Citizenship

Becoming an Australian citizen is the final step in your migration journey and a significant milestone that provides numerous benefits. Australian citizenship gives you the right to live in Australia permanently, vote in elections, apply for an Australian passport, and enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with being part of Australia’s diverse community.

Benefits of Australian Citizenship

  • Live in Australia Permanently: As a citizen, you can live in Australia indefinitely without any restrictions.
  • Voting Rights: You gain the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections and referendums.
  • Apply for an Australian Passport: You can apply for an Australian passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
  • Work and Study Without Restrictions: You can work and study anywhere in Australia without the restrictions faced by temporary and permanent residents.
  • Access to Social Benefits: You gain access to social security benefits and public healthcare (Medicare) with no limitations.
  • Support from Australian Consulates: As an Australian citizen, you can receive assistance from Australian consulates and embassies when travelling abroad.
  • Dual Citizenship: Australia allows for dual citizenship, so you do not have to give up your existing nationality when becoming an Australian citizen (subject to the laws of your other nationality).

Eligibility for Australian Citizenship

To become an Australian citizen, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. There are different pathways to citizenship depending on your situation:

  1. Citizenship by Conferral (for Permanent Residents)

This is the most common pathway for individuals who have lived in Australia as permanent residents and wish to become citizens.

  • Permanent Residency Requirement: You must have held a Permanent Resident (PR) visa for at least 12 months before applying.
  • Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years, including the 12 months on a PR visa. During this time, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months total, with no more than 90 days out of the country in the last 12 months before applying.
  • Good Character: You must meet the good character requirement, which includes a criminal background check.
  • Basic Knowledge of English: You must demonstrate a basic understanding of English.
  • Citizenship Test: You will be required to pass a citizenship test, which assesses your knowledge of Australian values, history, and responsibilities as a citizen.

  1. Citizenship by Descent

If you were born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.

  • Proof of Parent’s Citizenship: You must provide evidence that at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.

  1. Citizenship for Children Born in Australia

Children born in Australia may automatically acquire citizenship if:

  • One or both parents were Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time of the child’s birth, or
  • The child has lived in Australia for the first 10 years of their life, regardless of the parents’ visa status.

  1. Citizenship by Adoption

If you were adopted by an Australian citizen under Australian law, you may be eligible for citizenship.

  1. Other Special Circumstances

There are specific provisions for people in special circumstances, such as individuals who have served in the Australian Defence Force or refugees granted protection visas.

Citizenship Test

Most applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral are required to take the Australian Citizenship Test. The test is designed to assess your knowledge of Australian values, history, and laws, as well as your understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.

  • Test Format: The test is multiple-choice and consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly.
  • Test Language: The test is conducted in English, so you need a basic understanding of the language.
  • Topics Covered: The test includes questions on Australian history, democratic principles, government structure, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

To help applicants prepare, the Department of Home Affairs provides a resource called "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond," which contains all the information needed to pass the test.

Required Documentation for Australian Citizenship

When applying for Australian citizenship, you will need to provide various documents to support your application, including:

  1. Proof of Identity:
    • Passport (certified copies of the bio-data pages).
    • Birth certificate or national ID card.
  2. Proof of Residency:
    • Immigration documents, including your permanent residency visa grant notice.
    • Travel records to demonstrate that you meet the residency requirements (e.g., entry and exit dates from Australia).
  3. Character Documents:
    • Police clearance certificates (if applicable).
    • Statutory declarations from reputable people attesting to your good character.
  4. Proof of English Proficiency:
    • Evidence of basic English language ability (this may include qualifications, employment history, or test results).
  5. Citizenship by Descent (if applicable):
    • Birth certificate and parent’s Australian citizenship documents.
  6. Other Supporting Documents:
    • For applicants applying under special circumstances, you may need additional documentation, such as evidence of service in the Australian Defence Force or adoption records.

Application Process for Australian Citizenship

The application process for Australian citizenship generally follows these steps:

  1. Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet all the requirements for your specific citizenship pathway, including residency and character checks.

  1. Lodge Your Application

Submit your citizenship application online via ImmiAccount or by mail. Include all required documents and pay the application fee.

  1. Citizenship Test and Interview

After submitting your application, you will be invited to attend an interview and take the Australian Citizenship Test (if required). At the interview, your documents will be verified, and you will be asked questions about your application.

  1. Await Decision

The Department of Home Affairs will review your application. Processing times may vary, but most applications are processed within 12 to 18 months.

  1. Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge and officially become an Australian citizen. You must attend a ceremony within 6 months of your application being approved.

Citizenship Costs

The application fee for Australian Citizenship depends on the pathway you are applying through. As a guide:

  • Citizenship by Conferral: AUD 560 for most applicants.
  • Citizenship by Descent: AUD 360.
  • Citizenship for Children: AUD 360.

Additional costs may apply for obtaining police clearance certificates, travel records, and other supporting documents.

Child Citizenship status in respect of his place of birth and parents visa status in Australia

Parents' Visa or Citizenship Status Place of Birth Child's Citizenship Status
At least one parent is an Australian citizen Born in Australia The child is automatically an Australian citizen at birth.
At least one parent is an Australian citizen Born outside Australia The child is eligible for citizenship by descent. The parent must apply for citizenship on behalf of the child.
At least one parent is an Australian permanent resident Born in Australia The child is automatically an Australian citizen at birth.
At least one parent is an Australian permanent resident Born outside Australia The child need to apply for Child visa.
Both parents are temporary visa holders (e.g., student, work, bridging visas) Born in Australia The child is citizen of country of either parents citizenship status.  The child is eligible for citizenship if they live in Australia for the first 10 years of their life.
Both parents are temporary visa holders (e.g., student, work, bridging visas) Born outside Australia The child must follow the parent’s visa status to enter or stay in Australia.
Both parents are illegal residents or visa overstayers Born in Australia The child is citizen of country of either parents citizenship status.  The child is eligible for citizenship if they live in Australia for the first 10 years of their life.
Both parents are illegal residents or visa overstayers Born outside Australia The child has no visa status in Australia.
One parent is permanent resident, and the other is a temporary visa holder or illegal resident Born in Australia The child is automatically an Australian citizen at birth, as long as one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
One parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and the other is a temporary visa holder or illegal resident Born outside Australia The child need to apply for Child visa.
Both parents are New Zealand citizens Born in Australia The child is not automatically an Australian citizen unless one parent holds a permanent visa or Special Category Visa (SCV) Subclass 444. The child is eligible for citizenship after living in Australia for 10 years.
Both parents are New Zealand citizens Born outside Australia The child is not an Australian citizen and must apply for a visa or follow their parent’s visa status to enter or stay in Australia.

Key Notes:

  • Place of Birth Matters: Children born in Australia to citizens or permanent residents automatically gain citizenship. However, children born outside Australia to Australian Citizens need to apply for citizenship by descent. Children born outside Australia to Australia Permanent Resident visa is required to apply for Child Visa.
  • 10-Year Rule: Children born in Australia to non-citizens (e.g., temporary visa holders or illegal residents) can automatically become citizens if they live in Australia for the first 10 years of their life.
  • Citizenship by Descent: Children born outside Australia to at least one Australian citizen parent can apply for citizenship by descent.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we are dedicated to helping you through the Australian Citizenship application process. Our experienced team will assist you every step of the way, from assessing your eligibility to preparing your application and ensuring you meet all the requirements.

  • Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your circumstances to determine the best pathway for citizenship.
  • Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare all necessary documents for a smooth application process.
  • Test Preparation: We provide resources and guidance to help you prepare for the citizenship test.
  • Ongoing Support: We offer continuous assistance and updates on your application status, including support through the interview and ceremony process.

Become an Australian Citizen Today

Australian citizenship opens the door to new opportunities, stability, and belonging. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to guide you through the citizenship application process with expert advice and support. Take the final step in your migration journey and become an Australian citizen today.

Contact us to start your citizenship application.