There can be many reasons you would want to become a permanent resident in Australia, and one of the most common ways to get citizenship is through conferral, meaning non-Australian citizens get citizenship after fulfilling specific eligibility criteria by sitting for the citizenship test.
Completing Form 1300t is a critical step in this process, as it sets you up for pursuing permanent Australian citizenship. In this blog, we will break down the significance of this particular form, when you would need it, its key requirements, and more.
Applying for Australian Citizenship Using Form 1300t
The 1300t application form is one of the core documents for gaining Australian citizenship. Using this form, one can start the citizenship application process, the final step of which is the citizenship ceremony, where a person who meets the eligibility requirements may be invited to take the Australian citizenship pledge.
What Is Form 1300t and Who Needs It?
The citizenship Form 1300t is a document the Department of Home Affairs requires to start your Australian citizenship application process. It captures your details, such as family members, residency, identity documents, travel history, nominations, etc. These are sent to the Department, which then reviews your details to begin the next phase of the process, i.e., the citizenship test.
Anyone who is an Australian non-citizen and wants to be formally accepted into the Australian community requires this general eligibility form. It may lead to rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship if the application is approved, including the ability to vote and obtain an Australian passport, providing the ability to reside in Australia on an ongoing basis, subject to meeting all conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for Australian Citizenship
Before you apply online and submit a completed Form 1300t, you must first check if you are eligible for permanent Australian citizenship. Here are the eligibility criteria:
Minimum Age Requirement
One of the main requirements for an Australian citizenship application form 1300t is the applicant's age. One must be at least 18 years old to apply; children younger than 16 can only be included in a parent's application form, given their eligibility.
Permanent Residency Status
Permanent residency is another significant requirement to pursue Australian citizenship. As per the current regulations, an applicant must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for the past 12 months before submitting their 1300t form for Australian citizenship.
Any change in the permanent residency commencement date applies only to certain New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (SCV) or a New Zealand stream Skilled Independent Visa.
Residency Period in Australia
To be eligible, you must also have been residing in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before the day you apply. This four-year period will include the past 12 months of permanent residency.
This residency period requirement also entails a specific duration for overseas travel. You will not be eligible if you have been out of Australia for more than the specified duration. Per current rules, you must not have been absent from the country for over 12 months in the past four years before applying, including no more than 90 days in the past year immediately before your application date.
Good Character Requirement
Applicants 18 years or older will also be judged under the good character requirements of the citizenship application process. This includes reviewing your background for:
- Spent convictions, if any
- Overseas penal clearance certificates, if any
- Evidence for free concessions and exemptions, if any
- Court orders and documents, if any
You must be transparent in declaring any applicable documents for a thorough assessment. Applicants with no substantial criminal record or involvement in unlawful activities may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship through Form 1300t.
Other Key Requirements for Citizenship Approval
Additionally, you must meet certain requirements to apply for Australian citizenship using Form 1300t. These include the following:
Basic English Language Proficiency
Basic English language proficiency is a must for your Australian citizenship approval. It is the country's national language, and more importantly, the citizenship process, including the citizenship test, is conducted in English.
Understanding Australian Values and Laws
All Australian citizens must be committed to living by Australian laws and values. Hence, as you seek Australian citizenship, you must demonstrate the same. This is one of the main assessments through the citizenship test, which includes questions on the country's democratic rights, liberties, and beliefs to assess whether applicants understand the country’s key principles, including freedom, equality, and respect.
Applicants must prepare well during their citizenship application before taking this test. The following official preparation resources are available:
- 'Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond' booklet
- 'Our Common Bond' podcast
- AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program) Online Citizenship e-learning
Commitment to Reside or Maintain Close Ties with Australia
Lastly, the Department also requires one to be likely to reside, or continue residing, in Australia, or maintain a close and continuing association with the country. This reflects the individual's lasting commitment to living in Australia and is an essential consideration for all non-Australian citizens seeking residency.
Required Documents for Form 1300t
Once you are ready to start with the citizenship form, ensure that all the required documents are up to date and ready. Here are all the necessary documents for Form 1300t:
Proof of Identity
For applicants 18 years or older, a current document with their photograph and/or signature is needed for any of the following:
- An Australian driver's licence
- A national identity card
- A passport
- A United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) document
- Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)
- A document containing a photograph and/or signature, such as a seafarer, air crew, or military identity document
Along with these, the following are needed:
- A full birth certificate
- Evidence of links between the present and previous names, such as a marriage certificate, if applicable
- An Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages certificate as evidence for any other name change, if applicable
- Current and previous passports
If including children under 16 years of age:
- A full birth certificate (or family register with parents' details)
- Passport or equivalent travel document
- Evidence of links between the current name and birth name, if applicable
- A passport-sized photograph with the child's full name written on the back
Evidence of Residency
Any of the following:
- Rental rates notice or contracts
- A utilities notice, like a gas, water, or electricity bill, or a bank notice
Police Checks and Character Documents
- Overseas penal clearance certificates, if 18 years or older (from each country you have resided in for over a year in the past ten years)
- Court documents and orders, if applicable
Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable)
- Evidence of child adoption, if adopted overseas
- Orders related to the child's custody, parental responsibility, or guardianship
- Form 1399, 'Declaration of Service'
- Ministerial discretion documents
- Fee concession and exemption documents, such as a Pensioner Concession Card, Child Migrants Trust letter, or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force
Application Fees and Processing Times
The Form 1300t processing time generally ranges from six months to a year, depending on the application complexity and additional checks.
There is no application fee for children under 16. For others, a general eligibility fee of AUD 575 and an AUD 80 concession fee are applicable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
The citizenship application process is vital, and getting every step right is key to progressing your citizenship application successfully. Avoid the following common pitfalls when applying:
- Incorrect Documentation: Any missing or inaccurate documentation can delay your application or result in refusal. Always double-check every proof document, ensure they are certified, and cross-check all the other documents before applying.
- Outdated Personal Information: If your personal information has changed, such as your name, residential address, or marital status, remember to provide the updated documentation.
- Insufficient Test Preparation: The citizenship test is an integral step in your application for Australian citizenship. Take practice tests online, use the official resources available, and attend preparation classes if needed.
How to Submit Your Form 1300t Application
Once ready, you can submit your Form 1300t application online or by post to the Department. Applying online is faster and allows you to track your application status through the website. If you send by post, include certified copies of the necessary documents with your application.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your Form 1300t, you must start preparing for the citizenship test. Once you have applied and taken the test, the Department will review your application, test results, and all the attached documents to make a decision.
When Should You Use a Migration Agent?
Given the critical nature of this application process, each step must be completed accurately and in accordance with current regulations. This may seem complex, especially for those applying through Form 1300t for the first time. At Australian Migration Agents, our registered migration agents can assist you with preparing and submitting your Form 1300t application. Currently, the Department's preferred submission method is through the ImmiAccount, and our registered agents can help you complete all the necessary steps to ensure that your application is submitted in accordance with current requirements.
Final Checklist and Next Steps
Once you have lodged your application, you must appear for the citizenship test and await the Department's decision. If you have a successful application, you can attend the citizenship ceremony. However, if there is a refusal, you can request a review by the Tribunal as soon as possible or reapply for citizenship.
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