Australian citizenship - Things you must know

As a permanent resident of Australia, you've already experienced the freedom and inclusiveness that comes with living in a democratic society. Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a meaningful step—it signifies your commitment to Australian values and your active participation in the country’s democratic way of life.

There are 3 ways in how you can become an Australian Citizen:

• By birth: If you are born in Australia and at least one of your parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia at the time of your birth

• By descent: If you are born overseas to an Australian citizen.

• By conferral: If you are a permanent visa holder who is residing in Australia

  
  

Note: In this article, we are going to look into citizenship by conferral.

Here is the eligibility criteria:

• Being a permanent resident of Australia

• Meeting the residence requirement - When you apply you must:

  
  

  a) have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply

  b) hold a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months immediately before the day you apply and

  c) not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying.

  
  

• Meeting the character requirement

• Having an adequate knowledge of your responsibilities and privileges as an Australian citizen.

• Intending to reside in Australia, or to preserve a close connection with Australia

  
  

Citizenship test and interview:

If you're applying for Australian citizenship by conferral and are between 18 and 59 years old, you'll most likely be required to attend an appointment to take the citizenship test. Applicants outside this age range may only need to attend an interview.

The purpose of the test is to evaluate your understanding of the English language, as well as your knowledge of Australia’s history, values, traditions, and the responsibilities that come with being an Australian citizen.

To pass the test you must:

• answer 20 multiple choice questions

• answer all 5 of the Australian values questions correctly, and

• get a mark of at least 75% overall.

  
  

If you need to sit the test, the department sends you a letter with the date, time and place of your appointment. The wait time for an appointment may vary.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in applying for Australian citizenship:

• Check your eligibility – Make sure you meet the necessary criteria to apply.

• Gather supporting documents – You'll need to provide evidence that shows you meet the Department of Home Affairs' requirements.

• Submit your application online – Complete and lodge your application through your ImmiAccount.

• Attend a test or interview – If required, you’ll receive an invitation to sit the citizenship test. Some applicants may instead be asked to attend an interview, depending on their circumstances.

• Wait for a decision – After completing the test or interview, you’ll receive a letter once a decision has been made on your application.

• Attend your citizenship ceremony – Most applicants granted citizenship by conferral are invited to a ceremony where they make the pledge of commitment. After this, you'll receive your Australian citizenship certificate.

  
  

Applying for citizenship can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Hence, if you’ve got questions about visas, pathways, or just want to understand your options - feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.

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