How to Apply for Australian Citizenship in 2026: Guide

Last Update

September 9, 2026

Becoming an Australian citizen is an essential step in life. If you are a permanent resident considering this step, or if you are just curious about the process, it is invaluable to have a good understanding of the citizenship application procedure. This detailed guide explains the entire process.

It is a significant decision, but having unambiguous information really helps to reduce the anxiety that comes with it. You will be presented with a concise overview of the primary routes to Australian citizenship, the main requirements, the detailed process, the required documents, testing requirements, and an estimated time frame.

The Main Pathways to Australian Citizenship

Understanding which pathway applies to you is the first step.

Citizenship by Conferral (Most Common)

This is the pathway that most permanent residents in Australia take. If you have permanent residency and have been living in Australia, this option is the best for you.

Who qualifies:

You possess the status of a permanent resident in Australia.
You have been legally living in Australia for the past 4 years.
You have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months of that period.
Your total absences from Australia in the last four years have not exceeded 12 months.
You have not been out of the country for more than 90 days in the year preceding the application.
If you are between 18 and 59 years old, you must take and pass the citizenship test.
You must be of good character.
You must be able to communicate in English at a basic level.
You have plans to live in Australia or have a close relationship with it.

Processing time: Changes; usually ranges from 6 to 12+ months.

Citizenship by Descent

In case you were born outside Australia, you can still apply for this route if your parent is an Australian citizen. No prior residence in Australia is a requirement for this route.

Who Can Apply?

You were born outside of Australia on or after January 26, 1949.
One of your parents was an Australian citizen when you were born.
If the parent is a citizen by descent or adoption, they must have lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
Those aged 18 or older must complete the character assessment.
You are not subject to any specific residency requirement.

Processing Time: It usually takes 4–7 months.

Application Fee: AUD $380 for the first applicant; AUD $160 for each subsequent sibling applying at the same time.

New Zealand Citizens

If you’re a New Zealand citizen and have lived in Australia for four or more years on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444), you can apply via the same conferral pathway as permanent residents.

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Understanding Eligibility Requirements

Before you start your citizenship application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Residency Requirements (For Conferral)

Check that the course or courses you intend to rely on are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.

It is required that you have been a legal resident of Australia for 4 years.
During that time, the minimum period of 12 months must be permanent residency.
In total, your absences from Australia should not exceed 12 months in the last four years.
In the year preceding your application, your absence should not be more than 90 days.

Good Character Requirement

If you’re aged 18 or over, you must satisfy the good character test. This means the Department looks at:

Criminal convictions (Australia or overseas).
Court obligations or pending charges.
Associations with people of concern.
Domestic violence incidents.
Immigration compliance history and honesty in prior dealings.

English Language Requirement

Check that the course or courses you intend to rely on are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.

CRICOS registration alone does not establish eligibility. The Australian study requirement generally also requires eligible study equivalent to at least two academic years, or 92 CRICOS-registered weeks, completed over at least 16 calendar months in Australia.

Australian Citizenship Test (Aged 18–59)

The test assesses knowledge of Australia, democratic processes, and shared values:

Format: 20 multiple-choice questions administered via computer within a 45-minute limit.
Passing Standard: Overall score of at least 75% (15/20) AND 100% (5/5) correct on the Australian values questions. Failing any values question results in an automatic test fail.
Conditions: Standard testing is conducted in English without an interpreter.

Intent to Reside

You must demonstrate an intention to reside in Australia or maintain close ties by establishing:

Continuing residential, employment, or business ties within Australia.
Immediate family, assets, or property established in Australia.
Ongoing contributions and commitment to the Australian community.

Comprehensive Document Checklist

Identity Documentation

Provide three identity documents verifying your birth details, photographic likeness, and residential location:

Primary Identity: Full birth certificate showing parental details.
Photo Identification: Current passport or Australian driver’s licence showing signature.
Address Evidence: Utility invoices, bank statements, or tenancy agreements issued within the past 3 to 6 months.

Residency & Travel Records

Department PR grant notification letter.
Movement records or passport entry/exit stamps across current and expired passports.
Travel logs matching dates declared in your ImmiAccount application.

Character Clearances

Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check (Code 33).
Foreign penal clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years (since turning 18), if you spent a cumulative 90 days or more outside Australia since gaining PR.
Form 1195 (Identity Declaration) completed and signed by an authorised Australian citizen who has known you for at least 12 months.
An endorsed passport-sized photograph signed on the reverse by your Form 1195 referee.

Relationship & Ancillary Records

Marriage certificate or registered relationship certificate (if applicable).
Official change-of-name documents (if applicable).
NAATI-certified English translations for any foreign-language paperwork.

Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

Step 1: Verify Residence Dates

Use the Department’s residence calculator via ImmiAccount to confirm absence days before lodging, ensuring your travel history does not breach the 365-day or 90-day absence caps.

Step 2: Prepare Documents & Referee Endorsements

Obtain your AFP police check, complete Form 1195 with your referee, gather colour scans of original identity records, and secure NAATI translations where required.

Step 3: Complete the ImmiAccount Form

Log into your ImmiAccount, start the application (Form 1300t for conferral or Form 118 for descent), and enter your full personal, travel, and character disclosures.

Step 4: Upload Colour Documentation

Upload high-resolution colour scans into their designated document slots within ImmiAccount. Avoid uploading low-resolution or cropped photos.

Step 5: Pay the Prescribed Application Fee

Submit payment through ImmiAccount.

Conferral (General Eligibility): AUD $595 (or AUD $85 for eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders). Dependent children aged 15 or under included on a parent’s application are free.
Descent: AUD $380 for the primary applicant; AUD $160 for concurrent siblings.

Step 6: Attend the In-Person Appointment & Citizenship Test

Attend your designated Department processing centre to complete identity verifications, capture biometrics, and sit the 20-question citizenship test.

Step 7: Undergo Case Processing & Decision

The Department audits your file, verifies test results, and finalises character assessments before issuing a formal approval notice.

Step 8: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony & Pledge

Following approval, your local municipal council schedules your ceremony. You recite the Australian Citizenship Pledge, after which you receive your official Australian Citizenship Certificate.

Processing Timelines & Expectations

Standard Phase Breakdown

Document Compilation & Clearances: 1 to 2 months.
Department Review to Test Invitation: 1 to 3 months.
Test Sitting to Formal Approval: 1 to 2 months.
Approval to Ceremony Attendance: 1 to 3 months.
Total Estimated Journey: 12 to 18 months from initial lodgement to certificate receipt.

Factors Influencing Delays

Incomplete attachments, poor scans, or mismatched names requiring official requests for information (s56 RFIs).
Overseas penal clearance processing backlogs in foreign jurisdictions.
Backlogs and testing slot availability at regional or high-volume metropolitan testing centres.
Scheduling allocations at local municipal council ceremony sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can family members apply together on one application?

Dependent children aged 15 or younger can be included on a parent’s conferral application at no additional fee. Children aged 16 or 17 must lodge their own separate application. Partners and spouses must apply individually on separate forms.

What occurs if an applicant fails the citizenship test?

You can re-sit the examination. If testing slots permit, you may re-take it on the same day, or rebook an alternate date through ImmiAccount without incurring additional fees. An unsuccessful test attempt does not impact or invalidate your existing permanent resident status.

What recourse is available if citizenship is refused?

If an application is refused—most commonly due to character assessment concerns or identity discrepancies—you generally have the right to seek an independent merits review before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within strict statutory timeframes outlined in the decision notification.

Are applicants aged 60 and over exempt from testing?

Yes. Applicants aged 60 and over are legally exempt from sitting the Australian Citizenship Test. However, they must still fulfil residency, identity, and character requirements, and attend a ceremony.

Can I travel internationally while my citizenship application is being processed?

Yes. Your permanent visa remains valid for travel, provided your travel facility has not expired (or you hold an active Resident Return Visa – Subclass 155). You should notify the Department of significant international travel through ImmiAccount and ensure you return to attend your scheduled test and ceremony appointments.

Conclusion

Applying for Australian citizenship involves meeting specific requirements: residency, good character, English ability and intent to reside. The main pathways are citizenship by conferral and citizenship by descent, and the process includes submitting an application, preparing documents, possibly passing a test or interview, and attending the citizenship ceremony.

With careful planning and preparation, the process is entirely manageable. When you understand each step clearly, you approach the journey with confidence and increase your chances of success.

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Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for Australian Citizenship in 2026