AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
Australian Citizenship Overview
Australian citizenship can be obtained through various pathways.
Eligibility Groups
Applicable for:
- Permanent Residents of Australia aged 18–59
- Eligible New Zealand citizens
- Partner/spouses of an Australian citizen
- Refugees
- Children aged:
- 16–17 years
- 15 years or younger (if applying with a guardian or parent)
- Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants
New Zealand Citizen Pathway
To apply for citizenship as a New Zealand citizen:
- Residence Requirement: Live in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years.
- Hold a Subclass 444 (Special Category Visa) for the past 12 months.
- Must not have been outside Australia for more than:
- 12 months total in the past 4 years.
- 90 days total in the past 12 months.
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Australian Citizenship:
- Be a Permanent Resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the Residence Requirement:
- Live in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Be outside Australia no more than 12 months in 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the past year.
- If residence requirements are unmet, Ministerial Discretions or Special Residence Requirements may apply.
- Pass the Citizenship Test (for applicants aged 18–59).
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English language.
Eligibility for Applicants Aged 60+
For applicants aged 60 and above, citizenship eligibility includes:
- Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Partners/spouses of an Australian citizen, Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants, or refugees.
- Meeting the Residence Requirement (same as above).
- Citizenship test is not required.
Citizenship for Children of Australian Citizens
Eligibility:
- At least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth.
- Applicant was born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949.
Steps to Australian Citizenship
- Apply: Submit your citizenship application.
- Interview & Test:
- Immigration will schedule an interview and test (for applicants aged 18–59).
- Citizenship Ceremony:
- After passing the test, receive approval and attend a citizenship ceremony.
- Take the pledge of commitment to officially become a citizen.
Important Notes
- Citizenship is only granted after the pledge of commitment at the ceremony.
- Information provided is general and subject to change. Consult a migration agent or lawyer for tailored advice.
- Immigration advice is provided under Section 276 of the Migration Act 1958.
