Taking the Australian Citizenship Oath

One of the most meaningful moments in becoming an Australian citizen is taking the citizenship oath, formally known as the pledge of commitment. This pledge is a legal and symbolic act that marks your transition from applicant to citizen. It remains a required part of the citizenship ceremony for almost all new citizens.

This guide explains exactly what the oath is, how it fits into your citizenship ceremony, your options when taking it, and what to expect on the day.

What Is the Australian Citizenship Oath?

When your citizenship application is approved, you don’t officially become an Australian citizen until you make a pledge of commitment at a citizenship ceremony. This pledge replaces the old oath of allegiance to the monarch and focuses instead on your commitment to Australia, its people, democratic beliefs, rights, liberties, and laws.

The pledge you make is both a legal requirement and a personal statement of loyalty. Without making the pledge at the ceremony, you cannot receive your citizenship certificate or be recognised as a citizen.

The Pledge: Words and Meaning

There are two versions of the Australian citizenship pledge that you can choose from:

• Pledge 1 (with reference to God)
  From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

• Pledge 2 (without reference to God)
  From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

The choice between the two versions is yours. When you submit your citizenship application, you typically select which version you prefer, and that version will be used at your ceremony.

What Happens at the Citizenship Ceremony

Your oath or pledge is made as part of a formal citizenship ceremony, which is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen.

Here’s what usually happens at a ceremony:

1. Arrival and Registration
   You arrive at the venue at the time on your invitation and check in with ceremony staff. You may receive a pledge card with the words you’ll recite and any relevant documents like your citizenship certificate.

2. Formal Proceedings
   The ceremony often starts with official welcomes, an acknowledgement of country, speeches, and other formalities.

3. The Pledge of Commitment
   When it’s time for the pledge, candidates stand together, and you all recite your chosen version of the pledge of commitment. This can be done as a group, following a presiding officer or leader. You stand alongside others becoming citizens and say the words together.

4. Receiving Your Citizenship Certificate
   After you have made the pledge, you are recognised as a citizen. In most ceremonies, you receive your citizenship certificate shortly after the pledge. This certificate is your official proof of Australian citizenship.

5. Celebration and Close
   The ceremony may conclude with the singing of the national anthem, congratulations, and opportunities for photos and celebration with family and friends.

Choosing Your Pledge and Other Considerations

• When you apply for citizenship you indicate whether you want to include the phrase “under God” in your pledge or not. If you choose the version with “under God,” you are able to recite it on a holy book of your choice if you wish.

• Guests such as family and friends are usually welcome to attend the ceremony and participate in the celebration, although you make the citizenship pledge only once with other new citizens.

• Children under the age of 16 are not required to make the pledge, but they are welcome to attend and celebrate with their families.

Why the Oath Matters

Taking the citizenship oath is both a legal requirement and a symbolic affirmation of your commitment to Australia. It reflects your readiness to:

• Uphold Australian democratic principles.
• Respect the rights and liberties of others.
• Abide by Australian laws.
• Participate fully in civic life.

Until you make this pledge during your ceremony, your citizenship status is not final — the ceremony is what makes it official.

Your citizenship ceremony and the pledge of commitment are major milestones in your journey to becoming an Australian citizen. Understanding what the oath is, what your options are, and how the ceremony unfolds will help you approach the day with confidence and pride. Taking the pledge is a moment of celebration and belonging, and it marks your official place in the Australian community.