Australian citizenship offers important rights and privileges for those with permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australian Citizenship Applications
There are several types of Australian citizenship applications that can be lodged, depending on your circumstances. The main types are:
1. Citizenship by birth
- If you were born in Australia and at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth, you automatically acquire Australian citizenship.
- Children born in Australia to parents who are neither citizens nor permanent residents may become citizens on their 10th birthday if they have lived in Australia most of their life.
2. Citizenship by descent
- For children born overseas to an Australian citizen parent. The parent must have been an Australian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Evidence of the parent’s citizenship and the child’s identity is required.
3. Citizenship by conferral
- This is the most common pathway for permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Applicants must meet residence, identity, character, and other requirements.
4. Citizenship by adoption
- For children adopted outside Australia by Australian citizen parents, under the Hague Adoption Convention or a bilateral arrangement.
5. Resumption of citizenship
- For former Australian citizens who wish to resume their citizenship after having lost it (for example, by acquiring another citizenship before 2002).
6. Other special cases
- For former Australian citizens who wish to resume their citizenship after having lost it (for example, by acquiring another citizenship before 2002).
Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
What are the Australian Citizenship requirements by Conferral?
Australian citizenship is a significant milestone, granting you the right to vote, access government services, and travel with an Australian passport. To apply for citizenship by conferral, most adults must meet the following criteria:
1. Permanent residency status
- You must be a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen, both at the time of application and at the time of decision.
2. Residence requirement
- You must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least four years immediately before applying.
- You must have held a permanent residence visa (or eligible NZ visa) for at least the last 12 months.
- You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the past four years, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
- Special exemptions may apply that modifies the residency test.
3. English language requirement
- You must demonstrate competent English language skills, typically equivalent to IELTS Band 6 or higher across all test sections.
- The citizenship test is conducted only in English, and passing the test demonstrates your English proficiency.
- Exemptions apply for applicants with permanent disabilities, children under 16, and adults aged 60 or older.
4. Australian citizenship test
- Applicants aged 18 to 59 must sit and pass the Australian citizenship test.
- The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions about Australia, its people, democratic principles, and values.
- You must answer all five Australian values questions correctly and achieve at least 75% overall to pass.
- If you fail, you may retake the test, but after three failed attempts, your application may be refused.
- Exemptions apply for those with permanent disabilities, children under 18, and adults aged 60 or older.
5. Integration and community links
- You must show that you are likely to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing link with Australia.
- Evidence of integration may include employment, education, volunteering, community involvement, or other activities demonstrating your commitment to Australian society.
6. Good character requirement
- Applicants aged 18 and over must be of good character, meaning you uphold Australian laws and values.
- You may be required to provide police certificates from Australia and any country you have lived in.
7. Application fees
- Application fees for citizenship by conferral and descent are typically reviewed each year on 1 July. Discounts and exemptions apply for certain groups, including children under 16 applying with a parent, eligible concession card holders, and former child migrants.
What can I expect on the Australian citizenship test?
As a part of the process for Australian citizenship by conferral, you may need to have an interview and sit the citizenship test. The test assesses your English language skills and what you know about Australia and Australian citizenship. The test consists of 20 multiple choice questions and you will be tested on your knowledge of:
- Australia and its people
- Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
- The Government and the law in Australia
You need to pass the Australian citizenship test to show that you have:
- A basic knowledge of the English language
- An understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen
- An adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
If you are applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, certain exemptions may apply.
To learn more about applying for Australian citizenship, book a free 10 minute consultation with one of our expert immigration lawyers online now.
