Form 1300t – Application for Australian Citizenship (General Eligibility)

Introduction

For most permanent residents, the pathway to Australian citizenship by conferral is captured in a single document: Form 1300t. While much of today’s citizenship process is online, Form 1300t remains the Department’s canonical paper form for applications under the general eligibility stream. It looks straightforward. In practice, the form is only one part of a larger legal process that includes residence calculations, character and identity checks, language and knowledge testing, and a final pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

I’ve written this guide to bring professional clarity to the process. I cover who should use Form 1300t (and who should not), the evidence the Department expects, how to complete each section properly, and how to avoid the predictable snags that cause delay. I also explain how 1300t differs from Form 1290 (used for “other situations” such as minors and stateless applicants) and from Form 1195 (the identity declaration and photo endorsement form).

What Form 1300t Is and Who Should Use It

Form 1300t is the standard application document for adults applying for Australian citizenship by conferral under the general residence pathway. If you are a permanent resident (or eligible New Zealand citizen) who has lived in Australia for the required period and can meet the Department’s identity, English and character checks, Form 1300t is likely your starting point. Many applicants will never print the form because they apply online via ImmiAccount; nevertheless, 1300t remains the authoritative reference for the questions you must answer and the declarations you must make.

Use Form 1300t if you are an adult applying under general eligibility. Do not use 1300t if you fall into an “other situations” category (for example, a child under 16, a 16–17-year-old applying independently, a child born in Australia who is stateless, or a child of a former Australian citizen). Those categories typically use Form 1290. If you only need your identity confirmed for citizenship purposes (e.g., for a passport or citizenship evidence), the Department may direct you to Form 1195 for identity declaration and photo endorsement as part of the broader application evidence.

General Eligibility – Plain-English Criteria

Citizenship by conferral under general eligibility is fundamentally about connection to Australia and readiness to participate as a citizen. In plain English, here are the core elements most adult applicants must satisfy:

• Permanent residence status: you are a permanent resident at the time of application and decision (some special category visa holders may also be eligible).
• Residence requirement: generally four years of lawful stay in Australia immediately before application, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident and within the permitted limits on time spent outside Australia. Bridging visa time may count if it formed part of a lawful stay; check the detail for your circumstances.
• Character: you must be of good character. This is a holistic assessment that considers criminal history, compliance with visa conditions and broader conduct.
• Language and knowledge: most adult applicants demonstrate a basic level of English and pass the citizenship test. Exemptions may apply for age or certain health reasons.
• Intent to reside and maintain a close and continuing association with Australia: the Department looks at your real life here—work, family, community, and plans.

If you are unsure whether your travel history or visa record meets the residence rules, seek advice before lodging. I often prepare a short residence chronology and calculate absences precisely to avoid a refusal for falling just short on dates.

Form 1300t vs Form 1290 vs Form 1195 (Comparison Table)

Step-by-Step: Completing Form 1300t Correctly

I approach Form 1300t as a structured legal narrative. Each answer should match your documentary record, and the set as a whole should tell a consistent story about your life in Australia. Here is my disciplined method:

1. Download the current form: obtain the latest Form 1300t (PDF). Even if applying online, skim the 1300t layout so you understand the questions and the declarations attached to them.
2. Identity details: use your legal name as per passport or birth certificate. If you have changed name, attach official proof (deed poll, marriage certificate). Keep the same name order across all documents and the application portal.
3. Contact and address history: list your current address and ensure it aligns with evidence such as bills, leases, or bank statements in case verification is requested.
4. Travel and residence history: calculate overseas absences in the four-year window meticulously. If you are close to the limit, wait until you comfortably meet the threshold before lodging.
5. Permanent residence dates: confirm the date you became a permanent resident and make sure at least 12 months have passed before you apply (unless a specific concession applies).
6. Character disclosures: answer truthfully. If there are past cautions, infringements, or convictions, provide full context and certified court outcomes. It is better to address issues upfront than to wait for a natural justice letter.
7. English and test readiness: confirm you are prepared to sit the citizenship test. Readiness includes a basic understanding of Australian values, democratic beliefs, rights and responsibilities.
8. Referee/identity endorsement (if requested): complete Form 1195 with a suitable referee who has known you for the required period and is contactable during business hours. Ensure your photo is endorsed correctly.
9. Attachments: scan and label your evidence clearly—“Passport.pdf”, “PR-grant-letter.pdf”, “Name-change.pdf”, “Travel-summary.pdf”. Do not rely on the case officer to decipher ambiguous filenames.
10. Declarations and consent: read the warnings and privacy statements. When you sign, you are confirming the truthfulness of the entire set. A careless tick can create serious issues later.

Quick Printable Checklist

Documents, Evidence & Identity Checklist

Gather the following early so you are not rushing at submission:

• Primary identity: current passport biodata page and birth certificate; certified copies as requested.
• Permanence evidence: permanent visa grant notice or evidence of permanent residence status.
• Residence and ties: utility bills, lease agreements, employment contracts, payslips, tax assessments, Medicare history, school enrolments for children, community involvement letters.
• Travel history: a list of international trips with entry/exit dates; use passport stamps, airline history or your own diary to reconcile gaps.
• Character: Australian police check if requested; foreign police certificates for any country where you have lived if the Department asks; court outcomes for disclosed incidents.
• Form 1195 identity declaration: completed by an eligible referee with two endorsed passport-style photographs where required.

Tip: present documents in a logical order with clear filenames. Decision makers appreciate applicants who make verification simple.

Fees, Payment and Lodgement Options

Citizenship application charges and payment methods can change. Check the latest fee on the Department’s website immediately before you lodge. If paying online, confirm your card works for international government payments and keep the receipt. Where a paper submission is allowed, follow the fee and payment instruction exactly as written on the current form.

Lodgement: most applicants use the online portal. Paper lodgement is limited and should mirror the current instructions. If you are represented, ensure your Form 956 (appointment of a migration agent or lawyer) is current so the Department routes communication correctly.

Processing Times, Interviews & Ceremonies

Processing times vary with caseload, security checks and the completeness of your file. As a rule of thumb, decision-ready applications with clean residence history and straightforward character issues progress faster. If the Department invites you to sit the test, book promptly. If you are asked to attend an interview or provide further information, respond within the stated time frame. After approval, a local council ceremony is usually the final step before you become an Australian citizen. Councils set ceremony dates independently, so the wait time between approval and ceremony can vary by area.

I advise clients to plan citizenship timing around life events—renewing a passport, international travel, or major work changes—so you are not caught between a test booking and an urgent trip.

Common Mistakes (and How I Prevent Them)

Case Examples (Anonymised)

Case 1 – Cutting it fine on residence

A professional in Brisbane was set to apply on a Friday. Our audit showed overseas absences put them two days short of the threshold. We delayed one week, updated the travel log, and lodged safely. The file progressed without any residence query.

Case 2 – Character disclosure handled properly

A client had an old overseas drink-driving matter. We gathered the certified court outcome, a translation, and evidence of rehabilitation. We disclosed it upfront in the application. The Department did not issue a natural justice letter, and the approval followed shortly after the test.

Case 3 – Name order inconsistency fixed early

A hyphenated surname was shown differently across bank records and the passport. We standardised names, provided change-of-name evidence, and placed a short covering note in the file explaining the correction. No identity delay arose.

Case 4 – Council ceremony timing

A family in a busy council area faced a long ceremony queue. We planned travel around expected dates and alerted the council to upcoming commitments. The family secured a ceremony in time to meet travel plans without compromising the pledge requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form 1300t used for?

Form 1300t is the Department’s application form (and reference framework) for citizenship by conferral under the general eligibility pathway. Even if applying online, 1300t shows you the questions and declarations that underpin the process.

Who should use Form 1300t, and who should use Form 1290?

Adults under the general residence pathway use 1300t. Minors, stateless children, and children of former citizens usually use 1290. If you’re unsure, get advice before lodging.

Do I need to complete Form 1195?

Where requested, yes. Form 1195 is the identity declaration and photo endorsement step. Choose a referee who qualifies and is contactable. Follow the photo specifications precisely.

How long does the citizenship process take?

Timeframes vary. Files with clear residence records, straightforward character, and prompt test bookings move faster. Ceremony timing depends on local council scheduling after approval.

Can I travel while my application is being processed?

Yes, but keep records of travel and be available for test and interview appointments. If travelling, monitor messages so you do not miss an invitation or a request for more information.

What if I have a criminal record?

Disclose it fully. Character is assessed holistically. Provide certified court outcomes and evidence of rehabilitation. Non-disclosure is far worse than disclosure with context.

Can a lawyer or agent handle my application?

Yes. Appoint them correctly (for example, with Form 956) so the Department communicates with your representative. This reduces the risk of missed notices.

Do I get my fee back if refused?

Citizenship application charges are generally not refundable. Ensure you meet eligibility before lodging.

What happens after approval?

You will be invited to a citizenship ceremony by your local council. Your citizenship begins when you make the pledge at the ceremony (or on the approval date if exempt from the pledge requirement).

How do I prepare for the citizenship test?

Review official materials covering Australian values, history, symbols, and democratic institutions. Many clients find a quick daily practice routine effective—consistency matters more than cramming.

Related Guides & Official Resources

• Form 1290 – Citizenship in “Other Situations” (Minors, Stateless)
• Form 1195 – Identity Declaration & Photo Endorsement
• Visa Refusal – Federal Court Appeals
• Form 1022 – Notification of Change in Circumstances
• Form 1300t – Official Department PDF

Note: Always rely on the latest instructions published by the Department of Home Affairs. This guide explains the process in plain English and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice.

Book a Consultation

Form 1300t is only simple when your evidence is simple. If your travel history is close to the residence threshold, if you have name changes or character issues to explain, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes with a decision-ready application, I can help. My approach is precise, pragmatic, and focused on getting you to the pledge with no surprises.

Book a consultation and let’s map your eligibility, finalise your evidence, and lodge a high-quality citizenship application the first time.

Legal Disclaimer
By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa®️ Immigration Lawyers

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice