporary COVID-19 measure. Citizenship ceremonies are now held in person, mostly by local councils, and the usual rule applies: you should attend a ceremony and make the pledge within 12 months of approval. See “What this means in 2026” below and our Australian citizenship guide.
November 2020 update: in-person citizenship ceremonies to resume: The Government has resumed in-person citizenship ceremonies with local councils invited to begin hosting small events where safe to do so and in line with the latest health advice.
April 2020 update:
The Government will hold online citizenship ceremonies via secure video link, to enable people to continue to become Australian citizens during the COVID-19 crisis.
Current health advice around COVID-19 means it is not possible for traditional, in-person citizenship ceremonies to be held.
These ceremonies will be with the presiding officer and generally a single conferee, or a household group if they reside at the same location. Ceremonies performed via video link include integrity measures, such as confirming identity.
The Department is contacting conferees with full details of the process. There is no need to contact the Department or your local council about your ceremony.
Face-to-face citizenship ceremonies will re-commence when it is safe to do so.
Generally, conferees have 12 months from their notice of approval to attend a ceremony and make the pledge of commitment, however, during the COVID-19 period, citizenship approval will not be cancelled if a conferee cannot attend a ceremony within this 12 month period.
When fully implemented, it is expected this new capability will see up to 750 people per day having their citizenship conferred.
The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 requires a person to make a pledge of commitment to Australia before a presiding officer. This is a legal requirement which has been in place for decades.
Applications for Australian citizenship are still able to be accepted during this period, though citizenship interviews and testing have been put on hold.
Additional resources will be deployed to conduct testing and interviews as soon as social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ease.
The Government recognises the importance of Australian citizenship for migrants and for the wider Australia community. Already in 2019-20, more than 157,000 people have been conferred Australia citizenship, up 70% on the same period in 2018-19.
There are currently 85,000 people awaiting a ceremony.
People who were scheduled to attend a Citizenship appointment or ceremony over the coming months will be contacted to make alternative arrangements.
Related guides
- How to obtain citizenship in Australia
- Citizenship processing times
- Settle in Australia: a guide for new arrivals
- Resident Return visa (155 and 157)
- Resident Return visa subclass 155
- Resident Return visa subclass 157
- Applying for Australian citizenship
- Australian citizenship residence requirement
- Citizenship eligibility assessment
- Citizenship document checklist
- Citizenship practice test questions
- Visas eligible for Medicare
What this means in 2026
This article describes how ceremonies worked during the COVID-19 period in 2020. Those special arrangements have ended. Here is how the process works now if you are applying for citizenship by conferral.
The citizenship process, step by step
- Check you meet the residence requirement: generally 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, including 1 year as a permanent resident, with limits on time spent overseas.
- Apply online and pay the application fee. Use our citizenship checklist to prepare your documents.
- Attend your appointment to confirm your identity and, if you are aged 18 to 59, sit the citizenship test. Practise with our citizenship practice test questions.
- Receive your decision. If approved, you will be invited to a ceremony.
- Attend your ceremony and make the pledge of commitment. You become an Australian citizen on the day you make the pledge, not on the day you are approved.
| Then (2020) | Now (2026) |
|---|---|
| Online ceremonies by secure video link | In-person ceremonies, mostly run by local councils |
| Approval not cancelled if you could not attend within 12 months | You are expected to attend within 12 months of approval, or your approval may be cancelled |
| Tests and interviews paused | Tests and interviews run as normal at Department offices |
| 85,000 people waiting for a ceremony | Wait times vary by council; check current citizenship processing times |
Remember that you are not a citizen until you make the pledge. Until then, keep your permanent visa valid for travel, and if its travel facility has expired, you may need a Resident Return visa to come back. If you need to travel while your application is in progress, read leaving Australia before your citizenship application is finalised.
Citizenship ceremony FAQs
When do I become an Australian citizen?
On the day you make the pledge of commitment at your ceremony. Approval alone does not make you a citizen.
Can I choose my ceremony date?
Ceremonies are arranged by your local council or the Department. If you cannot attend the date offered, contact them to ask for another ceremony.
What if I miss my ceremony?
Ask for a new ceremony as soon as possible. If you do not make the pledge within 12 months of approval without a good reason, your approval can be cancelled. See citizenship appointment reschedule.
Can I still do a ceremony online?
Online ceremonies were introduced as a temporary COVID-19 measure. Ceremonies are now normally held in person.
If you would like a comprehensive consultation which includes assessing you for other temporary and permanent visa options (Skilled visas, Employer Sponsored, Partner, etc.) as well, we recommend our standard 45 minute to 1 hour consultation which can be scheduled here:
https://visaenvoy.as.me/video (45 min- $160)
Recent News
More Info
Condition 8107 on a 408 Visa: Can You Work for a Second Organisation?
Health Insurance for 408 Visa Holders: Performers, Athletes and Tour Groups
408 Visas for Touring Crew and Support Staff: Hair, Make Up, Security and Personal Staff
Esports Visas for Australia: What Works and What Does Not
National Sporting Body Endorsement for a 408 Sports Visa