Lyla Lindsey
Applying for Australian citizenship involves several steps and requirements. Before applying, it is important to understand the differences between being a permanent resident and a citizen, as well as the privileges and responsibilities that come with citizenship. To be eligible for Australian citizenship, individuals must meet specific criteria, which may include passing a citizenship test and demonstrating a commitment to Australia and its values. The process can be initiated online or through paper applications, and additional resources are available to help applicants determine their eligibility and prepare for the citizenship test.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Permanent residents who have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship |
| Cost | Depending on your circumstances when you apply for citizenship, there may be a cost |
| Time | The time it takes to process your application will depend on your circumstances |
| Test | Applicants over the age of 18 must pass a citizenship test (unless over the age of 60). Those under 18 or over 60, or people with substantial impairments, are not required to sit a test |
| Interview | You may be invited to attend an interview |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a permanent resident of Australia, holding a permanent visa.
- If you became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007, you must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for citizenship.
- You must satisfy the general eligibility criteria and pass a test before applying. This test is designed to help future citizens understand Australia's community, and ensure they can fully participate in it. However, some groups are exempt from this test, including those under 18 or over 60, and people with substantial impairments or loss of hearing, speech or sight.
It is important to note that permanent residency is not the same as citizenship. A permanent resident has most of the rights and entitlements of a citizen, but there are some differences. For example, a permanent resident cannot say they are Australian, and they do not have an Australian passport.
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Permanent residency
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident at the time of application and at the time of the decision. Any adult who became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more can also apply for Australian citizenship.
To become a permanent resident, you must first satisfy the general eligibility criteria, which includes factors such as age, English language proficiency, and health. You may then need to pass a test, depending on your circumstances. This test is designed to help future Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia's values and promote social cohesion and successful integration into the community.
The process of applying for permanent residency can vary depending on your situation. For example, if you are applying as a skilled migrant, you will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications that are currently in demand in Australia. Alternatively, if you are applying through family sponsorship, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship to your sponsor.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship may change over time. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and to use the Citizenship Wizard tool to determine if you meet the residence requirement.
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Citizenship test
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must meet certain criteria and pass a citizenship test (unless you are under 18, over 60, or have a substantial impairment or loss of hearing, speech, or sight). The test is designed to help future citizens understand Australia's:
- Culture, history, and national symbols
- Democratic beliefs, and rights and responsibilities of citizens
- System of government and how it works in practice
- Provide an understanding of Australian values and the Australian way of life
The test is an important part of ensuring you have the capacity to fully participate in the Australian community as a citizen and promoting social cohesion and successful integration into the community. It is also a requirement for gaining the right to apply for an Australian passport, leaving, and re-entering Australia without a resident return visa, and seeking assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas.
The time it takes to process your application to become a citizen will depend on your circumstances, and there may be a cost involved. You can find more information about processing times and costs on the Department of Home Affairs website. Once you have applied for Australian citizenship, you may be invited to sit for the citizenship test or attend an interview.
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Application cost
The application cost for Australian citizenship is dependent on your circumstances. You can find out more about the cost and whether you are eligible to apply for citizenship on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Generally, those over the age of 18 who apply for Australian citizenship must meet certain requirements. These include passing a citizenship test (unless you are over 60 years old), being a permanent resident at the time of application and when a decision is made, and being likely to continue residing in Australia or maintaining a close association with the country.
There are different requirements for children applying for citizenship, and other circumstances may apply for those under 18 or over 60, or people with substantial impairments or loss of hearing, speech, or sight. These applicants are not required to sit for the test.
New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more can also apply for Australian citizenship.
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Processing time
The processing time for Australian citizenship applications depends on several factors, including the type of application, demand, and completeness of your submission. It's important to note that the time it takes to process your application will depend on your individual circumstances. Here are some key points to consider regarding processing times:
- Citizenship by Conferral: This is the most common type of application. As of 2025, 75% of applications are processed within 14 months, and 90% within 17 months. This timeframe covers the period from lodgement to decision. However, the total time from lodgement to attending a citizenship ceremony is longer, with 75% of applicants completing the process within 17 months and 90% within 21 months.
- Citizenship by Descent: 90% of applications are processed within 5 months.
- Evidence of Australian Citizenship: 90% of applications are processed within 22 days.
- For individuals born outside Australia to at least one Australian citizen parent: The average processing time is 2 to 4 months.
- For children adopted by Australian citizens under specific legal frameworks: The average processing time is 3 to 6 months.
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Completeness of Application: Ensure that your application is complete, including all supporting documents. Incomplete or missing documents can cause delays.
- Responsiveness: Respond promptly when asked to provide additional information or documents.
- Information Verification: The time required for checking the information provided, including background checks, security clearances, and information from other agencies, can vary.
- Test and Interview Availability: Scheduling a citizenship test or interview may take time, especially in busy regions.
- COVID-19 Disruptions: The impact of COVID-19 disruptions can vary by area, affecting wait times for appointments and ceremonies.
- Printing and Postage: Allow extra time for printing and postage of your Australian citizenship certificate, especially if you are outside Australia or did not provide an Australian postal address.
It is recommended to regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates on current processing times and to track your application status through ImmiAccount.
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Frequently asked questions
Being an Australian citizen means you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and everything it stands for. It also means you can say, "I am Australian".
Generally, those over the age of 18 who apply for Australian citizenship must pass a citizenship test (unless over the age of 60), be a permanent resident at the time of application and decision, and be likely to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.
The Australian citizenship test has been designed to help future citizens gain an understanding of Australia and ensure they have the capacity to fully participate in the Australian community as a citizen. It promotes social cohesion and successful integration.
Some of the privileges of being an Australian citizen include being able to apply for an Australian passport, leaving and re-entering Australia without applying for a resident return visa, and seeking assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas.
If you satisfy the general eligibility criteria and have passed the citizenship test (if applicable), you can submit your application online or on paper.
