Become an Australian Citizen
Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step for those who have already obtained their permanent visas and choose to make Australia their permanent home. It provides you with a sense of belonging, security and a range of benefits that come with being an Australian citizen. Let us guide you on how to become an Australian Citizen.
Requirements to become an Australian Citizen by conferral:
To become an Australian citizen, there are certain eligibility criteria that you must meet. These criteria include:
- Meet the general residence requirement
At the time you apply you must have been:
- living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years
- a permanent resident for the past 12 months
Absence period allowed: no more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years before applying for citizenship; including no more than 90 days in the past 12 months.
Children under 16 do not need to meet the general residence requirement but must be permanent residents.
To calculate your residence period in Australia, the Department of Home Affairs has published a Residence Calculator online.
- Demonstrate close and continuing link to Australia
Factors include having:
- a child who is an Australian citizen
- a partner who is an Australian citizen and your time together
- extended family in Australia
- spent time in Australia
- a bank account in Australia
- a job in Australia
- paid income tax in Australia
- property in Australia
- Good character requirement
To meet the character requirement, you must not have any recorded criminal convictions. If you have provided false and misleading information during your visa applications, it may affect your eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Knowledge of Australia
Applicants must have knowledge of Australia, including its history, culture, economy, government and values. This is assessed through the citizenship test.
- Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or have a parent or guardian apply on their behalf if they are under 18.
Application Process:
The application process for becoming an Australian citizen involves several steps, including:
- Lodging an application: You can lodge an application online together with an application fee. You can lodge your citizenship application individually or as a family.
- Citizenship Test: Once an application has been lodged, you will receive an invitation to sit the citizenship test, which is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of Australia. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must answer at least 15 correctly to pass.
- Ceremony: If you pass the citizenship test, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will make the pledge of commitment and receive your Australian citizenship certificate.
Benefits of Australian Citizenship:
Becoming an Australian citizen comes with a range of benefits, including:
- Right to vote: As an Australian citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, state/territory, and local government elections and referendums.
- Access to benefits: Australian citizens are eligible for various benefits, including social security, Medicare and public education.
- Passport: An Australian passport provides visa-free travel to over 180 countries, making it easier to travel internationally.
- Job opportunities: Australian citizenship provides access to job opportunities in the Australian public service, including the defence force and police.
- Sense of belonging: Becoming an Australian citizen provides a sense of belonging and connection to Australia’s culture, history, and values.
If you wish to make Australia your permanent home, becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone. It provides a range of benefits, including the right to vote, access to benefits, and a sense of belonging. The citizenship process involves meeting eligibility criteria, lodging an application, passing a citizenship test, and attending a citizenship ceremony. Book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents at Miet Migration to assess your eligibility and let us help you plan your journey to become an Australian citizen.
Disclaimer: Any posted material is not intended to be immigration advice and does not purport to represent all requirements for a successful application or applications. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in any post without obtaining advice relevant to their circumstances, and without considering and taking professional advice.
