Citizenship

Permanent residents in Australia may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if they satisfy the citizenship requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.

There are 2 ways in which a non-Australian can gain Australian citizenship:

1. Australian Citizenship by Conferral

Australian citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who have resided in Australia for the required period of time, and meet all other requirements. Applicants must pass the Citizenship Test but which may be waived under certain circumstances.

Eligibility

  • Be a permanent resident of Australia for at least the last 4 years, including the last 12 months;
  • NOT have been outside Australia for more than a total of 1 year in the last 4 years (or more than 90 days during the last 12 months); and
  • Be likely to reside in, or maintain a close and continuing connection with, Australia

2. Australian Citizenship by Descent

If at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent.
If you have concerns about your eligibility for Australian citizenship, please contact us. We will provide advice to you on the Australian citizenship requirements and assess your eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You were born outside Australia;
  • At least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth; and
  • If your Australian parent was an Australian citizen by descent at the time of your birth, they must have spent at least two years in Australia.

Eligibility Test

This is part of the requirements to become a citizen. The citizenship test contains questions regarding the rights and responsibilities of Australians, life in Australia and what it means to be an Australian citizen.

Eligibility Ceremony

To finally become an Australian citizen, you must take the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You will be invited to take the pledge at a citizenship ceremony once your application has been approved.