Australian Citizenship
Becoming a citizen of Australia is the final legal step in your migration story. It is a process in which a non-Australian citizen voluntarily becomes an Australian citizen. Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people and are then entitled to its protection and to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Interesting Fact
Australian passports have just become more powerful!
Every year, the world’s passports are ranked according to how much power they wield.
Australia has climbed up the rankings from 8th to 6th. Its passport holders can travel to 186 destinations without a visa or where they can obtain a visa, visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority upon arrival.
Benefits of Becoming an Australian Citizen:
- Have an Australian passport
- Travel to over 150 countries without requiring a visa
- Vote in Australian Government elections unless you enrolled (as a British subject) before 26 January 1984
- Access student loans
- Join the Australian Defence Force
- Obtain ongoing work in the Australian Government
- Have the flexibility of returning to Australia at any time, without worrying about your Resident Return visa expiring
Australian Citizenship
When you become an Australian citizen, you will have new responsibilities in your new country. You will also be eligible for a range of new benefits expressly for Australian Citizens.
Your Responsibilities – what you will give to Australia
As an Australian citizen, you must:
- Obey the law
- Defend Australia should the need arise
- Serve on a jury if called to do so
- Vote in federal, state or territory elections, and referendums
Your Privileges – what Australia will give to you
As an Australian citizen, you have the right to:
- Vote in federal, state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- Apply for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force
- Seek election to Parliament
- Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
- Receive help from an Australian embassy while overseas
- Register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent
- Travel to 186 destinations without a visa
Acquisition of Australian Citizenship
1. Automatic Acquisition of Australian Citizenship
Citizenship by Birth
- Generally, you become an Australian citizen automatically if you are born in Australia AND one or both of your parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents when you are born.
2. Acquisition of Australian Citizenship by Application
Citizenship by Descent
- You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen under this Subdivision in 2 situations:
- you were born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 and a parent of yours was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth: see subsection 16(2); or
- you were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 and a parent of yours was an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949: see subsection 16(3).
Citizenship by Conferral
You may be eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral if you are a permanent resident in one of the following seven situations:
1. Satisfy general, special or defence residence requirements and have successfully completed a citizenship test
2. Satisfy general, special or defence residence requirements and have a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
3. Satisfy general, special or defence residence requirements and are aged 60 or over or have a hearing, speech or sight impairment
4. Are aged under 18
5. Are born outside Australia to a former Australian citizen
6. Were born in Papua before Papua New Guinea gained independence,16 September 1975, to a parent born in Australia and an Australian citizen at the time of birth
7. Are a stateless person
Resuming Citizenship
- There are situations where a former Australian citizen wishes to apply again for citizenship, they may be eligible to become an Australian citizen if they ceased to be a Citizen either under the current Act or the old Citizenship Act 1948. The individual must make a new application to become a citizen again.
Acquisition of Australian Citizenship by New Zealanders
For New Zealand citizens living in Australia to become an Australian citizen, as of 1 July 2023, there is no longer a requirement to have to become an Australian permanent resident first.
- You are required to live in Australia for four years (with no more than 12 months of absence);
- Spend no more than 90 days out of Australia in the 12 months immediately preceding the lodgement of your citizenship application;
- Apply four years after entry on your Special Category Visa (‘SCV’) Subclass 444
Children born to SCV holders from 1 July 2022 are now deemed to be Australian citizens by birth.
Family members of New Zealand citizens, who are holding a Subclass 461 visa, can explore options for a permanent partner visa once the New Zealand partner becomes an Australian citizen.
Australian Citizenship Application Steps
1. Completing and lodging an application form
2. Citizenship appointment or test
Once you have lodged an application and it has been received, you will be invited to attend a citizenship appointment.
The result of the test is generally provided on the day. The processing times for citizenship applications vary.
3. Attend a citizenship ceremony
Once your application has been approved, you will be able to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Citizenship Success Story
Citizenship Success Story
Kishore
I was referred to Migration Downunder by a friend who had used their services. I used MD for both my PR application as well as my Australian citizenship. I found the experience to be very professional, structured, affordable and the communication was seamless.
It feels good to go through the process and eventually become a citizen and be a part of Australia. I also look forward to enjoying the privileges and responsibilities of being a citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions on Australian Citizenship
What are the eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship?
The eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship can vary depending on your circumstances, but generally, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Australia.
- Have lived in Australia lawfully for at least four years, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
- Have not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four-year period, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- Meet the character requirements (no serious criminal record).
- Have a basic knowledge of the English language and understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
What is the Australian Citizenship Test, and who needs to take it?
The Australian Citizenship Test is a test that assesses your knowledge of Australia’s history, values, and government system, as well as your understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen. You must take the test if you are applying for citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway), and you are aged between 18 and 59 years. Applicants must score at least 75% to pass the test. People over 60, under 18, or with a permanent disability that affects their ability to take the test may be exempt.
How long does it take to process an Australian citizenship application?
Processing times for Australian citizenship applications can vary, but typically this is what it can take from date of application to ceremony
- 25% of applications are processed within 7 months.
- 50% of applications are processed within 9 months.
- 75% of applications are processed within 11 months.
- 90% of applications are processed within 13 months. After approval, the time taken for a citizenship ceremony can also vary depending on the location.
Do I need to provide proof of identity and residency for my citizenship application?
Yes, you need to provide documents that verify your identity and residency. These typically include:
- Your current passport and any expired passports used during your time in Australia.
- Birth certificate.
- Evidence of your permanent residency status.
- Documents showing your time spent in Australia, such as travel records.
- Proof of your name change if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate). Additional documents may be required depending on your individual situation.
Can I hold dual citizenship if I become an Australian citizen?
Yes, Australia allows dual or multiple citizenships, meaning you can become an Australian citizen without having to give up your current nationality, provided that the other country also allows dual citizenship. However, it is essential to check the laws of your country of origin to ensure they permit dual citizenship, as some countries may require you to renounce your citizenship upon acquiring another.
Would you like to know more about your prospects for a citizenship?
Eligibility is the most important step in determining whether a person may meet the legal criteria for Australian citizenship and one consultation could save you money.