Australian Citizenship
Australian citizenship is the final step for any applicant looking to live in Australia permanently as an Australian.
Becoming a citizen of Australia is an important decision as it is a recognition that you are making a commitment to Australia, its people, and its way of life. More than 6 million people have become Australian citizens by conferral since Australian citizenship was introduced in 1949.
It represents an opportunity to fully participate in the nation’s democratic process and embrace the shared values that define Australian society. In 2022-23, a total of 192,947 people became Australian citizens by conferral, representing over 200 different nationalities.
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By making a decision to become an Australian citizen, you are committing to the values of Australia becoming a part of its democracy.
Privileges of becoming an Australian Citizen
Gaining Australian Citizenship provides applicants with a range of privileges, these include:​​
Citizens have an unrestricted right to enter, live, and work in Australia without needing a visa.
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Citizens can sponsor family members for visas, and it may be easier and quicker for their applications to be processed.​
Citizens can apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force.​
Citizens can vote in federal and state or territory elections, and referendums.
Citizens can access financial assistance for higher education, such as the Higher Education Loan Program.​
Citizens can ask for consular assistance from Australian officials while overseas.
Children of Australian citizens automatically gain citizenship, no matter where they are born.
Citizens have full access to public healthcare, education, and social security, including unemployment benefits and pensions.
​​These are among the significant privileges included in a successful Citizenship application
Australian Citizenship Application
There are different applications for citizenship. You may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you are a:​
spouse or partner of an Australian citizen;​
migrant to Australia who has obtained permanent residence;​
New Zealand citizen living in Australia;
child of a former Australian citizen;​
commonwealth Child Migration Scheme arrival;
refugee or humanitarian entrant;
person born in Papua before independence in 1975;
former Australian citizen looking to resume their citizenship;
adopted outside Australia by at least one Australian citizen;
born overseas to an Australian citizen.
You may need to meet the following requirements to be eligible:​
be a migrant who is a permanent resident;
likely to reside, or continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia;
satisfy the residence requirement;
meet character requirements.
Australian Citizenship Test
Most people who apply for citizenship will need to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate that they have a basic knowledge of the English language and an adequate knowledge of Australia – its culture, its customs, its laws and its democratic beliefs and liberties.
There is no additional cost in taking the citizenship test as it is included in your application fee. The test ensures that prospective citizens possess a sufficient understanding of Australia's values, traditions, history, and governmental system. The test comprises 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass the test you must correctly answer all five questions on Australian values and score at least 75%. The test lasts 45 minutes and is conducted in a digital format at your chosen test centre.
Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship is also a consideration, if the law of the other country permits. Some countries do not recognise dual or multiple citizenship. Since 2002, dual citizenship has been permitted in Australia.
Apply For Australian Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, granting you the right to fully participate in Australian society and enjoy the rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen. The application process involves a few key steps:
Step 1 - Initial Consultation
Book an initial consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents, where we will discuss your situation and see how we can assist you with your matter.
Step 2 - Application Preparation
Once an agreement has been signed, we will assist you with the application and lodge the application with the Department of Home Affairs. We will prepare a submission to support your application to the Department of Home Affairs
Step 3 - Citizenship Outcome
We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
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