Dreams about Australian citizenship challenge many people around the world. Australian citizenship grants its citizens three core benefits: voting rights, official government services, and passport application eligibility. Here, we will explain all the necessary steps and requirements to achieve Australian citizenship.
Methods of Acquiring Citizenship in Australia
Three different methods exist to become an Australian citizen. The main topic covered in this guide is obtaining citizenship through conferral despite the additional methods providing birthright and descent pathways to citizenship.
1. By Birth
When born in Australia, you gain automatic Australian citizenship through your Australian parent or as long as you have at least one permanent resident parent living in the country. People whose parents maintain only temporary visa status cannot obtain Australian citizenship through birth. To pursue citizenship in these cases, you should file for conferral citizenship after satisfying residency conditions and eligibility requirements.
2. By Descent
Having at least one Australian citizen parent who resides abroad enables their child to qualify for descent-based citizenship. One must present applications with supporting evidence of the parent’s Australian citizenship status to the Department of Home Affairs to obtain citizenship by descent. The process enables children born anywhere in the world to maintain their Australian nationality when at least one parent holds Australian citizenship.
3. By Conferral
The adoption of conferral remains the primary procedure permanent residents use to become Australian citizens. Metropolitan residents seeking citizenship through conferral need to demonstrate their eligibility before completing an exam (when necessary) and afterward participating in a citizenship ceremony. Through conferral, most temporary residents secure Australian citizenship, which grants them all the benefits of being an Australian citizen.
Eligibility Criteria to be a Citizen of Australia
The requirements to become an Australian citizen include specific conditions. Several conditions must be satisfied before you can apply for citizenship through conferral.
General Requirements for Citizenship by Conferral
- Australian citizenship requirements start with having permanent residency status.
- The minimum period for lawful Australian residence before submitting your application stands at four years.
- A PR visa holder needs to maintain their status for one year before submitting an application.
- The application process for Australian citizenship requires good character and no existing significant criminal background.
- The law requires intending residents of Australia to demonstrate both residence and strong connections to the country.
- Australian citizenship applicants need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Australian values and history by passing their citizenship exam.
Residency Requirements
Applicants who want to become Australian citizens need to satisfy particular residency requirements.
- Your Australian residence needs to span four years with an entire twelve-month period as a Permanent Resident.
- During your most recent four-year period, your total stay outside Australia must not exceed 12 months since you must show continuous residency in Australia.
- The application criteria include a requirement that you stay outside Australia no more than 90 days during the previous 12 months.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain situations provide grounds for people who need exceptions to standard Australian residency criteria.
- The residency requirement for Australian citizenship includes spouses of Australian citizens under specific terms.
- A Special Category Visa before 26 February 2001 gives New Zealand citizens the possibility to apply directly for citizenship. Starting from 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who meet the requirement of residing in Australia with a Special Category Visa for four years no longer need permanent residency status for citizenship.
- Permanent Resident parents who give birth to their child in Australia can obtain citizenship if the child stays in Australia for ten years.
How do you apply for citizenship in Australia after PR?
1. Make Sure You are Eligible
Before applying, confirm that you meet the general and residency requirements. Ensure you have been a permanent resident for at least one year and have spent adequate time in Australia.
2. Preparing Your Documents
Gather the necessary documents to support your application, including:
- Identity documents: Passport, birth certificate, and driver’s license.
- Proof of residency: Permanent residency visa details and travel records.
- Evidence of character: Police clearance certificates (if applicable).
- Supporting documents: Marriage certificates (if applying under a spouse exemption), proof of employment, or educational records.
3. Submitting Your Application
- Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Fill in all required details accurately.
- Pay the necessary application fee.
4. Citizenship Appointment
If your application is approved, you may be required to attend an appointment with the Department of Home Affairs. During this appointment, your identity and documents will be verified.
5. Citizenship Test and Interview
Applicants between 18 and 59 years old must take the Australian Citizenship Test. The test evaluates:
- Knowledge of Australia’s history, values, and laws.
- Responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
- Basic English language proficiency. Some applicants may also need to attend an interview if further clarifications are required.
6. Post-Application Process
Once your application is lodged, it will go through the processing stages.
Processing Time and Approval
The processing time for citizenship applications typically varies but is generally between 6 to 12 months. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation letter inviting you to the next step.
Attending the Citizenship Ceremony
After approval, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Australian Citizenship Pledge. This marks the official completion of the citizenship process.
Citizenship Application Cost and Fees
The cost of applying for Australian citizenship depends on the type of application:
- General application: $490
- New Zealand citizens (SCV holders): $490
- Children under 16: $300
- Pensioners and concession holders: Reduced fees may apply
- Some exemptions exist for humanitarian applicants.
Privileges of Australian Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen comes with numerous benefits compared to being a permanent resident. These include:
- Right to vote: Participate in Australian elections.
- Australian passport: Travel without restrictions and access consular assistance overseas.
- Government benefits: Access complete social security and Medicare benefits.
- No need for visa renewals: Unlike PR holders, citizens do not need to renew their residency status.
- Automatic citizenship for children born in Australia: Children born to Australian citizens automatically receive citizenship.
How Can Grace International Help?
Navigating the Australian citizenship process can be complex, but Grace International simplifies it for you. We help determine if you meet the criteria and ensure all paperwork is correctly compiled. Our services help reduce errors that could delay approval. We also provide guidance on the citizenship test and interview process.
Start your journey towards Australian citizenship today with Grace International! Contact us now for expert assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do you get citizenship in Australia after PR?
You can apply for Australian citizenship after being a permanent resident for at least 12 months, provided you meet the residency and general eligibility requirements. You must also pass the citizenship test (if applicable) and attend a citizenship ceremony after approval.
2. How many years after PR can you apply for citizenship in Australia?
You can apply for Australian citizenship after holding PR for at least one year and having lived in Australia for a total of four years before applying.
3. What documents do I need for applying for Australian citizenship?
Key documents include:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, driver’s license)
- Proof of permanent residency (visa details, travel records)
- Character documents (police clearance certificates, if required)
- Supporting documents (employment records, proof of residence, marriage certificate if applying as a spouse)
4. How much does it cost to apply for Australian citizenship?
- General application fee: $490
- Children under 16: $300
- New Zealand citizens (SCV holders): $490
- Pensioners and concession holders: Reduced fees may apply
5. Is it easy to get citizenship in Australia?
The process is straightforward if you meet the eligibility criteria, but it requires fulfilling residency conditions, passing a test (if applicable), and completing the application process correctly. Seeking professional help can make it easier.
6. How many years do you have to stay in Australia to become a citizen?
You must have lived in Australia for four years, including at least one year as a PR, before applying for citizenship.
7. What are the requirements for applying for Australian citizenship?
- Must be a permanent resident
- Must have lived in Australia for four years, including one year as a PR
- Must be of good character
- Must pass the citizenship test (if applicable)
- Must intend to live in Australia permanently
8. How much is the fee for citizenship?
The general fee is $490, with reduced rates for children, pensioners, and concession card holders.
9. How do you calculate citizenship eligibility?
Use the Department of Home Affairs’ online residency calculator to check if you meet the four-year residency requirement, including one year as a PR.
10. How can I be an Australian citizen if I travel frequently?
Frequent travelers may still qualify if they meet the residency requirement, meaning they have spent at least 9 months in Australia in the past 12 months and no more than 12 months outside Australia in the last four years.
11. What Happens If My Citizenship Application Is Rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may:
- Request a review if you believe there was an error
- Reapply after addressing any issues
- Seek legal or migration advice to improve your chances in the future.
12. Do I Need to Renew My Australian Citizenship?
No, Australian citizenship is permanent and does not require renewal. However, you must renew your passport if it expires.
13. Can I Hold Dual Citizenship in Australia?
Yes, Australia allows dual citizenship, but you must check whether your home country permits it. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship and may require you to renounce your original nationality.
14. What is the process and timeline for the citizenship application review after submission?
The citizenship application process includes the following stages after submission.
- A confirmation of receipt will reach you from the Department of Home Affairs after you submit your application.
- Officials perform document verification and check your residency requirements together with character suitability.
- The Citizenship Test and Interview process are scheduled for you if required.
- You will get a ceremony invitation after your citizenship application receives approval.
Processing Timeline:
- The processing period for most applications extends from 6 to 12 months.
- The processing period expands when authorities need to confirm information beyond the basic requirements.
15. Are there any additional costs associated with applying for Australian citizenship beyond the application fee?
Yes, there may be additional costs beyond the standard application fee, such as:
- Police clearance certificates (varies by state/country)
- Translation of documents (if they are not in English)
- Travel costs for attending the citizenship interview or test (if applicable)
- Passport application fees once you become a citizen
