'I really enjoyed the ceremony and it has made me proud to be British. Thank you for making it a day to remember'
Mr C. from Poynton. |
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 Please note:
Changes to the way people will become British citizens currently under discussion, which will involve earned (or active) citizenship, will not be introduced until the late 2010. Until then existing arrangements for naturalisation will continue.
What does it mean to become a British Citizen?
When you become a British citizen, you are granted permanent right of abode in the United Kingdom and are eligible for a British passport. You can also participate in the political process and vote in elections.
What happens at a citizenship ceremony?
The final stage in becoming a British Citizen is to attend a citizenship ceremony to be officially welcomed into the community.
The Council is responsible for organising ceremonies for successful applicants who live in Cheshire or who request to have their ceremony in Cheshire.
We choose ceremony venues with care so we can offer new British citizens a chance to experience a unique establishment that is of historical or architectural interest.
The ceremony begins with a welcoming speech from local dignitaries and the applicants swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and give a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom before being presented with their citizenship certificates. The presentation of the certificate marks the point at which British Citizenship is conferred.
Can any applicant attend a ceremony in Cheshire?
Any person who lives outside of Cheshire can request to have their citizenship ceremony in Cheshire, where you are guaranteed a meaningful and memorable citizenship ceremony. To do this, simply request ‘Cheshire’ as the place you would like to attend a ceremony on your Home Office application form.
How do I apply for citizenship?
If you are interested in becoming a British Citizen, please contact the Home Office Border & Immigration Agency on 0845 010 5200 between 9.00am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday or visit the Home Office website.
Additional information is available at Directgov and Life in the UK. Alternatively, you can contact the Life in the UK Test helpline on 0800 015 4245.
From 2nd April 2007 applicants who wish to be granted settlement in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) will need to pass a 'Life in the UK test'. Applicants for British citizenship who haven't passed the Life in the UK Test at settlement stage will need to pass the test before they can be granted British citizenship. Further information can be found on our Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK test web pages.
If you wish to become a British citizen, our Nationality Checking Service can help you.
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