In January 2004, the Government introduced citizenship ceremonies for people who have been granted British citizenship. Successful applicants need to attend a ceremony within three months of receiving their letter from the Home Office, which confirms that their application has been successful.

The ceremony is arranged by the council and usually, you will be able to attend a ceremony in the town or city where you live. In Sunderland, we hold a ceremony every month, so there should be plenty of opportunity for you to make arrangements.

The first ceremony in Sunderland was conducted on the 29th April 2004 and up to the end of 2011, we've performed 135 ceremonies, welcoming 1,757 new citizens from around the world.