- Level 2, 116 Hardware Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Australian Citizenship
After living all these years in Australia, do you think it’s time to become an Australian Citizen now? If this sounds like you, and you want to officially be an Australian and fully commit to Australia, this is for you to formally attain Citizenship.
Eligibility
This Option Is For You If You Are A:
- Migrant with permanent residence
- Spouse or partner of an Australian citizen
- New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- Child of a former Australian citizen
- Child aged 16 or 17 years
- Child aged 15 years or under or an unaccompanied minor
- Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme arrival
- Refugee or humanitarian entrant
- Person born in Papua before independence in 1975
There are 10 steps in the application process.
The time it takes to apply for and be granted Australian citizenship varies.
- Step 1. Determine that you are eligible to apply
- Step 2. Ensure you meet the residence requirement
- Step 3. Prepare for your citizenship test or interview
- Step 4. Gather your original documents
- Step 5. Complete your application form
- Step 6. Lodge your application form
- Step 7. Attend your citizenship appointment
- Step 8. Take the citizenship test or have a citizenship interview
- Step 9. Receive notification of the department’s decision
- Step 10. Attend a citizenship ceremony
Australian citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who have resided in Australia for the required period and meet all other criteria. Those who have been conferred citizenship have the same rights and privileges as any other Australian citizen, including the right to vote, to work for the Australian Public Service or Defence Force, and to obtain and use an Australian passport. Citizens by conferral are also subject to the same responsibilities as other Australian citizens, including the responsibility to serve on a jury and to defend Australia should the need arise.
The minimum requirements for citizenship by conferral are set out below. These requirements apply to most applications; however please note that depending upon your circumstances, you may be subject to other criteria:
Citizenship By Conferral
For applicants who are permanent residents of Australia and have lawfully resided in Australia for at least four years.
EACH applicant for citizenship by conferral must:
- be a permanent resident of Australia (and have been a permanent resident for at least the last 12 months)
NOTE: If you are not a permanent resident of Australia but you are a NZ citizen, you may be eligible if you were in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a Special Category Visa (SCV) OR if you spent a total of at least 12 months in Australia on a SCV during the 24 months immediately prior to 26 February 2001.
- have lawfully resided in Australia for at least the last 4 years
- not have been outside Australia for more than a total of 1 year in the last 4 years (and no more than 90 days during the last 12 months)
- be likely to reside in, or maintain a close and continuing connection with, Australia
- if aged 18 years or older, be of good character
NOTE: As part of its assessment of your eligibility for citizenship, the Department of Home Affair requires you to provide details of ALL overseas travel you have undertaken since you turned 18 years old.
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