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.

About the ceremony

The register office receives notification from the Home Office of the granting of citizenship for people living in York.

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 local dignitary (usually the Lord Mayor or Sheriff of York). 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. 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 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 is held monthly at the Register Office. It takes place on the first Thursday of the month at 12 noon. After the ceremony, new citizens and their guests are invited to stay for tea or coffee.

Private ceremony

Contact us if you would like to have a private ceremony.

The current fee for private ceremonies at the Register Office is £95.00 Monday to Saturday. The fee covers all members of the same family group.

Ceremonies can also be held elsewhere in the City of York for a fee of £300.00 Monday to Saturday or £350.00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Again the fee covers all members of the same family group.