Australia Day (January 26) is fast approaching

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Created on Friday, 03 January 2014 15:18

Written by Editorial staff

Australia Day, celebrated annually on January 26, is just around the corner.

This event offers people around the country an opportunity to "think about the importance and value of being an Australian," states the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

It's also one of the most popular days on which to become a citizen. On January 26, citizenship ceremonies will be held for anyone whose citizenship application has been approved.

The first citizenship ceremony was held over 60 years ago, reveals the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. This was in 1949, and since then more than four million people have successfully become citizens of Australia.

On Australia Day 2013, a whopping 17,000 people took the final step towards citizenship. They came from all over the world - 145 countries, to be exact - and decided to officially make Australia their home.

One special citizenship ceremony was presided over by then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard. She granted 21 people from 9 countries with citizenship, including Miriam Margolyes, a well-known character actress who moved to Australia from England in 1980.

Ms Margolyes told the Department of Immigration and Border Protection that becoming a citizen of this country after so many years was a dream come true.

"I didn't expect it, because I'm a senior citizen and this is a young country of young people, but you do want me, and I am thrilled," she explained after the ceremony.

If you aren't becoming a citizen of Australia on January 26 but are interested in getting the citizenship application process underway, get in touch with a migrant agent.

This professional can demonstrate what steps you will need to take in order to make your own dreams of becoming a citizen of this country come true!

There are a number of factors that will determine whether you are eligible to become a citizen of Australia. Australian migration agents can help you understand these and how they might affect you.

In addition to citizenship ceremonies, events called "affirmation ceremonies" are also a common occurrence each year on Australia Day.

These provide anyone who lives in Australia - permanent resident or citizen - with a chance to (unofficially) pledge their allegiance to the country.

They're often held as part of citizenship ceremonies and are a fantastic way to celebrate being Australian.

However you choose to observe Australia Day, make sure you enjoy yourself!