Citizenship Ceremonies
All persons applying for British Citizenship are required to take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown, and make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
£95 1 person
£35 each additional person
Private Ceremonies
The Government places great importance on ensuring those who settle here understand the rights and responsibilities that come with British Citizenship.
The Home Office, which administers all applications for British Citizenship's, believes that all new citizens should be encouraged to feel a sense of belonging to the wider community. A ceremony of a public and celebratory nature helps to foster this.
From 1 January 2004 it was decided to incorporate the taking of the Oath and Pledge into a public ceremony involving civic and municipal dignitaries, to which the applicant could invite family and guests.
Solihull ceremonies are usually performed in the Council Chamber at the Civic Suite, Solihull. The graduation style event lasts approximately half an hour and is conducted by Officers from the Council.
2011/12 Ceremony Dates
All our ceremonies are in the evening unless stated
| Venue | Date | Start Time | End Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 07/12/11 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 18/01/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 15/02/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 21/03/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 11/04/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 16/05/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 13/06/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 11/07/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 15/08/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 12/09/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 17/10/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 22/11/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
| The Chamber, Civic Suite, Solihull | 12/12/12 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Evening |
How do I become a British Citizen?
You should contact the Home Office who will be able to advise you on becoming a British Citizen, on telephone 0845 010 5200 or email nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/
What is the timescale for attending a Citizenship Ceremony?
You must attend a ceremony within 3 months of the Home Office authorising your British Citizenship application. Once you have received your authorisation from the Home Office telephone Solihull Connect on 0121 704 8002 to book a ceremony.
Can I have an individual ceremony?
For an additional charge we do offer individual ceremonies where no dignitary is present. The ceremony is held at Solihull Register Office and lasts approximately 15 minutes.
If you wish to book an individual ceremony, telephone Solihull Connect on 0121 704 8002.
Who can attend the ceremony?
Group Ceremony - You can invite up to two guests of your choice to the ceremony
Individual Ceremony - The number of guests allowed at individual ceremonies varies depending on the room being used. The number of guests will be confirmed to you when you book the ceremony.
What does the ceremony involve?
The ceremony takes the following format:
- You will be welcomed into the community by a superintendent registrar
- You will be required to take the oath (or affirmation) of allegiance, and the pledge of loyalty
- You will be presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation
- The National Anthem will be played
Following the ceremony you will have the opportunity to take further family photographs.
What does a ceremony cost?
That depends on the type of ceremony your are having.
| Days | 1/4/11 - 31/3/12 | 1/4/12 - 31/3/13 | 1/4/13 - 31/3/14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Basic ceremony with Registrar (No Dignitary) Includes gift Payment due at the time of booking payment is in addition to the Home Office Fee |
Monday -Friday (Office Hours Only)
|
£75 for1 person £25 each additional person | £85 for 1 person £30 each additional person | £95 for1 person £35 each additional person |
| Group Citizenship Full Ceremony with Registrar & Dignitary, refreshments & gift Price Set and paid By the Home Office and can change without notice | Evening or afternoon per schedule | £80 | £80 | £80 |
| Cancellation Fee Refund where applicable will be processed within 21 days | For Private Ceremonies Only | £20 | £21 | £22 |
| Change date/time of Ceremony. (subject to availability) | Administration charge is payable for any change to time or date of a ceremony (subject to availability) | £20 | £21 | £22 |
Can I change the venue of my ceremony?
In exception circumstances you can arrange to transfer your ceremony to another location provided there are places available, we are not able to transfer any ceremonies for you to attend on an earlier date. If you would like any further information regarding this please contact Solihull Connect on 0121 704 8002.
How can I obtain further information?
You can contact Solihull Connect on Tel 0121 704 8002 or email connectcc@solihull.gov.uk
or visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm