Citizenship in Australia
Luis Minvielle
Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.
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Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.
Last update: September 15, 2024
Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025
Once you have lived in Australia legally for a continuous period of four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship. Australian citizenship grants you the rights and responsibilities of a full member of the Australian community, such as the right to live in Australia permanently and hold an Australian passport. Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about citizenship in Australia.
What are the benefits of Australian citizenship?
As an Australian citizen, you can live and work in Australia without restrictions. You can also apply for an Australian passport, which allows visa-free travel to 113 countries. Citizenship also provides access to government services like social security and healthcare, and the right to vote in federal, state, and territory elections.
Can you live in Australia without having Australian citizenship?
Yes, you can live in Australia without being a citizen. Permanent residents and certain visa holders, can live, work, and study with very minimal restrictions. Still, because Australia is a sought-after destination for expats—more Europeans have relocated to Australia for tech work than the other way around—and immigration policies have become stricter over the years, getting citizenship or permanent residence can be tough. Many aspirants start with temporary visas like the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), which are easier to obtain and let you live and work in Australia for some time. It’s a suitable option to explore the country and see if long-term residence is for you.
Does Australia allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Australia allows dual citizenship. You can hold Australian citizenship alongside another nationality without the need to give up your other citizenship. Check if your other country accepts dual citizenship, as not all do.
What are the ways to get Australian citizenship?
There are several pathways to Australian citizenship, depending on your situation. The Australian government makes a good effort in documenting them, and most jobseekers, workers or expats will realise their best option is called “by conferral.” These are all the pathways:
1. By conferral
This is the most common path for workers and expats. It’s for permanent residents or New Zealand citizens with a Special Category visa, who meet residence and character requirements. Children 15 years or younger applying with a responsible parent, Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants, refugees, humanitarian migrants and permanent residents aged 60 or over are also eligible for this pathway.
So, yes—to become an Australian citizen, you first need to be a permanent resident.
2. By descent
If one or both of your parents were Australian citizens when you were born overseas, you may qualify for citizenship by descent.
3. By adoption
Children adopted overseas by Australian citizens through recognised international adoption arrangements may also qualify for citizenship.
4. Special circumstances
Other options exist for people born in Papua before its independence, those with certain disabilities, and previous Australian citizens who want to resume their citizenship.
When can you apply for Australian citizenship?
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with a Special Category visa (SCV). You need to have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years, including holding a permanent visa or SCV for the last 12 months. During this time, you must not have been outside Australia for more than 12 months in total over the past four years, or more than 90 days in the year before applying.
You’ll need to pass a citizenship test with at least 75%, including all 5 questions about Australian values. Basic English skills are required, and you must show strong ties to Australia through your living arrangements, work, and community involvement. Another important requirement is proving you have “good character.” By “good character” they more or less mean that you must be hard-working, and that you will value and stand by the Australian order and their (and now, your) traditions.
Can you apply for Australian citizenship with a student visa?
Not exactly, but it’s still helpful. As we outlined, you first need to be a permanent resident to apply for Australian citizenship. But you can start counting your four years even before being a permanent resident. So if you study in Australia for three years and then manage to get a permanent residence permit for the additional year, then you’re already four years in and can start the process. So studying is a good path towards citizenship, provided you’re careful enough to get into a university that will at least help you get a job.
What documents are required?
To apply for the Australian citizenship, you’ll need to bring along a handful of documents. These include proof of identity from birth to the present, such as a full birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, and a completed identity declaration (Form 1195). You must also provide proof of residence in Australia, like utility bills or rental agreements, and original police certificates from Australia and any other countries where you’ve lived.
If your documents are not in English, they need to be translated by an accredited translator. For online applications, you will need to scan and upload your documents through ImmiAccount. For paper applications, you must provide certified copies of the original documents. You only need to submit each document once, even if it’s used for more than one purpose.
Additional documents may be needed, such as evidence of your arrival in Australia, or documents that confirm your good character.
How to apply for Australian citizenship?
Once you have all the required documents, you must complete the application form either through the ImmiAccount system or on paper, and pay the application fee. For online applications, submit your form via ImmiAccount. For paper applications, send the form and certified copies of your documents to the address on the form.
If you are between 18 and 59 years old, complete Form 1300t (Application for Australian citizenship — General eligibility). If you are a child under 16, aged 60 or older, or have specific physical or mental impairments, use Form 1290 (Application for Australian citizenship — Other situations).
If you are between 18 and 59 years old, you will likely need to take a citizenship test or attend an interview. After submitting your application, wait for a decision. You may be asked to provide more documents if needed. If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge.
How long is the waiting time for citizenship?
For citizenship by conferral, the waiting time in 90% of applications is 10 months (from the date of application to the decision). You can generally attend a ceremony within 8 months of approval. Citizenship by descent is faster, with 90% of applications processed within 5 months. For evidence of Australian citizenship, 90% of applications are completed within 21 days. Processing times can change depending on how much information you give and how quickly you share it.
Can your family members get Australian citizenship?
Yes, your family members can also apply for Australian citizenship. Children can be included in a parent's application or apply independently if they are aged 15 or younger at no cost. The child has to be a permanent resident. Other family members, such as spouses or partners, can apply for citizenship if they meet residence and eligibility criteria.
What are Australian citizenship fees?
Australian citizenship fees vary depending on the application type. Form 1300t (Application for Australian citizenship — General eligibility) costs A$560, with a concession fee of A$80 available for eligible applicants. Form 1290 (Application for Australian citizenship — Other situations) costs A$345, with a concession fee of A$40. Children under 16 applying on the same form as a responsible parent are not charged. Additional forms have different fees, like A$360 for citizenship by descent and A$300 for renunciation.
What if your application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you'll get a notice letter explaining why. Common reasons include failing to prove your identity, not meeting residence requirements, or having criminal issues like pending legal proceedings or recent imprisonment. Also, if you're outside Australia at the time of decision or have ceased being an Australian citizen in the past 12 months, your application may be refused.
The letter will include details on how to request a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the deadlines for doing so. You can appeal if you believe the decision was incorrect.
Talk to an immigration expert
The first step to getting Australian citizenship is moving to Australia. Finding a job with an employer who can help you through the process will likely make things easier for you. And then, immigration consultants can guide you with your citizenship application.
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