Australian Citizenship: A Guide To Becoming An Australian Citizen

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How to Become an Australian Citizen: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone for those who have made Australia their home. Whether you have been or are considered a permanent resident of Australia, and you are planning to apply for citizenship, understanding the requirements and the process is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Australian citizenship, including the eligibility criteria, how long it takes, and when you can apply.

What Does It Mean to Be an Australian Citizen?

Being an Australian citizen, you are offered numerous benefits, such as the right to vote, access to government services, and the ability to obtain an Australian passport. It also comes with responsibilities, such as obeying Australian laws and serving on a jury when required. Unlike permanent residency, which allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, citizenship provides full legal rights and integration into the nation.

Eligibility Requirements for Australian Citizenship

To become an Australian citizen, you must meet eligibility criteria such as:

  1. Permanent Residency Status: You must hold permanent residency status in Australia for at least one year. This is the first and most crucial step toward citizenship.
  2. Continuous Residence: You need to have lived in Australia for at least four years before applying for citizenship, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident.
  3. Good Character: Applicants must demonstrate good character, which typically involves passing a background check. Individuals with serious criminal records may be ineligible for citizenship.
  4. Language and Knowledge Requirements: You may need to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate your understanding of Australian society, values, and history. This test is generally for applicants aged between 18 and 59.

How Long Does It Take to Get Australian Citizenship?

The time it takes to transition from permanent residency to citizenship can vary, but generally, you must wait four years from the time you become a permanent resident before applying for citizenship. After submitting your application, the processing time can range from several months to over a year, depending on factors like the completeness of your application and the demand for citizenship services at the time.

When Can You Apply for Australian Citizenship?

You can apply for Australian citizenship once you have met the residency requirement. This means that after living in Australia for four years, you can submit your application. However, it’s important to note that you must have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months before applying. If you have been outside of Australia for extended periods, this may affect your eligibility, as the time spent abroad may not count toward your residence requirement.

Special Cases: Citizenship for Children and Special Applicants

  • Citizenship for Children: Children born in Australia or to Australian citizens may automatically acquire citizenship. However, children born overseas may need to meet specific criteria, including residency requirements or parental citizenship status.
  • Applicants Over 60: Individuals over 60 may be exempt from taking the citizenship test but still need to meet other requirements, such as residency and good character.
  • Special Circumstances: If you are a refugee or humanitarian entrant, the requirements for citizenship may differ slightly. These applicants may have different pathways to citizenship based on their specific circumstances.

The Citizenship Application Process

The application process for Australian citizenship involves several key steps:

  1. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including proof of your permanent residency status, identification, and evidence of your residence in Australia.
  2. Complete the Application: You can apply online or submit a paper application. The application will ask for personal details, your residency history, and other information related to your eligibility.
  3. Take the Citizenship Test: If required, you will need to pass the citizenship test. The test covers topics such as Australian history, values, and government.
  4. Wait for a Decision: Once your application is submitted, it will be processed. If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony.
  5. Citizenship Ceremony: After your application is approved, you will attend a ceremony where you will take the citizenship pledge and officially become an Australian citizen.

How to Improve Your Chances of Success

To improve your chances of a successful citizenship application, follow these tips:

  • Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all the information in your application. Mistakes or omissions can delay the process.
  • Meet Residency Requirements: Ensure that you have lived in Australia for the required period and that you have no significant breaks in your residence. Short trips abroad are generally acceptable, but long stays outside Australia may affect your eligibility.
  • Prepare for the Test: If you are required to take the citizenship test, study the official materials to ensure you are well-prepared.

What Happens After You Apply for Citizenship?

After you submit your application, you will receive confirmation of receipt. If required, you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documentation. Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the decision. If successful, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will officially become an Australian citizen.

Conclusion

Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant and rewarding step for those who have made Australia their home. By understanding the eligibility criteria, residency requirements, and the application process, you can navigate the journey to citizenship with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your application or looking for more information on how to meet the residency requirements, this guide provides the essential details to help you achieve your goal of becoming an Australian citizen.

For more information, contact us for guidance specific to your case.

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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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