Getting an Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship law is administered by the Department of Home Affairs which can issue certificates of citizenship or provide other related proof or evidence. Australian passports, however, are issued by the Australian Passport office which operates independently under the Government of Australia, with oversight from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Requirements for citizenship and Nationality in Australia are governed through the Australian Citizenship Act, 2007. At minimum migrants, applying for a citizenship, have to fulfill a residence period for naturalisation of 4 years, with a 3-year transition period for existing permanent residents, and pass a citizenship test.

The citizenship test evaluates individuals on a basic knowledge of English language, adequate knowledge of Australia and of the responsibilities & privileges of citizenship along with an understanding of the nature of their application.

Individuals may acquire citizenship automatically, by operation of law, or by application after a period of residence in Australia. Broadly there are 3 ways

Citizenship by Birth

Individuals can automatically become an Australian citizen if they are born in the country  and one or both of their parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the person’s birth. In most cases children born in Australia to parents who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, automatically acquire Australian citizenship on their 10th birthday if they have lived most of their life in Australia.

Citizenship by Descent

Individuals born to Australian citizens but overseas at time of birth may be granted Australian citizenship. Australian citizenship by descent is not conferred at birth, and a child born outside Australia to an Australian parent must apply for citizenship. There are a number of other rules that might apply to people in this category. These are indicated in the Australian Citizenship Act, 2007.

Citizenship by Grant

Individuals not falling in the above categories can still apply for an Australian citizenship, however must meet several requirements. In general these rules require that individuals –

• Are an Australian permanent resident
• Aged over 18 at the time of application
• Have lived in Australia on a valid visa for a total of four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident immediately preceding the date of application. Moreover, not have been absent from Australia for more than one year in total, in the 4 year period, including no more than 90 days in the year before applying.
• Are of good character
• Have a knowledge of basic English
• Have an adequate knowledge of your responsibilities and privileges as a citizen
• Are likely to reside in, or to maintain a close and continuing association with, Australia if granted citizenship

Applying for Citizenship

Online Application can be filed at Australian government’s Immigration and citizenship Website – Become a citizen

Once the application has been received by the DIBP, they will set up a citizenship appointment, citizenship test and based on the results of those, issue a notification of the departments decision. Successful applicants will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. The citizenship ceremony is the last step in becoming an Australian citizen.