Applying for Australian Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen is the final step for many migrants who have spent the last few years settling into life in Australia. With this in mind, we have created this guide for permanent residents seeking citizenship by conferral – the route most people take after obtaining PR through pathways such as General Skilled Migration, employer sponsorship or a partner visa, including those who first came to Australia as international students. It explains who is eligible, when to apply, how to apply, what documents you need, costs and what to expect through the ceremony.
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Other citizenship pathways include citizenship by birth, descent or adoption, depending on the circumstances. These pathways are different and are not covered in this guide. If you were born in Australia, or born overseas to a parent who is an Australian citizen, get in touch and we can point you in the right direction.
Eligibility and Timing: When Can You Apply After PR?
To apply for citizenship by conferral you generally need to meet the general residence requirement:
4 Years
You must have lived in Australia legally for at least 4 years immediately before applying.
12 Months
You generally need to have been a permanent resident for the 12 months immediately before applying.
≤12 Months
You do not have more than 12 months total time spent outside Australia in the 4 year period.
≤90 Days
You have not been outside Australia for more than 90 days in the last 12 months from the date of application.
You meet the character requirement.
You must also intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing connection with Australia.
Who takes the citizenship test?
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 will also have to take the citizenship test (see below).
Different provisions apply if you are under 18 or 60 and over, and there are special residence provisions for some applicants (such as those in certain kinds of work of benefit to Australia).
These situations are assessed individually, so if your circumstances aren't straightforward, it's worth speaking with us before you count your dates.
Use the Residence Calculator
Because travel history and visa dates can be easy to miscount, the Department provides an official Residence Calculator that works out your eligibility date from your actual travel and visa history.
We'd recommend running your dates through it before you plan your application.
Not sure when you can apply for Australian citizenship?
Our registered migration agents can review your visa dates and travel history to help you understand your eligibility and when you may be ready to apply.
The Australian Citizenship Application Process
Here’s the usual path most applicants follow from eligibility check to ceremony.
Find out if you qualify.
Use the Residence Calculator to verify that you meet the residence and character requirements above.
Prepare your documents.
Gather identity, residence, and supporting documents (see below). Missing documents or documents supplied in the wrong format can delay processing.
Submit your application online.
Most applicants submit their application through ImmiAccount using Form 1300t (general eligibility) and pay the application fee at the same time.
Citizenship Test and/or Interview (where applicable).
Generally, if you are between 18 and 59 years old, you will be invited to take the citizenship test. At your test appointment, the Department confirms your identity and eligibility. Applicants who don’t sit the test may attend an interview instead.
Decision.
The Department assesses your application and informs you of the outcome.
Ceremony.
If you are granted citizenship you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your citizenship certificate.
You generally need to be in Australia when the Department decides your application. Tell the Department about any overseas travel you plan while your application is being processed.
Documents, Costs and Processing Times
Disclaimer: This section is general information, not advice regarding migration. Fees, documentation requirements and processing times are variable and depend on individual circumstances. Always check current details on the Department of Home Affairs website, or with a registered migration agent before lodging.
Documents You'll Generally Need
- Identification documents (e.g. passport, birth certificate)
- Evidence of your residence and visa history in Australia
- Travel history for the residence-requirement period
- Evidence of any name changes
- Supporting character or personal documents where relevant
Official Document Checklist
This isn't the full list the Department publishes, only the items most applicants need to have ready first. The official document checklist is built into Form 1300t, and it's worth reviewing in full before you apply. If you'd like help working out exactly what applies to your situation, contact us and we can talk it through.
Application Costs
$595
Adult, general eligibility (Form 1300t)
- No separate savings or income requirement to become a citizen
- This fee is the main cost, alongside the value of your own time preparing documents
Fees by Applicant Type
| Adult, general eligibility (Form 1300t) | $595 |
| Pensioner Concession Card holder | $85 |
| Other situations (Form 1290) | $365 (concession $40) |
| Child under 16 on a parent's application | No fee |
Disclaimer: Citizenship fees are indexed each year on 1 July, so the figures above can change. Confirm the current fee on the Department's citizenship fees schedule (Form 1298i) before paying.
Processing Times
Processing times vary a lot depending on application volume and individual circumstances, so we won't quote a fixed number of months here, any figure would likely be out of date by the time you read it.
The Department publishes current citizenship processing times and ceremony wait times, updated monthly. If you want a realistic idea of timing for your situation, contact us and we can discuss what’s typical right now.
Becoming an Australian Citizen
Australian citizenship has benefits including the right to an Australian passport, to vote and to participate in civic life. If you are not sure if you meet the requirements or need help to prepare your application, our Registered Migration Agents can help you to prepare a complete and accurate application.
Contact Pathway to Aus to discuss your citizenship pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Australian citizenship?
Most applicants apply for citizenship by conferral online through ImmiAccount, using Form 1300t. You will have to verify your eligibility, submit supporting documents and pay the application fee. The Department will process your application once you have lodged and may invite you to a citizenship test or interview (if needed), and then a ceremony if you are approved.
When can I apply after permanent residency?
In general, you’ll qualify if you have been lawfully in Australia for 4 years including being a permanent resident for the last 12 months of that time and haven’t been outside Australia for more than 12 months in the 4 years or more than 90 days in the last 12 months. The Department's Residence Calculator can give you a specific eligibility date based on your travel history.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You will also need to meet the character requirement and most applicants aged 18 to 59 will need to take the citizenship test. Different provisions apply for those under 18, 60 and over or in certain occupations beneficial to Australia. Before applying, it is worth checking the Department’s current criteria for your particular circumstances.
What documents do I need?
Requirements vary from case to case but most applicants require identity documents, proof of residence and visa history, travel history and evidence of any name changes. Form 1300t has the official checklist embedded. Complete documentation helps to prevent delays.
How much does an Australian citizenship application cost?
The normal adult price for citizenship by conferral (general eligibility) is currently $595. Eligible holders of a Pensioner Concession Card can access a concession price of $85. Fees are reviewed each 1 July so always check the current schedule before paying, this figure will not apply for every applicant.
Do I need to sit the citizenship test?
The citizenship test is part of most applications for applicants aged 18-59. It is a 20-question multiple choice test that lasts 45 minutes and is based on the Department’s official study booklet. You must get at least 75% overall and you must get all 5 questions about Australian values correct. Under 18s and 60s-plus usually don't have to sit it.
How much money do I need to become an Australian citizen?
There is no minimum savings or income. Eligibility is based on residence, character, and meeting application requirements, not ability to afford. You will have to pay the application fee and pay your own costs for the preparation of documents.
What are common reasons for Australian citizenship refusal?
Applications may be refused where the applicant fails to satisfy the residence requirement, fails the character assessment or supplies incomplete or inaccurate information. These risks can be mitigated with careful planning and full documentation.
How do I apply for an Australian citizenship certificate?
If your application is approved, you will receive your citizenship certificate at your citizenship ceremony. The Department of Home Affairs issues the certificate, and it is handed to you by the presiding officer at the ceremony, which is usually hosted by your local council. If you lose your certificate later, you can apply to the Department for a replacement.
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
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