Australian citizenship represents a significant step in your migration journey. Applying for citizenship allows you to make a lasting commitment to Australia and its shared values, while also enabling the Australian community to extend a permanent commitment to you. This privilege comes with many rewards, including the right to potentially hold dual citizenship.

There are three main pathways to becoming an Australian citizen:

1. Citizenship by Conferral

If you are a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for a total of four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. There is some flexibility with these periods: you can be outside Australia for up to 12 months within the four-year period, and up to 90 days within the 12-month period before applying. You must be in Australia when your application is made and approved.

Attending a Citizenship Conferral Ceremony

Once your application is approved, you must attend a Citizenship Conferral Ceremony within 12 months to finalize your citizenship.

To apply for citizenship by conferral, you must:

1. Be a permanent resident at the time of application and at the time of decision.
2. Meet the residence requirements.
3. Pass a citizenship test (unless you are over 60 years old).
4. Demonstrate an intention to reside in Australia or maintain a close and ongoing association with the country.
5. Be of good character.
6. Attend a Citizenship Conferral Ceremony.

Children under 16 can be included in their parents’ application, while those aged 16 to 18 must apply separately.

Citizenship Test

The Australian citizenship test assesses your understanding of Australia’s values, traditions, history, and national symbols.

2. Citizenship by Birth

If you were born in Australia and one of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth, you are an Australian citizen by birth.

If you were born in Australia to parents holding temporary or provisional visas, you do not automatically become an Australian citizen. However, if you have lived in Australia for ten years since birth, you may apply for a declaration of Australian citizenship, even if you are not a permanent resident.

Children born to permanent residents living outside Australia do not automatically receive Australian citizenship and must apply for a Child visa. If you are a permanent resident planning to give birth abroad, consider this carefully.

3. Citizenship by Descent

Children born to Australian citizens living overseas can apply for Australian citizenship by descent. Unlike automatic citizenship, you need to apply and have your citizenship confirmed by the Australian Government. This formal process involves verifying parentage, which may include DNA testing, and culminates in the entry of your name on the citizenship register.