Australian Citizenship Application
Your Path to Becoming an Australian Citizen
Explore the types of citizenship, eligibility requirements, and the benefits of full participation in Australian society.
Applying for Australian citizenship is the final step in your journey to becoming an Australian. Citizenship provides you with additional rights and responsibilities, allowing you to fully participate in Australian society. This process involves meeting certain eligibility criteria and completing an application.
Types:
- Citizenship by Conferral: For permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for a specific period.
- Citizenship by Descent: For individuals born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent.
- Citizenship by Adoption: For children adopted by an Australian citizen under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or bilateral arrangements.
- Citizenship by Birth: For individuals born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent.
Eligibility
Citizenship by Conferral
- Must be a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must have lived in Australia for the past 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident.
- Must have spent no more than 12 months outside Australia in the last 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- Must be of good character.
- Must have basic knowledge of English.
- Must demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
- Must pass the citizenship test (if between 18 and 59 years old).
Citizenship by Descent
- Must be born outside Australia.
- Must have at least one Australian citizen parent at the time of birth.
Citizenship by Adoption
- Must be adopted by an Australian citizen.
- Must meet the requirements under the Hague Convention or bilateral arrangements.
Citizenship by Birth
Automatically granted if born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent.
What You Can Do When You Are a Citizen
As an Australian citizen, you gain the right to vote in Federal, State, and local elections, apply for an Australian passport, and receive assistance from Australian embassies and consulates overseas. You can work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force, seek election to parliament, and register your children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent. Citizenship allows you to fully participate in Australian society and contribute to the community.
