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
Prepare Your Documents: Gather necessary documents, including proof of permanent residency, identification, and evidence of residence in Australia.
Complete the Application: Apply online through the ImmiAccount or submit a paper application.
Citizenship Test: If required, pass the citizenship test, which assesses knowledge of Australia and English language skills.
Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary; ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Citizenship Ceremony: Upon approval, attend a ceremony to make the citizenship pledge.Immigration and citizenship Website
Tips to Improve Your Application Success
Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all information in your application.
Meet Residency Requirements: Use the Residence Calculator to confirm eligibility.
Prepare for the Test: Study the official materials, such as the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
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.
92 Responses
Hi Nilesh,
Been leaving on Bridging visa subclass 050 for the past 6 years. Will this visa can led to PR and if not what substantive visa can I change to? Please advise. thank you.
E.T.
Thank you very much for your post and your patience. Here are the first three (3) things that come to my mind. There may also be other important issues that arise from your particular circumstances. Please seek specific immigration law advice before taking any further steps.
1. A Bridging Visa “E” Class (Subclass 050) will not itself lead to any a permanent residence visa.
2. Do you have a section 48 bar or other impediment to lodging a valid application?
3. What is the basis of the bvE and is there any substantive visa application that has not yet been finally determined (decided)?
For greater clarity about your immigration issue you can book in a quick 10-minute-chat with me here: https://myvisa.com.au/10-Minute
Regards Nilesh Nandan Immigration Lawyer & Special Counsel MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory http://myvisa.com.au/
*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.
Hi Nilesh – I think my sister-in-law’s circumstance would be reasonably common, but I haven’t seen it directly addressed.
She was in Australia from July 2019 on a 600 (12 month single entry) visa.
In Jan 2020 she was told she had to leave Australia for a decision to be made on her 309/100 application. Immediately on leaving Australia, she was granted the 309 visa and then straight away the 100 visa. She returned to Australia in the 100 visa within a week.
Does her time in Australia from July 2019 count towards residency requirement for citizenship, or does the small period from when she left Australia (thereby cancelling the 600 visa) until she arrived back on the 100 visa mean the clock was reset and she can’t apply for citizenship until Jan 2024?
Thanks!
Hi I have urgent doubt regarding my case.
I am permanent resident of Australia. I have entered in July 2018 as student. And I got my PR in Feb 2023. But I travelled to India in last march 2023. Now I have no plan to go back Australia at least for next 18 months.
I have doubt that if I have go back after 2 years. Are we eligible for citizenship after staying one continue in Australia two years later???
Urgent reply please
I am NZ citizen who will be eligible to apply citizenship from 01/07/23. My questions is how long the process will be for Brisbane area approximately. Is that ok to apply and travel out of Australia for 6 months. Will my application on hold if I can show them that I am still working remotely for Australia company, have property and an active bank account. I see some people get invitation for interview while they are offshore, is that possible if applying through conferral. Thanks
I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia under special category 444 visa since 2009.
I have sponsored my mother under 461 visa and she is living in Australia with me since 2009, her 461 visa has been renewed 3 times since then.
With recent changes in Australian citizenship rules, if I apply and get Australian citizenship, I will become dual citizen of both countries.
Under these circumstances can I still apply for renewing her 461 visa as I am still a New Zealand citizen and living in Australia.
Or will I loose this 461 visa for my mother.
Please clarify, as she is not eligible for parent visa available for Australian citizens and I don’t want to loose eligibility for 461 visa.
Hi, thank you for your time. I am currently on a RRV (Resident return visa). As a child I lived in Australia for 9 years as a PR. My family traveled a lot and I have been a resident on and off for the last 20 years applying for the RRV at times I have returned to Australia. In total I must have lived in Australia as a PR for about 12 years (I am 32). I am currently here as a PR on a RRV since dic 2021.
My question is do I still have to wait 4 years to apply for citizenship, or does the time I spent here as a Child count towards these 4 years.
Hi I applied for permanent residency and have been on bridging visa since november of 2021, I was wondering am i eligible to sponsor my partner with a partner visa?