Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step in your residency and integration into Australian society. The process of applying for Australian citizenship involves various legal obligations and regulations that may require professional guidance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to apply for Australian citizenship.
What Is Australian Citizenship?
Australian citizenship is often confused with permanent residency, and while both are similar, there are key differences. Permanent residents are individuals who still need a valid visa to return to the country and cannot vote in Australian government elections. Meanwhile, a citizen has the automatic right to enter Australia, can vote, and can also apply for an Australian passport. Citizenship grants you the right to live, work, and participate in the democratic processes in Australia.
Pathways to Become an Australian Citizen
There are three different ways you can become an Australian citizen. Here is a breakdown of what they include:
Citizenship by Birth
A child's eligibility for Australian citizenship now depends on the immigration status of their parents at the time of birth. If at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, only then does the child get citizenship at birth.
Citizenship by Conferral
Citizenship by conferral is one of the most common ways of attaining Australian citizenship. It is available to permanent residents once they fulfil the criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Citizenship by Descent
Individuals can also receive Australian citizenship by descent if they were born overseas and at least one parent at the time of their birth was an Australian citizen.
Eligibility Requirements for Each Citizenship Pathway
Each pathway has specific eligibility requirements that you must fulfil when you apply for your Australian citizenship, as mentioned below:
Citizenship by Birth Requirements
Citizenship by birth requires at least one of the parents to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident when the child is born in Australia. If eligible, no other formalities, such as the citizenship test, will be required. Parents can simply provide the required documents to the Department to obtain their child's citizenship certificate.
Citizenship by Conferral Requirements
The eligibility requirements for this pathway vary slightly for regular applicants and those 60 years or older.
Permanent residents, including New Zealand SCV (Special Category Visa) holders, must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with an SCV (subclass 444).
- You must also fulfil the Department's general residency and good character requirements, demonstrate an adequate knowledge of Australia and sufficient English language proficiency, and prove a close and continuing link to Australia.
Applicants aged 60 or over must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with an SCV (subclass 444).
- You must fulfil the Department's general residency, good character, and age requirements and prove a close and continuing link to Australia.
Citizenship by Descent Requirements
For citizenship by descent, you must either be:
- Born outside of Australia on or after 26 January 1949, and at least one parent at the time of your birth was an Australian citizen.
- Born overseas through an international surrogacy arrangement.
- You must also meet the Department's good character requirements.
Eligibility for Children Born Overseas (Surrogacy Cases)
Eligibility for adopted children born overseas depends on the requirements under the following:
- Australian Citizenship Act of 2007
- Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016
- Operational and policy guidelines
Based on these and the supporting documentation, the Department decides eligibility in surrogacy cases.
Document Checklist for Australian Citizenship Application
The following documents are essential for your citizenship application, whether you apply online or lodge it directly in person:
Identity Documents
- Original documents showing your full name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and residential address, as well as official evidence of any name changes
Evidence of Name and Date of Birth
- A complete birth certificate that mentions each parent's full name.
- Pre-arrival documents that collectively confirm your identity, such as a family or household registration document (Optional)
Supporting Documents (If applicable)
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide supporting documentation, such as:
- Police certificates
- Valid Australian Government travel documents
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Penal clearance certificates
- Documentation showing exemptions, special residence requirements, and residence (for British migrants)
Citizenship Eligibility Based on Parents’ Visa Status
Here's a quick overview of how citizenship eligibility varies based on the applicant's parents’ visa status:
How to Apply for Australian Citizenship Step by Step
Follow these steps to apply for your Australian citizenship:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Visit the Department's website to first check your eligibility for citizenship.
Step 2: Meet Residence Requirements
Fulfil the department's permanent residency requirement. Parents can include a dependent child 15 years or younger in their application, and if a parent is not applying, the child must apply on their own.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Prepare the required documents for your citizenship application, as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Submit Application (ImmiAccount or Paper Form)
You can pay the application fee and submit it online via your ImmiAccount (recommended by the Department) or submit a paper form at the DHA office.
Step 5: Attend Citizenship Appointment
The Department will send you the citizenship appointment letter with the details to proceed. It may take several months.
Step 6: Sit the Citizenship Test
As per your appointment letter, you will need to sit for your citizenship test. Most applicants between 18 and 59 years are required to do so. Some may not need to, but they may still need to attend an interview with the DHA.
Step 7: Await Department Decision
Wait for the Department's decision, provide them with any additional documentation required, and promptly inform them in case any circumstances change (for example, a change in your name or residential address).
Step 8: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony and Make the Pledge
The Department will inform you of your outcome through a letter. Based on that, you may need to attend the citizenship ceremony and make the pledge of commitment to receive citizenship. If not required, the Department will directly send your citizenship certificate after application approval.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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The Australian Citizenship Test
Once you fulfil the Department's eligibility criteria, you may be asked to sit for the Australian citizenship test. This is a critical step in getting your citizenship, and here is everything it entails:
What the Test Assesses
The test assesses your knowledge of:
- Australia and its occupants
- Australian democratic rights, liberties, and beliefs
- Australian Government and law
- Australian cultures and values, based on freedom, equality, and respect
- Australian citizenship privileges
- Basic English language
Passing Requirements
- Answering 20 multiple-choice questions
- Answering all 5 questions on Australian values correctly
- Scoring an overall score of 75% or higher
What Happens If You Fail?
- The Department will schedule a re-test at no additional charge.
- While failing the test does not affect your permanent visa status, missing three appointments may lead to the refusal of your citizenship application.
Tips to Prepare for the Test
- Study the Australian Citizenship: Our CommonBond (OCB) booklet
- You can also take the practice test, listen to the Our Common Bond podcast, or use the AMEPOnline citizenship modules
- Enrol in the AMEP Program to improve your English language skills
What Happens After You Pass? – Citizenship Ceremony
Once you pass the citizenship test, you may be invited to attend the citizenship ceremony. Here is a breakdown of it:
What to Expect at the Ceremony
- A formal introduction
- Formal speeches
- An address to the participants
- Making the pledge of commitment
- Australian National Anthem
Why the Ceremony Is Important
- The ceremony is a legal requirement for those who are required to attend it after taking the test.
- You will not become an Australian citizen if you do not make the pledge of commitment.
- After making your pledge, you will get your citizenship certificate.
Get Professional Help With Your Citizenship Application
As you may now understand, getting Australian citizenship is a vital undertaking. However, it can often be complex, as there are various obligations and regulations to adhere to. From preparing your required documents to taking the citizenship test, each step has to be completed accurately to ensure a smooth process.
Australian Migration Agents offer professional guidance to help you navigate the citizenship application process. Contact us for a consultation to receive expert advice tailored to your citizenship application.
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