The Department of Home Affairs is the federal government department responsible for processing applications for citizenship. Ipswich City Council organises the citizenship ceremony where you will take the Australian Citizenship Pledge to become an Australian citizen. The Department of Home Affairs provides a list of approved citizenship conferees to Council to invite to a future citizenship ceremony.
How do I apply to become an Australian citizen?
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for all information regarding applications to become an Australian citizen. If you have a question about applying for Australian citizenship or how your application is progressing please contact the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81 (opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am-4.30 pm).
When are citizenship ceremonies held in Ipswich?
Citizenship ceremonies are held five times per year commencing each January. The duration of ceremonies is usually one hour, depending on the number of Conferees attending on the day. For information on date of the next ceremony please phone (07) 3810 6666.
When do I receive an invitation to a ceremony?
Ipswich City Council will issue invitations to candidates approximately four weeks before the date of the ceremony, allowing plenty of time for the candidate to arrange to be there. The invitation will ask the candidate to email reply or phone Ipswich City Council to accept the invitation and also to advise if there are any family and friends attending the ceremony. Ipswich City Council needs to know this information so we know who is attending.
I need citizenship urgently- what can I do?
Urgent ceremonies can be arranged in very limited circumstances. You will need to provide evidence to the Department of Home Affairs that your need is urgent. Please phone the department on 131 881 or email your enquiry to ceremony.qld@homeaffairs.gov.au.
Where do I park?
Ample street parking is available near the Ipswich Civic Centre where ceremonies are usually held. The majority of parking is metered parking with time restrictions in force until 5.00 pm. For more information about parking in Ipswich please visit Council's Parking webpage.
Am I allowed to take photos?
Ipswich City Council hires a photographer to take your photo when you are presented your citizenship certificate. The free photo is then emailed to you after the ceremony. Sometimes the media also attend the ceremony and take photos - however, you will be asked for your permission before these photos are published.
What happens at the end of the ceremony - do I have to stay until the very end?
As a courtesy to other citizenship conferees, it is polite that you stay until the end of the ceremony and not disrupt the ceremony for other candidates by leaving early.
Australian passport applications
Go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for all information regarding applying for an Australian passport.