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A person can apply to UK Visas and Immigration of the Home Office to become a British Citizen if they have resided in the UK for 5 years or if they have resided in the UK for 3 years and are married to a British Citizen.

At the end of the application process once the Home Office has decided a person can become a British Citizen, there is a compulsory citizenship ceremony. This ceremony is a celebration, a welcome and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with British citizenship. Each person has to either swear or affirm on oath of allegiance to the Queen and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom. The ceremony is a private ceremony and admission is by invitation only. It concludes with the playing of the National Anthem.

  • Enquires from individuals about gaining citizenship should be directed by writing to the address below:

Nationality Contact Centre
UK Visas and Immigration
Capital Building
Liverpool
L3 9PP

ukbanationalityenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk

Further details can also be obtained from the Home Office and UK Visas and Nationality.

  • Every month Dudley holds group ceremonies for people becoming British Citizens.

New citizens are required to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the crown and a promise to be a good citizen. The ceremony lasts about 30 - 40 minutes with an introduction and ceremony led by the superintendent registrar, followed by a congratulatory speech and presentation of certificates by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor of Dudley. The Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, or one of his deputies, attends each group ceremony to welcome the new citizens into British citizenship. Each new citizen can invite two guests. Admittance to the ceremony is by invitation only.

Arranging Your Ceremony

New citizens will receive a letter from the Home Office informing them that they have been granted British Citizenship. At the same time the Home Office will send us your certificate. We will write to you offering a ceremony date once we have received your certificate. The letter states you should contact us to confirm your attendance. We cannot book an appointment for you until we have received your certificate so please do not call us until you receive our letter.

Alternatively there is an individual ceremony designed for people who want to have the ceremony sooner than the offered date or to have it on their own at a more convenient time. These currently cost £190.00 for an individual, £230.00 for a couple.

Individual Citizenship Ceremony Application Form 

Individual Ceremonies on other premises

There is also the option to have an individual ceremony at an approved external venue. This service is suitable for those who would like to make their ceremony more of a celebration. We would go out to the venue and conduct the ceremony. There is an additional fee for this service.

Contact Us

The best way to contact us is by completing our online contact form.

Telephone: 01384 815373

Please note our lines are quieter in the afternoons, please leave us a message if we are unable to answer your call.