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  4. Births, deaths, marriage and citizenship
  5. Nationality and Citizenship

Elections on 2 May

Elections for the next Mayor of London and London Assembly members, as well as the by-election for Hillrise ward, will take place on Thursday 2 May.

You must now show photo ID when you vote at polling stations. See a full list of accepted forms of ID. You can also apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate in place of photo ID. The deadline to apply for this is 5pm, Wednesday 24 April.

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Citizenship ceremonies

If your application to become a British Citizen is accepted you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony by your local council. This is the last step in becoming a British Citizen.

About the ceremony

Everyone aged over 18 who is accepted to become a British Citizen must attend a ceremony to complete their citizenship.

  • During this ceremony you will take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and make a Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.
  • Children don’t have to attend a ceremony or take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance. However, if they want to attend and participate in the ceremony they are welcome.
  • You have three months after your application is approved to take your ceremony.

Group ceremonies

  • Group ceremonies are usually held every Monday in Islington Town Hall’s Council Chamber.
  • There is no fee to attend the group ceremony.
  • The ceremony lasts around two hours.
  • You can invite one guest to your ceremony.

Private ceremonies

We also offer private ceremonies so you can celebrate your citizenship in an intimate setting at Islington Town Hall.

  • Private ceremonies are available on Wednesday mornings.
  • They are often available quicker than group ceremonies.
  • The number of private ceremonies available is limited.
  • You can invite one guest to your ceremony.
  • There is a fee for a private ceremony.
Fee for one person Fee for a family
 £125  £185

Booking your ceremony

You will receive an invitation letter or email from the Home Office. After that, you will also get an email from the Islington Register Office confirming that we have your citizenship certificate from the Home Office and invite you to book your ceremony.

We can't book your ceremony until you get a confirmation email from us, because we will not have your citizenship certificate yet. 

Book a group ceremony

To book a group citizenship ceremony online once you have your confirmation email from us, you will need:

  • your Home Office reference number - type it exactly as it appears on your letter or email from the Home Office, including dashes
  • your full name exactly as it appears on your letter or email from the Home Office.

Book a group ceremony

The booking system offers ceremonies with spaces available. If you want a later date, please try again in a few weeks when later ceremony dates will be available.

Book a private ceremony

Private citizenship ceremonies cannot be booked online. If you want to book a private ceremony date, please email registrars@islington.gov.uk, with the following information:

  • your full name
  • your Home Office reference number
  • your contact telephone number
  • your choice to have a private ceremony.

We will contact you to book a date for your citizenship ceremony.

Please note that our office is extremely busy, so we appreciate your patience in awaiting a response.

What to bring with you

Attend the ceremony with photo ID (such as passport or driving licence) and your Home Office invitation letter.

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Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.