Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship is the legal status that officially recognises a person as a member of the Australian nation. It establishes a formal bond between the individual and Australia, granting a set of rights and responsibilities.

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What are the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship?

Generally, those over the age of 18 who apply for Australian citizenship must:

Have passed the citizenship test (unless over the age of 60). When you sit your citizenship test, you will need to have a basic knowledge of English, an understanding of the significance, responsibilities and privileges of being Australian citizen, an adequate knowledge of Australia, and a understanding and commitment to Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality.
Be a permanent resident at the time of application and also at time of decision. Alternatively, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you are a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa (SCV).
Satisfy the residence requirement.
Be likely to reside or to continue to reside in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing link to Australia.
Be of good character. Character requirements for children differ.

What is the Australian citizenship application process?

Step 1 - Confirming your eligibility

You will first have to confirm that you meet the eligibility and residence requirements.

Step 2 - Requesting and preparing your supporting documents

As part of the application you will need to provide supporting documents confirming your identity, residency in Australia, etc. Based on your circumstances, you may need to provide evidence of your spouse’s or parent’s Australian citizenship status or if you are a New Zealand citizen who has arrived prior to February 2001 then you might need to provide a document issued by the Centrelink stating that they were residing in Australia. All documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an English language translation. Whilst citizenship by descent and evidence of Australian citizenship applicants must provide a Form 1195 identity declaration, citizenship by conferral applicants do not have to provide an identity declaration.

Step 3 – Preparing and lodging your citizenship application

Your application will have to be prepared and submitted online via the Department of Home Affairs’ e-lodgement system.

Step 4 – You will have to attend your appointment and appear for the citizenship test

After DHA receives your application, they will notify you to attend an appointment where you will be requested to verify your identity and an officer will verify your original documents. You will also be requested to take an interview or complete the Australian citizenship test.

Step 5 – You will have to attend the citizenship ceremony

This is the most exciting part of the process. After your complete the citizenship appointment and pass the citizenship test, you must attend a citizenship ceremony. Usually your ceremony will be held within six months from the time your application is approved but waiting times may vary. This is the final step to becoming an Australian Citizen!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the residence requirement?

The residence requirement for Australian citizenship by conferral is based on the time you have lived in Australia and the time you have spent outside Australia. You can use this Residence Calculator from the Department of Home Affairs to estimate the number of days you have lived in Australia.

If you are over the age of 18 and became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 you must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. This includes:

12 months as a permanent resident.
Absences from Australia of no more than 12 months.
Absences from Australia of no more than three months in the 12 months before applying.

What is the citizenship test?

If you satisfy the general eligibility and residence criteria, you will need to pass an Australian citizenship. Those covered by other situations (such as those aged under 18 or over age 60, or people who have a substantial impairment or loss of hearing, speech or sight) are not required to sit a test. The Australian citizenship test has been designed to help future Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia’s values, traditions, history and national symbols.

To sit the test you must:

Be an Australian permanent resident.
Satisfy the department of your identity and eligibility during the process of registering for the test.
Allow the department to take a photograph of you or provide one yourself.

How long does the Australian citizenship process take?

Processing times for Australian citizenship by conferral can vary, but most applications are processed within 8-10 months. The Department of Home Affairs updates current estimates monthly on their website, and individual circumstances may affect your overall timeline.

What are the costs associated with applying for Australian citizenship?

Australian citizenship by conferral (general eligibility) – $560
Concession fee – $80

How we can help you apply for Australian citizenship?

We have extensive experience and a high success rate with Australian citizenship applications. Our services include:

Comprehensive Guidance: We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you understand the requirements.
Evidence Compilation: We help gather and present strong supporting documents to strengthen your case.
Application Preparation: We complete and review all forms accurately to avoid common mistakes.
Application Lodgement and Management: We manage the lodgement of your application.

Ready to start your Australian citizenship journey?

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