There have been major changes in the granting of British Citizenship. These changes follow the publication of:
- the Government White Paper Secure Borders Safe Haven in February 2002
- the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002
Under the new arrangements, once an application has been approved, all new citizens who are over 18 years old must attend a citizenship ceremony. This is usually in the area that they live.
The ceremony must take place within three months of the application being granted. It includes making either an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the crown and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
These new arrangements came into force on 1 January 2004.
Minors do not have to take part in ceremonies. But they may attend along with their families and be included in the formalities.
The register office receives notification from the Home Office of the granting of citizenship for people living in North Lincolnshire. A letter is sent out inviting new citizens to the next available ceremony.
The ceremonies are appropriate and dignified as well as warm and welcoming. There is a Union Jack flag and portrait of H.M. The Queen at the ceremonies.
The ceremony begins with welcome speeches from the Superintendent Registrar (SR) and a local dignitary. The applicants then either swear or affirm their allegiance to the Queen collectively, repeating the words after the SR. They then give their pledge of allegiance to the United Kingdom – again repeating after the SR. Each applicant then comes forward to receive his or her certificate and sign the Citizenship Register. The local dignitary presents the certificates.
The SR concludes the ceremony by making a congratulatory speech. The ceremony ends with everyone standing for the National Anthem. There is then an opportunity for photographs to be taken.
Each applicant receives a Home Office information pack with his or her certificate.
Standard ceremony
The standard ceremony caters for up to 10 new citizens and two guests each. The ceremony is held monthly at the register office. It takes place on the third Tuesday afternoon of each month at 2pm.
The Mayor of North Lincolnshire and the local press usually attend the ceremony.
Private ceremony
Anyone wishing to have a private ceremony should contact the Superintendent Registrar at North Lincolnshire Register Office to make arrangements - Tel. 01724 843915
The current fees for private ceremonies at the register office are:
- Monday to Thursday - £70
- Friday- £90
- Saturday- £120
- Sundays and bank holidays - £165
'Within 24 hours' ceremony
There is also a special ‘within 24 hours’ ceremony. This is for people who want to apply for passports urgently.
The current fees for this service are:
Monday to Thursday - £90
Friday- £120
Saturday- £165
Sundays and bank holidays - £165
Ceremonies in approved premises
The ceremonies can also be held in one of the approved premises in North Lincolnshire.
Fees for these ceremonies are:
- Monday to Saturday - £240
- Sundays and bank holidays - £300