If you’re wondering how to get Australian citizenship as a migrant, knowing the full pathway is essential before you start your application. Australian citizenship is more than just a status, it gives you the right to vote, receive government benefits, and hold an Australian passport.
Most people become citizens through a process called citizenship by conferral, which you can apply for after holding Australian permanent residency (PR) and meeting specific conditions. This guide breaks down the entire Australian citizenship process, eligibility rules, fees, test details, timelines, and tips to improve your chances of approval.
Table Of Content
1What Is Australian Citizenship?2Different Ways to Get Australian Citizenship3Eligibility for Australian Citizenship4How to Get Australian Citizenship (Step-by-Step)5Australian Citizenship Test: What You Need to Know6Australian Citizenship Application Fees (Latest)7Processing Time for Australian Citizenship8Common Reasons for Australian Citizenship Rejection9Tips to Improve Your Chances of Australian Citizenship Approval10Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Australian Citizenship?
Australian citizenship gives you the legal status of being an Australia citizen, allowing you to live permanently, work without restrictions, vote, access government benefits, and apply for an Australian passport. It is the final step after permanent residency for most migrants.
Different Ways to Get Australian Citizenship
Australia offers multiple pathways to citizenship based on your age, residency status, and personal circumstances. The most common options are citizenship by conferral and citizenship by descent.
Become an Australian Citizen (by Conferral) – Permanent Residents Aged 18–59
This pathway is meant for:
- Permanent residents aged 18 to 59 years, including New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa
- Children aged 15 years or younger applying together with a responsible parent
- Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants
- Refugees and humanitarian migrants
Applicants in this category are generally required to meet residency conditions, demonstrate good character, and pass the Australian citizenship test.
This option applies to:
- Permanent residents aged 60 years or above, including New Zealand citizens on a Special Category (subclass 444) visa
- Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants
- Refugees and humanitarian migrants
Applicants aged 60 and above are usually exempt from the citizenship test, but must still meet residence and character requirements.
Become an Australian Citizen (by Descent)
This pathway is for:
- People born overseas to a parent who is or was an Australian citizen at the time of birth
Australian citizen parents applying to register a child born overseas - Citizenship by descent does not require permanent residency or a citizenship test, but proof of parentage and citizenship status is mandatory.
Eligibility for Australian Citizenship
To meet Australian citizenship eligibility, you must:
- Hold Australian Permanent Residency
- Have lived in Australia for 4 years, including 12 months as a PR
- Not have been absent for more than allowed travel limits
- Show good character (police clearance)
- Have basic English knowledge
- Intend to live in Australia or maintain close ties
These are the core Australian citizenship requirements.
How to Get Australian Citizenship (Step-by-Step)
The Australian citizenship process follows a clear, structured pathway. Below is a detailed, official step-by-step explanation of how to get Australian citizenship by conferral.
Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible
Before applying, you must confirm that you meet all Australian citizenship eligibility requirements. This includes holding permanent residency (or an eligible New Zealand Special Category visa), meeting residence rules, and satisfying character requirements. Applying without meeting eligibility can lead to delays or refusal.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You must provide evidence showing that you meet all citizenship requirements. Make sure documents are clear, complete, and submitted correctly.
You need to provide:
- Original police clearance certificates
- Scans of original documents if applying online
- Certified copies if lodging a paper application
- All requested documents at the time of application
- Each document only once, even if it supports multiple criteria
Step 3: Apply for Citizenship
- You can apply for Australian citizenship online through ImmiAccount, which is the recommended method.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the citizenship application fee online.
- You may apply from inside or outside Australia.
- Online applications with full documentation are processed faster than paper applications.
Step 4: Citizenship Appointment (Test or Interview)
- Most applicants aged 18 to 59 years will be scheduled for a citizenship appointment to sit the Australian citizenship test.
- Appointment details are sent by letter.
- Waiting time for the test appointment may take several months.
- Some applicants are exempt from the test but may attend an interview instead.
- This step assesses your understanding of Australian values, history, and responsibilities.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
- After your appointment, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application.
- You may be asked to provide additional documents.
- Inform authorities if any personal details change (name, address, marital status).
- Track your application progress through ImmiAccount.
- Prompt responses to document requests help avoid delays.
Step 6: Application Outcome
You will receive the decision in writing.
If approved
- you will receive an approval letter.
- Most applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony to make the pledge of commitment.
- Some applicants become citizens on the approval date and receive their certificate by post.
If refused
- you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons.
- You may request a review through the Administrative Review Tribunal within the given time limits.
Step 7: Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
- Most applicants for citizenship by conferral must attend a ceremony to officially become an Australian citizen.
- Invitation letters are usually sent about four weeks before the ceremony.
- After making the pledge, you will receive your Australian citizenship certificate.
- If a ceremony is not required, your certificate will be sent by registered post.
- Always check that your name and date of birth are correct on the certificate and report any errors immediately.
Australian Citizenship Test: What You Need to Know
Applicants aged 18–59 must pass the citizenship test.
- 20 multiple-choice questions
- Topics: Australian values, history, laws, and responsibilities
- Pass mark: 75% overall and 100% in Australian values section
The test checks if you understand life as an Australia citizen.
Australian Citizenship Application Fees (Latest)
The Australian citizenship application fee depends on the form you use and your eligibility for concessions or exemptions.
Form 1300t – Application for Australian Citizenship (General Eligibility)
- Standard application fee: AUD 575
- Concession fee: AUD 80
- Children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent: No fee
- Fee exemptions: Available for specific categories (see below)
Form 1290 – Application for Australian Citizenship (Other Situations)
- Standard application fee: AUD 350
- Concession fee: AUD 40
- Children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent: No fee
- Fee exemptions: Available for eligible applicants
Processing Time for Australian Citizenship
The average processing time for Australian Citizenship is 9 to 15 months. Complex cases may take longer due to background checks or document verification.
Common Reasons for Australian Citizenship Rejection
Here are the common reasons for Australian citizenship rejection, explained simply and clearly :
1. Not meeting residency requirements
Not living in Australia for the required period or spending too much time outside Australia before applying.
2. Character requirements not satisfied
Criminal records, ongoing court cases, or failure to pass police checks can lead to refusal.
3. Incorrect or incomplete application
Missing documents, wrong information, or inconsistencies in forms.
4. Failing the citizenship test
Not passing the Australian citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–59).
5. Poor English language understanding
Inability to demonstrate basic English and understanding of Australian values.
6. Providing false or misleading information
Any false declarations or document manipulation results in rejection.
7. Outstanding debts to the Australian government
Unpaid tax, fines, or government loans.
8. Not demonstrating commitment to Australia
Lack of intention to live in Australia long-term or limited ties to the country.
9. Breach of visa conditions in the past
Overstaying, working unlawfully, or other visa violations.
10. Identity verification issues
Inability to clearly prove identity or provide valid identity documents.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Australian Citizenship Approval
- Apply only after you fully meet all eligibility and residency requirements.
- Maintain accurate records of your travel history and overseas stays.
- Prepare thoroughly for the citizenship test and interview.
- Avoid extended overseas travel in the period leading up to your application.
- Seek professional guidance if you are unsure about eligibility or documentation.
If you’re wondering how to get Australian citizenship or how to obtain Australian citizenship smoothly, expert advice from CanApprove can make a real difference—guiding you at every step and helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold Australian permanent residency
- Meet the residency requirement
- Show good character
- Have basic English knowledge
- Pass the citizenship test
