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Australian Citizenship: A Guide To Becoming An Australian Citizen

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Understanding the Australian Citizenship Application Process

Applying for Australian citizenship is a significant step towards becoming a full member of the Australian community. This guide provides detailed information on eligibility criteria, application steps, and tips to enhance your chances of success.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Citizenship

To be eligible for Australian citizenship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Permanent Residency: Hold permanent residency status in Australia for at least one year.

  • Continuous Residence: Have lived in Australia for at least four years before applying, with no more than 12 months spent outside Australia during this period, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.

  • Good Character: Demonstrate good character, typically assessed through background checks.

  • Language and Knowledge Requirements: Pass a citizenship test to demonstrate understanding of Australian society, values, and history.

Application Process for Australian Citizenship

  1. Prepare Your Documents: Gather necessary documents, including proof of permanent residency, identification, and evidence of residence in Australia.

  2. Complete the Application: Apply online through the ImmiAccount or submit a paper application.

  3. Citizenship Test: If required, pass the citizenship test, which assesses knowledge of Australia and English language skills.

  4. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary; ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.

  5. Citizenship Ceremony: Upon approval, attend a ceremony to make the citizenship pledge.Immigration and citizenship Website

Tips to Improve Your Application Success

Special Cases in Australian Citizenship

  • Children: Children born in Australia or to Australian citizens may automatically acquire citizenship.

  • Applicants Over 60: May be exempt from the citizenship test but must meet other requirements.

  • Special Circumstances: Refugees or humanitarian entrants may have different pathways to citizenship.

What Happens After Applying?

After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation of receipt. You may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documentation. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision and, if successful, invited to a citizenship ceremony.

FAQs:

Q1: How long does it take to process an Australian citizenship application?
A: Processing times vary but generally range from several months to over a year, depending on individual circumstances.

Q2: What is the citizenship test pass mark?
A: Applicants must score at least 75% and answer all five Australian values questions correctly.

Q3: Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
A: Applicants must be of good character; serious criminal records may affect eligibility.

Q4: Are there exemptions to the citizenship test?
A: Yes, applicants over 60 or with certain impairments may be exempt but must meet other requirements.

Q5: How can I prepare for the citizenship test?
A: Study the official booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond and take practice tests.

Q6: What if I fail the citizenship test?
A: Applicants have multiple opportunities to retake the test if they do not pass on the first attempt.

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Nilesh Nandan

Nilesh Nandan is Australia's most sought after immigration lawyer for visa refusals and visa cancellations. Appeal your visa or get help to relodge your Australian visa application or citizenship application.

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92 Responses

  1. I have citizenship but not a passport. I also have a partner visa which finishes in 2023.
    My Irish passport is linked to the visa. Can i still travel under the visa because i dont have an Australian passport.

    Reply

  2. I have a query about citizenship eligibility on PR visa:

    1. Grant date – 07/09/2017
    2. First landing – 11/12/2017 to 30/12/2017 and left Australia
    3. Out of Australia – 31/12/2017 to 25/01/2019
    4. In Australia since – 26/01/2019 to date

    Am I eligible to apply for citizenship as of 03/05/2022?

    Reply

      1. Thanks Nilesh,

        I am confused about my Lawful residence date. If I put out as my first landing date and that as the absences, the calculator confirms my eligibility but if I put the date once I moved permanently, it disqualifies me. I am not sure what would be the lawful residence date.

        Regards

  3. I lost my authority to return in 1985 in the UK when my father died and my mother soon after. I spent 22 years of my working life in Australia. Immigration told me I could not return because my authority had expired. Two documents have as proof of my coming to your country with my family in 1962 with SIT MAR passage contract. My son and daughter are there, plus my grand-children and great grand-children I have never seen in the flesh.I

    Reply

  4. Hi Nilesh, I am a permanent resident in Australia since August 2, 2018 and did not go out of Australia ever since. I have been married for 25 years with 5 kids all Australian citizens including my wife. I am turning 58 years in 3 weeks and I have a Ph.D. in Management Studies from UK. I know I should complete 4 years in Australia which is due for me this year on August 4, but is there a fast track to get it earlier or ASAP based on my situation?

    Reply

  5. Hello, I am intrested in a guy who is currently holding a bridging Visa. I was introduced in knowing if he can become a permanent resident for getting married to someone who is an Australian resident, without going back to the original country.
    If you can provide an answer for this that would be great, he also has been here for 8 years.

    Reply

    1. Hi

      This is a great question and depends on whether or not your proposed partner has previously been refused a partner Visa whilst here in Australia. I’ll also need to consider whether or not you and he are in a genuine and continuing spousal relationship. If it is a relationship short of a spousal relationship, with a defective or married partner, and the partner Visa option is unavailable. If he’s your fiancé then perhaps you should exit and you could lodge a prospective marriage Visa noting that he will need to remain offshore until that application is processed and that could be stressful for your relationship. Of course there are health and character requirements for any Visa need to be considered beyond the basic requirement of being in a genuine and continuing spousal relationship or otherwise meeting the requirements for a prospective marriage Visa if you wish to go down the fiancé Visa pathway as it is known.

      *In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.

      Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review

      ​Regards​

      Nilesh Nandan
      BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
      Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
      MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory

      Reply

    2. Hi there, i want to ask if my children in overseas will get the same citizenship as me. I got my australian citizenship before they turn 18 in my homecountry as they are still studying at that time.i had put.their name on the application as well at the tjme when i applied fory citizenship

      Reply

      1. This is a great question. The answer is a little complicated and I recommend that you seek professional advice. I think that there is certainly scope in this fact scenario to meet the citizenship requirements that it is unclear whether you have done what is needed to obtain the approval for citizenship in your particular circumstances.

        *In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.

        ​Regards​

        Nilesh Nandan
        BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
        Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
        MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
        myvisa.com.au/about/
        1300558472

        Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review

  6. Hi Nilesh,
    I have lived in Australia for 2.5 years on Student Visa from 2009 to 2011 and then returned to my usual place of residence. I then migrated to Australia on 489 visa on 5 Jul 2008 and have stayed in Australia to date. I was granted PR 887 on 16 September 2020. When do I qualify to apply for citizenship? Does the time spent on Student visa (2009 to 2011) counts towards 4 years stay? Thanks.

    Reply

  7. Can we include spouse to be part of the application who is already a permanent resident or should we submit a separate request?

    Reply

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