Become an Australian citizen

Navigating Australian Citizenship: Requirements and Procedures

Dreaming of making Australia your forever home?

For many migrants, obtaining Australian permanent residency (PR) is a huge milestone. But for those who want to make Australia their forever home, the next step is citizenship. Becoming an Australian citizen unlocks rights and privileges that go beyond PR including the ability to vote, access certain jobs, and hold an Australian passport.

Here's a detailed roadmap to achieving Australian citizenship, outlining pathways, criteria:

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Why Apply for Australian Citizenship?

Permanent residency gives you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, but citizenship offers additional benefits:

• Australian passport: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
• Voting rights: Citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections.
• Government jobs: Some roles are only open to citizens.
• Family sponsorship: Broader ability to sponsor relatives for visas.
• Security: Citizenship is permanent, you cannot lose it by living overseas.

Responsibilities and Privileges

Citizens enjoy rights and privileges like voting, working in public service or defense, and obtaining an Australian passport. Citizenship also comes with responsibilities: citizens must uphold Australian laws, respect democratic beliefs, and fulfil civic duties like jury service.

Pathways to Citizenship

• By Birth: If you're born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent.
• By Descent: If you're born overseas to an Australian citizen parent, you may be granted citizenship by descent.
• By Grant (Conferral): Non-citizens can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Citizenship by Conferral

General Residence Requirement

To apply for citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway), you need to meet Australia’s general residence requirement:

• Lived in Australia lawfully for at least 4 years immediately before applying.
• Held a permanent visa for at least 12 months before applying.
• Have not been absent from Australia for more than:
  • 12 months in total during the 4-year period, and
  • 90 days in total during the 12 months before applying.

Applicants over 18 must demonstrate good character.

Note that some exemptions apply and you  may qualify for variations to the residence requirement or special considerations.

Other Key Requirements

• Character test: You must be of good character, which includes background checks.
• English language ability: You must demonstrate basic English proficiency.
• Citizenship test: Applicants between 18–59 must sit a test covering Australian values, history, and civics.
• Commitment to Australia: You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing connection.

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Exemptions and Special Pathways

Not everyone follows the standard pathway. Some applicants may qualify under special categories:

• Children: If born in Australia to PR or citizen parents, or if under 16 applying with parents.
• Partners of Australian citizens: May still need to meet residence requirements, but can often count time spent overseas with their Australian partner as “time in Australia.”
• New Zealand citizens: Some long-term New Zealanders in Australia can apply directly for PR and then citizenship. Since July 1, 2023, New Zealand citizens living in Australia for four years or more can apply directly for citizenship without needing a permanent visa.

Application Process

You must submit your citizenship application with the required documents. There is a Citizenship Test whereby you must attend an appointment for the citizenship test, covering Australian values, history, and government.

Then you upon approval, you are invited to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Australian Citizenship Pledge.

Appeal and Refusal

Applicants can appeal refusals based on specific criteria, such as identity verification or character concerns.

Keep updated!

Keep an eye on updates and changes in citizenship regulations to ensure compliance and smooth processing.
Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step, offering a sense of belonging and opportunities to contribute to the vibrant Australian community. So, if you're ready to embrace the Aussie way of life, dive into the citizenship process and make your Australian dream a reality!

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How Australian Shores can help

The rules around residence and eligibility can be complex — especially if you’ve travelled frequently or held multiple visas. At Australian Shores, we:

• Assess your eligibility for citizenship
• Help you prepare a decision-ready application
• Advise on complex cases (travel gaps, time overseas with an Australian partner)
• Support your transition from PR to citizenship smoothly

Contact us for more information.