Australian citizenship

If you would like to become an Australian Citizen visit homeaffairs.gov.au to download the relevant forms or telephone 13 18 80.

After completing the relevant paperwork, you will be interviewed and your application will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Once your application has been assessed and approved, your Certificate of Australian Citizenship is sent to Council ready for the Citizenship Ceremony.

Steps to becoming an Australian Citizen:

1. Visit homeaffairs.gov.au or phone 13 18 80 to complete and lodge an application for citizenship grant
2. Attend an interview
3. Department of Home Affairs confirms that your application has been successful
4. Ballina Shire Council confirms the relevant paperwork has been received and the date of the next citizenship ceremony 
5. Confirm your attendance at the ceremony and advise the number of guests who will attend. Council is obliged to return your Certificate to the Department of Home Affairs if you cannot attend the Ceremony on the allocated date
6. Enjoy the ceremony with family, friends and other new Australian Citizens.

Dates for 2025 ceremonies are as follows:

• Sunday 26 January 2025 (Australia Day) - 9am
• Tuesday 11 March 2025 - 10am
• Tuesday 8 April 2025 - 10am
• Tuesday 10 June 2025 - 10am
• Tuesday 5 August 2025 - 10am
• Tuesday 9 September 2025 - 10am
• Tuesday 21 October 2025 - 10am

For further information on Citizenship ceremony wait times visit the Department of Home Affairs website immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship