Fallen in love with the Aussie way of life? Ready to make the land down under your permanent home? You’re not alone. In 2023 over 200,000 people became Australian citizens representing over 200 different nationalities. While these numbers are high, not everyone who applies actually makes it.
To maximise your chances it’s important to follow every requirement to the letter. Don’t worry, in this step-by-step guide we’ll detail everything you need to know on how to become an Australian citizen.
There are a number of different ways you can become an Australian citizen. Of all the options available, conferral and descent are the most common application types.
To become an Australian citizen by conferral you must meet the following criteria:
You are a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen at the time of application.
Are based in Australia at the time of application.
Have an intention to live in Australia into the future.
You have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least the past 4 years.
You have been a permanent resident for at least the past 12 months.
You have not taken any trips away from Australia that total over 12 months over the last 4 years, or 90 days over the last 12 months.
Tip: Use the residence calculator to determine an accurate number of days spent in and out of Australia.
Australian citizenship by descent is a popular path. In order to be eligible you must have a parent who is, or was, an Australian citizen. This is also the path Australian parents should use to register children who were born overseas.
Below are some of the other pathways to becoming an Australian citizen along with the relevant government links for more information.
Becoming an Australian citizen through adoption
For persons born in Papua before independence from Australia (1975)
Children of former Australian citizens
Australian citizenship residency requirements state that you have:
Been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply.
Held a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) for the last 12 months immediately before the day you apply.
Not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in the past 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
There are some instances where exemptions, discretions or special circumstances apply. Check if any apply to you here.
The Australian Citizenship Test is a multiple choice test consisting of 20 randomly selected questions that cover topics including:
Australian symbols
Historical events
Government structure
Your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Australia
The test also includes 5 questions that focus entirely on Australian values.
The test is delivered in English so it also reviews your English language skills.
There are a few core resources that will help you to prepare for your test. It’s strongly encouraged that you study all of them in advance.
LISTEN: Our Common Bond podcast
TAKE: Practice tests
As part of your citizenship application you will be required to provide a range of different documents that prove your identity and confirm you have not previously been involved in any serious criminal activity.
You may need to provide more or less documents depending on the type of Australian citizenship application you are completing. Please note that all copies of documents (unless originals are specifically requested) should be certified.
Below is a general document checklist to support you in gathering core documents that are required for Australian citizenship applications.
One current document with your photograph such as:
Australian driver licence
A passport
A United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) document
National identity card
Document for travel to Australia (DFTTA)
Another document that contains photo and/or signature eg. air crew identity card, military identity card etc
One document as evidence of your current residential address such as:
Utilities notice (electricity, gas, water bill etc)
Rental contracts or rates notice
Evidence of birth date, name and any name changes:
Birth certificate
Any applicable marriage or divorce certificates
Evidence of any other name changes
Evidence of your identity in the community
One passport-sized photograph and identity declaration form signed by an Australian citizen with the correct authority level
You will need to submit a passport-size photograph with your application.
The person who signs your identity declaration form must also write on the back of your photograph the words: ‘This is a true photograph of [your full name]’ and sign the back of the photograph using the same signature.
The photograph must be:
No more than 6 months old
A full-face view of your head and shoulders
In colour with a plain, light coloured background
You can choose to apply for Australian citizenship online or via paper application.
In order to submit an online citizenship application you will need to create what is known as an Immiaccount
Once set up, login to your account
Select: new application
Select the correct application type from the list
Be sure to save as you go
Find the relevant application form here.
Complete the application making note of any additional supporting or identity documents you need to provide for your specific application type.
Pay your application fees.
Send your application, payment receipt info, and certified documentation to the address noted on the application.
It’s important to note that citizenship applications will not be reviewed unless full payment of application fees has been made.
As of the 1st of July 2024 the standard citizenship application fee is $560. Below is a table outlining the breakdown of other types of citizenship application costs.
|
Australian citizenship by conferral (general eligibility) |
Fee in AUD |
|
Standard fee |
$560 |
|
Concession fee |
$80 |
|
Child under 16 on the same form as a parent. (Fee exemption) |
$0 |
|
Australian citizenship by conferral (other application types) |
Fee in AUD |
|
Standard fee |
$345 |
|
Concession fee |
$40 |
|
Child under 16 on the same form as a parent. (Fee exemption) |
|
Australian citizenship by descent |
Fee in AUD |
|
Single application / First sibling when two or more siblings apply |
$360 |
|
Second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time |
$150 |
See a full list of fees and application types here.
Citizenship application fees must be made through an Immiaccount. Once logged in you can select payment via credit card, PayPal, UnionPay or BPAY (online applications only).
For paper applications, be sure to write your receipt number on your written application before you send and submit.
Applications are not reviewed unless pre-payment has been made.
To lodge your citizenship application simply send with all documents and payment receipt to the relevant address (paper applications) or hit send in your Immiaccount (online applications).
This appointment helps determine your eligibility to sit the citizenship test and is an opportunity to discuss your application. The interview process takes roughly one hour. It’s important to note your application may be denied if you ‘no-show’ to this appointment.
After you have completed your interview, you will sit the citizenship test. If you pass the test, processing of your application will move forward. If you fail, you will need to sit the test again at a later date.
Once you receive notice that your application has been successful you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony. This usually happens within 6 months of application approval.
Most ceremonies follow the below structure:
Formal introduction
Speeches and welcome message
Fddress to participants
The pledge of commitment
National Anthem
Processing times for Australian citizenship vary slightly depending on the type of application involved.
Australian citizenship by conferral: the majority of applications are processed within 12 months.
Australian citizenship by descent: the majority of applications are processed within 5 months.
While the citizenship process may feel a tad overwhelming, by following the above 10 steps you’ll keep things as clear and simple as possible. So save this article, print it off and keep it on hand as a quick and easy reference on how to become an Australian citizen.
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