Australian Citizenship

General eligibility criteria for citizenship

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

Have passed a citizenship test (unless over the age of 60)
Be a permanent resident at the time of application and also at time of decision
Satisfy the residence requirement
Be likely to reside or to continue to reside in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
Be of good character

The requirements for children differ.

Residence requirement

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:

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 suffer from 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:

Benefits of becoming an Australian citizen

Being an Australian citizen entitles you to the right to:

Live in Australia

Apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa

Seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas

Work in the public service

Serve in the armed forces

Register as Australian citizens by descent any of your children born overseas after you become an Australian citizen

Stand for Parliament

Vote to elect members of Parliament

How we can help with th process?

Step 1 – Confirming your eligibility

We will 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. You must also provide a form called the Identity Declaration and an authorized person must confirm your identity.

Step 3 – Preparing and lodging your citizenship application

We will prepare and submit your online application via the Department of Home Affairs’ e-lodgement system.

Step 4 – 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 - Attend the citizenship ceremony

This is the most exciting part of the process. After your complete the citizenship appointment and pass the 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!