Extension of Prohibited Burning Period

Due to the ongoing High Threat Bushfire period and seasonal conditions being unfavourable for bushfires, the DFES Commissioner has extended the Prohibited Burning Period until Midnight 28 April due to seasonal conditions. Read the full public notice.

Close alert
  1. Home
  2. Community
  3. Community Development
  4. Citizenship

Citizenship

The City holds regular ceremonies to welcome new Australian citizens to Kwinana. Find out whether you’re eligible, how to apply, citizenship ceremony details and more. 

On this page

Becoming an Australian

The City of Kwinana holds citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs throughout the year for Kwinana residents to receive Australian Citizenship. A citizenship ceremony is where you make the Australian citizenship pledge, the final step in becoming an Australian.

The process

Once approved you will receive a letter from the Department of Home Affairs. The Department of Home Affairs send us a list of invitees around 6 weeks before each ceremony.  You will receive your invitation by email as soon as the your details have been received by us on an invitation list.  If you have not received an invitation email then we do not yet have your information.  

All ceremony allocations are done by the Department of Home Affairs. Any queries you have regarding scheduling, including early or urgent ceremony allocation must be directed to the Department by emailing ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au or by calling their office on 131 880. 

From receiving your letter of approval from the Department of Home Affairs to being invited to attend a ceremony may take several months due to the high number of approvals. If you wish to be make the pledge with family or friends who are also applying for citizenship, you must let the Department know at the time of your interview, they will link your applications together.

The role of the City of Kwinana

The role of the City of Kwinana is to host the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies for the conferees to make the Pledge of Commitment in front of the Presiding Officer. The City is not able to make changes to your ceremony date, this must be done through the Department of Home Affairs. Conferees must attend a ceremony within 12 months of their approval date.

Eligibility and how to apply

Becoming an Australian Citizen is an important step in your migration story, by becoming an Australian citizen you are choosing to make an ongoing commitment to Australia and all that it stands for.

Carol Adams poses with a family of four and their citizenship certificate.

Eligibility

Residents of the City of Kwinana may be eligible for Australian Citizenship if they;

  • are a permanent resident of Australia;
  • have lived in Australia at least four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident​;
  • are of good character;​​​
  • have a basic knowledge of English (this requirement won't apply if you are aged 50 or over);
  • have an adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen; or
  • intend to live in, or maintain a close continuing association with Australia.​

How to apply

To apply for citizenship please follow the below steps;

  1. Complete a citizenship application form through the Department of Home Affairs or by phoning the citizenship information line on 131 880.
  2. After submitting your application, check its progress by tracking your citizenship application online. Please note; the City of Kwinana does not have access to the progress and timeline of your application until it has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
  3. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter from the Department of Home Affairs.
  4. The City will receive information from the Department of Home Affairs and you will be allocated a position in the next available citizenship ceremony. A letter will be sent to notify you of your ceremony date approximately four weeks before your ceremony date. The waiting period for a ceremony is between 12 to 14 weeks.
     

Cost

The cost of becoming an Australian citizen is around $490 per person. (Cost is subject to change)

Attending a ceremony

At the City of Kwinana, our citizenship ceremonies are special events conducted by the Mayor where applicants are required to make the Australian citizenship pledge. This is the final step in the journey to becoming an Australian citizen.

Citizenship ceremonies are held once a month at Medina Hall on an evening during the week at 5.30pm. Ceremonies in the City of Kwinana are only able to be attended by residents of the City. 

Please ensure you abide by the following requirements as entry may be refused to any additional guests:

  • All individual conferees are able to bring TWO guests only plus conferee dependant children (16 years and below).
  • All family conferees are able to bring TWO guests per family plus conferee dependant children (16 years and below).

Ceremonies are closed off at least four weeks before the ceremony date to allow time for invitations to be posted and certificates ordered from Immigration in Sydney. The City will close off a ceremony earlier if numbers have reached maximum capacity.

Our January ceremony is held on Australia Day, 26 January each year.

The wait time to attend a ceremony is between three to six months. The invitation will include important information, so please read it carefully.

Anyone over the age of 16 at the time of application must bring photo ID to their ceremony. Dependants (under the age of 16 at the time of application) are not required to attend the ceremony but it is encouraged. The Presiding Officer for many of our citizenship ceremonies is the Mayor of Kwinana. The dress code is smart. 

2024 Ceremony dates

  • Friday 26 January (Australia Day)
  • Tuesday 20 Feb
  • Tuesday 16 April
  • Tuesday 18 June
  • Tuesday 16 July
  • Tuesday 6 August
  • Tuesday 17 September
  • Tuesday 12 November

Obtaining a Passport

Applications for an Australian passport can be lodged at your local post office after you receive your citizenship certificate and the ceremony. It is recommended that you wait 10 working days after your citizenship ceremony before applying for an Australian Passport. For more information on passports, visit www.passports.gov.au or phone 131 232.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my personal information?

You can update your information by contacting the Department of Home Affairs on ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au or 131 880.

When will my ceremony be?

The City receives the invitation lists six weeks prior to the scheduled ceremony date. If you have not received your invitation after six months, please contact the Department of Home Affairs on ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au or 131 880.

How will I receive my invitation?

All invitations are emailed to conferees. Families will be included on the one invitation. It is important that you read the information carefully and confirm your attendance by the RSVP date.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by emailing the Department of Home Affairs on Perth.Citizenship@homeaffairs.gov.au.

How do i reschedule my ceremony?

If you have already received the invitation from the City of Kwinana but cannot attend the ceremony, please contact us on Citizenship.Enquiry@kwinana.wa.gov.au or 94390432 to discuss your situation and ensure you are moved to the next available date.

Your name will be removed from the City’s list and the Department of Home Affairs will allocate you to the next available ceremony. You are not able to ‘book-in’ to a scheduled ceremony date.

If you cannot attend due to exception, such as FIFO, please inform us and then make an application to the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to include evidence in your application. The application can be made by emailing ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Special ceremonies are only granted in special circumstances and are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Home Affairs.

Do I have to attend a ceremony to become a citizen?

Yes, you must say the Pledge of Commitment in front of the Presiding Officer to become a citizen.

Share this page

How can we improve our website?Expand
Was this page helpful?


Do you require a response from the City of Kwinana?

Please confirm your identity

Site Links

Quick Links

Keep Up to Date

Contact

City of Kwinana kaditj kalyakoorl moondang-ak kaaradj midi boodjar-ak nyininy, yakka wer waabiny, Noongar moort. Ngala kaditj baalap kalyakoorl nidja boodjar wer kep kaaradjiny, baalap moorditj nidja yaakiny-ak wer moorditj moort wer kaditj Birdiya wer yeyi.

The City of Kwinana acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play, the Nyoongar people. We recognise their connection to the land and local waterways, their resilience and commitment to community and pay our respect to Elders past and present.

Go to top of the page