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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.
Understanding which pathway applies to you is the first step.
1
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:
Processing time: Changes; usually ranges from 6 to 12+ months.
2
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?
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.
3
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.
Talk to one of our Visa Experts Now.
Before you start your citizenship application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Check that the course or courses you intend to rely on are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
If you’re aged 18 or over, you must satisfy the good character test. This means the Department looks at:
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.
The test assesses knowledge of Australia, democratic processes, and shared values:
You must demonstrate an intention to reside in Australia or maintain close ties by establishing:
.
1
Provide three identity documents verifying your birth details, photographic likeness, and residential location:
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1
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.
2
Obtain your AFP police check, complete Form 1195 with your referee, gather colour scans of original identity records, and secure NAATI translations where required.
3
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.
4
Upload high-resolution colour scans into their designated document slots within ImmiAccount. Avoid uploading low-resolution or cropped photos.
5
Submit payment through ImmiAccount.
6
Attend your designated Department processing centre to complete identity verifications, capture biometrics, and sit the 20-question citizenship test.
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The Department audits your file, verifies test results, and finalises character assessments before issuing a formal approval notice.
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Following approval, your local municipal council schedules your ceremony. You recite the Australian Citizenship Pledge, after which you receive your official Australian Citizenship Certificate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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