Citizenship ceremonies
Becoming a citizen
All applications for Australian citizenship must be made through the Department of Home Affairs Residents who have had their applications approved will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Upcoming dates for 2026
All ceremonies are held at Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd Pakenham. Invitations will be sent from the Department of Home Affairs approximately four weeks prior to the ceremony.
- Monday 26 January
- Saturday 28 February
- Saturday 28 March
- Friday 24 April
- Friday 29 May
- Friday 26 June
- Friday 31 July
- Friday 28 August
- Thursday 17 September (National Citizenship Day)
- Friday 30 October
- Saturday 28 November
Citizenship ceremony invitations
- Once your application has been approved you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony.
- Invitations are generally sent 3 weeks prior to the ceremony by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Ceremonies are held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.
- Registration opens 1 hour before the ceremony begins. It is important you arrive on time for the ceremony.
- If you are unable to attend, an invitation will be sent for the following ceremony.
- Families and friends are encouraged to come along.
What to bring to your ceremony
- Photo ID (like driver's licence, learner's permit or passport). If you do not have photo ID, you can not take part in the ceremony.
- Your invitation letter from the Department of Home Affairs
Please note at this stage a digital drivers licence cannot be accepted.
If you wish to make your oath on a book that relates to your religious beliefs, please bring that book to the ceremony.
Applying for Australian citizenship
All questions about costs, how to apply and the progress of applications for Australian citizenship should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs.
Phone 13 18 80 or visit the Australian Government Citizenship website.