Becoming an Australian citizen is the final and most rewarding step in your migration journey. It reflects your commitment to Australia and gives you the full rights and responsibilities of membership in the Australian community.
At our migration agency, we provide clear, strategic advice to help you understand your eligibility, prepare your application, and confidently move toward citizenship.
There are different pathways depending on your personal circumstances.
This pathway applies to most permanent residents.
You may be eligible if:
You were born outside Australia, and
At least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
A child born in Australia may automatically acquire citizenship if:
At least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth, or
The child has lived in Australia for the first 10 years of their life
To be eligible, you generally must:
Hold permanent residency
Have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 4 years
Have held permanent residency for at least 12 months
Not have been absent from Australia for excessive periods
Meet the character requirement
Pass the Australian Citizenship Test (if aged 18–59)
Intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association
The general residence requirement for citizenship by conferral includes
Before applying, confirm that you:
Hold permanent residency
Meet the 4-year lawful residence requirement
Have held permanent residency for at least 12 months
Meet absence limits
Satisfy the good character requirement
Are prepared to sit the citizenship test (if required)
It is critical to calculate your travel history correctly before lodging.
You will need:
Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, photo ID)
Evidence of permanent residency
Travel history records
Character documents (if applicable)
Any name change documents (if relevant)
Incomplete documentation can delay processing.
Applications are usually lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
At this stage:
Complete the citizenship form
Upload required documents
Pay the application fee
Submit your application
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement.
Most people aged 18 to 59 will have an appointment to sit the citizenship test.
Applicants aged 18 to 59 must:
Book a test appointment
Attend an interview with a Departmental officer
Sit the Australian Citizenship Test
The test covers Australian values, government, and history.
If you pass, the application continues to assessment.
The Department assesses:
Residence requirement
Character requirement
Identity verification
Any complex issues
Processing times vary depending on case complexity.
If approved, you will receive a citizenship approval letter.
You are not officially a citizen yet. Finalisation occurs at the ceremony.
You must attend a citizenship ceremony (usually within 12 months of approval).
At the ceremony:
You make the Australian Citizenship Pledge
You receive your Citizenship Certificate
You officially become an Australian citizen on the day you make the pledge.
As of 1 July 2025, the standard application fee for Australian citizenship by conferral is $575, with a concession fee of $80.
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
