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Australian citizenship symbolises unity as a nation. It represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future.
It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where we have been born or where we have decided to make our home.
Please click on the following highlighted links for more information:
Contact information
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
9 Wentworth Street
PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
Counter hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-1.30pm
Postal address: GPO Box 9984, SYDNEY NSW 2001
Citizenship information line: 131 880
General immigration information line: 131 881
Fax: 02 8861 4422
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How do I become an Australian citizen?
As of 1 October 2007, to become an Australian citizen most people will be required to pass an Australia Citizenship Test before they can apply for citizenship.
Following are the steps to becoming an Australian citizen:
- Contact DIAC on 131 880 and book an appointment for an Australia Citizenship Test.
- After you have successfully completed the test you can then apply for citizenship.
- After applying, you will receive an approval letter from the DIAC. Wait for the arrival of your approval letter from DIAC.
- Scheduling for Liverpool City Council's Australia citizenship ceremonies is processed by DIAC. Approximately 10 weeks after receiving your approval letter, you will receive another letter from DIAC, inviting you to attend a Council citizenship ceremony.
- Come along to your Citizenship Ceremony, make the pledge and receive your certificate of citizenship. Ceremonies are mainly held on Monday evenings, commencing at 6pm and run for approximately one hour, followed by a light supper.
If you have any concerns or enquiries contact DIAC on 131 880 or Council's Citizenship Officer on 9821 9137.
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Fees
There is not a fee for sitting the Australia Citizenship Test, however the application fee for citizenship for people who have sat a test will be $240. This fee includes a component to recover part of the cost of sitting the test.
The fee for application for citizenship by conferral for people who are not required to sit a test is $120.
Some people who have sat a test and are in receipt of a pension from Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs will pay a concession fee of $40.
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What happens after I apply for citizenship?
Once DIAC receives your application, the Department will inform you on whether or not your application is successful.
Wait for the arrival of your approval letter from DIAC.
Scheduling for Council's Australia citizenship ceremonies is processed by DIAC. Approximately 10 weeks later after receiving your approval letter, you will receive another letter from DIAC, inviting you to attend a Council citizenship ceremony
Council is not able to speed up the process of application or hold your ceremony before approval has been given.
If you have any concerns or enquiries contact DIAC on 131 880 or Council's Citizenship Officer on 9821 9137.
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What happens at a citizenship ceremony?
Council conducts citizenship ceremonies twice a month at the Administration Centre, 1 Hoxton Park Road, Liverpool. The ceremony takes approximately an hour and is followed by complimentary supper.
At the ceremony, new citizens receive Australian flags, and their certificate of citizenship is presented by Council's Presiding Officer.
A professional photograph can also be purchased for a fee of $10.
Representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission are present at all ceremonies. This allows all new citizens to enrol immediately.
Immediate family is encouraged to attend this important occasion.
For further information contact Council's Citizenship Officer on 9821 9137.
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When will I have my ceremony? 
Once you have received your approval letter from DIAC, it takes approximately 10 weeks for DIAC to schedule your citizenship ceremony at Council. The Department advises Council which community members have been approved.
Once this has been done you will receive an invitation from DIAC to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Council holds two ceremonies every month but due to the large number of applicants waiting times vary.
If you have any concerns or enquiries contact DIAC on 131 880.
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What if I can't come to a ceremony?
DIAC will send you an invitation advising you of the date for your citizenship ceremony. If you cannot attend, you must notify DIAC immediately and your ceremony will be rescheduled.
If you do not advise DIAC and miss your ceremony, Council will return your certificate of citizenship to DIAC. This dated certificate will be cancelled and another ceremony scheduled.
If you have any concerns or enquiries contact DIAC on 131 880.
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SPECIAL situations
Private ceremonies
Council does not conduct private ceremonies due to group ceremonies being held every two weeks. Extremely urgent cases need to contact DIAC.
"Home language" ceremonies
Council's citizenship ceremonies are conducted in English. DIAC does conduct ceremonies in different languages for non-English speakers. DIAC will invite those non-English speaking residents to a language ceremony held at DIAC. Council is not permitted to conduct ceremonies for non-English speaking applicants.
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Changes/correctionS to Citizenship Certificates
If you require any changes/corrections to be made to your citizenship certificate you must contact DIAC. Only DIAC can make these alterations.
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