Australian Citizenship Requirements: Am I Eligible?
Becoming a citizen of Australia is a dream for many migrants. It’s not just a dream-it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities, from the right to vote in elections to the freedom to travel in and out of Australia at your convenience. These benefits can significantly improve your quality of life and open up new possibilities. The first step to realizing this dream is understanding and fulfilling all Australian citizenship requirements.
There are many Australian citizenship requirements, including:
- Documents requirements
- Permanent residency requirements
- Good character requirements
- Test requirements
Preparing the document may be daunting. Worry not! We will explain all the details and requirements and give you a document checklist to make your Australian citizenship application easier.
Becoming a Citizen of Australia
Before you start preparing for the requirements, it’s crucial to understand the pathways to becoming an Australian citizen. Each path has its requirements, and being well-informed about them will help you navigate the process confidently. There are three common ways to obtain citizenship:
- Australian citizenship by conferral
- Australian citizenship by descent
- Australian citizenship by adoption
Citizenship by conferral
Citizenship by conferral is the most popular way to become an Australian citizen. This path is suitable for permanent visa holders who are residing in Australia.
You can apply for Australian Citizenship by conferral if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A permanent resident or New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV) subclass 444
- Meet the residency requirements
- Meet the good character requirements
- Have a basic understanding of the English language
- Have a strong commitment to becoming a citizen of Australia
Citizenship by descent
This path is for a child born to parents, who one of them is an Australian citizen. The eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship by descent are:
- Born outside Australia with one of the parents being a citizen of Australia.
- Born outside of Australia under an international surrogacy agreement.
- Meet the good character requirements.
Citizenship by adoption
This one is for a child adopted by an Australian citizen. The adoption pathways are only eligible if you meet these eligibility criteria:
- Adopted by an Australian citizen
- Able to provide an adoption compliance certificate
- Meet the good character requirements
It’s vital to select the most suitable pathway based on your circumstances. It will ensure you meet all the Australian citizenship eligibility criteria, reducing the risk of rejection on your application.
Read more: Pathways to Australian Citizenship
Requirements for Australian Citizenship Application
After you understand all the pathways and ensure you have met the eligibility criteria, you are ready to jump into the next step. That is, preparing your requirements according to the suitable pathways.
Be sure to complete all of the requirements explained below. Missing one requirement means saying goodbye to your Australian citizenship.
Australian Citizenship Required Documents
The first step is preparing all the documents for the Australian citizenship application. Preparing the document may be tricky as you must prepare according to the guidelines.
Here’s the checklist of required documents for Australian citizenship application. This checklist will help you prepare the necessary documents to avoid any pitfalls and submit your application on time.
Document checklist for Australian citizenship application
| No | Document | Citizenship by conferral | Citizenship by descent | Citizenship by adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identity documents | The documents have to show your identity from birth to the present. The identity document must show:
|
||
| 2 | Evidence of birth and change of name | For proof of date and birth, you can submit one of the documents:
Meanwhile, for the proof on change of name, you can submit:
|
Provide an adoption order or certificate. It is better if you also submit a full birth certificate. As for the change of name evidence, you can submit one of the following documents:
|
|
| 3 | Photograph and signature | You can submit one of the following documents:
|
||
| 4 | Evidence of residential address | You can propose one of the documents:
|
||
| 5 | Proof of arrival in Australia | One of the following documents can show your first entry to Australia:
|
– | – |
| 6 | Commonwealth child migration scheme | If you come to Australia without your parents and under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme (22 September 1947 – 31 December 1967), you need a letter from the Child Migrants Trust | – | – |
| 7 | Proof of identity in the community | You are required to get an identity declaration and a passport-sized photograph. Those documents must signed by someone with the correct authority | ||
| 8 | Identity documents for a child younger than 16 | Each dependent child or a child applying on their own must comply with this document:
Also, submit this additional document:
|
– | |
| 9 | Photographs | The photograph must comply with the following requirements:
It is acceptable to use untinted prescription glasses or not show your face (for religious reasons). |
||
| 10 | Good character documents | The document must show that you have good character. You can submit one of the documents:
This document is needed if you are over 18 years old. You also have to declare all your spent convictions. |
||
| 11 | Adoption documents | – | – | Submit proof of child adoption and Australian citizenship evidence from the adoptive parent. |
| 12 | Supporting documents | You may need to give DHA the following documents:
|
You may need to attach the additional documents:
|
– |
Australian Residency Requirements
Given that you apply from conferral pathways, you must comply with Australian residency requirements to meet Australian citizenship qualifications.
The Australian citizenship requirements for residency are listed below:
- Legal residency: You must have legally lived in Australia with a valid visa for at least four years.
- Permanent visa: Before applying for citizenship, you must have held a permanent visa for at least 12 months.
- Absence: You must not leave Australia for more than 12 months in the last four years, with no more than 90 days of absence in any 12 months before applying.
Interestingly, there was an exception for some people. You can get the exemption for residency requirements if you are:
- under 16 years old,
- born to an Australian parent who lost their nationality or
- born in Papua before 16 September 1975 with Australian parents.
Are you curious whether you meet the residency requirement? You can check your eligibility through the Australian Citizenship eligibility calculator.
Character Requirements for Australian Citizenship
To meet Australian citizenship eligibility, you must pass the character requirements. Applicants over 18 years old must have good character. Each migrant should uphold Australian law and commit to their pledge.
The character assessment depends on criminal records, obligation in court, association with people of concern, domestic violence report, and honesty in your application process. So, if you have any criminal record, it can affect your application. The worst-case scenario is application rejection.
Australian Citizenship Test Requirements
The Australian Citizenship test is a crucial step as it is the last step of becoming a citizen of Australia. The test covers knowledge of Australia, the values, responsibilities, and privileges.
This test is only valid if you apply through conferral routes. You can join the test once you pass all the Australian Citizenship requirements. You will get a letter with details of the citizenship test appointment.
You must answer 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 Australian values questions. You will pass the test if you at least answer 75% of the questions correctly.
To prepare yourself better, try the Australian Citizenship Test Practice provided by the Commonwealth Government here.
Australian Citizenship Requirements for NZ Citizens
Of course, if you are a New Zealander, you can become a citizen of Australia. Even better, it is much easier for you to become a citizen of Australia! As of 1 July 2023, being granted a Permanent Visa is not a must for New Zealand citizens to become citizens of Australia. Instead, you can apply for Australian Citizenship as a New Zealander by holding a visa subclass 444, granted once they arrive in Australia for the first time.
However, you must have lived in Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) for at least four years. You must also meet the residency requirement, as explained above. Then, you can apply to be an Australian citizen through conferral routes.
Read more: Pathway to Australian Citizenship for New Zealand People
Claim Your Australian Citizenship
Once you meet the Australian citizenship requirements, you can proceed to the Australian citizen application stage. You can apply through ImmiAccount. Make sure to submit all the required documents without mistakes, including the supporting documents. Submitting the correct document will make your application move faster.
The application process takes work. You need to focus on each step, even the tiniest one. You can make your application easier and save time by using migration agent services like ONEderland Consulting.
We have over a decade of experience helping migrants seize their Australian citizenship, even if they have complex cases. Our expert will assist you step by step to make your application more efficient, and you can get your citizenship as soon as possible. Book your consultation and make your dream come true:
Achieve Your Australian Dream With ONEderland Consulting
We at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during Australian Citizenship application. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
