How to Apply for Australian Citizenship
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How to Apply for Australian Citizenship by Conferral
What is Australian Citizenship by Conferral?
Australian citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who have resided in Australia for the required period of time, and meet all other criteria. Those who have been conferred citizenship have the same rights and privileges as any other Australian citizen, including the right to vote, to work for the Australian Public Service or Defence Force, and to obtain and use an Australian passport. Citizens by conferral are also subject to the same responsibilities as other Australian citizens, including the responsibility to serve on a jury and to defend Australia should the need arise.
The minimum requirements for CIT – Citizenship by Conferral are set out below. These requirements apply to most applications; however please note that depending upon your particular circumstances, you may be subject to other criteria:
Citizenship by Conferral Requirements
For applicants who are permanent residents of Australia, and have lawfully resided in Australia for at least four years.
EACH applicant for citizenship by conferral must:
- be a permanent resident of Australia (and have been a permanent resident for at least the last 12 months)
NOTE: If you are not a permanent resident of Australia but you are a NZ citizen, you may be eligible if you were in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a Special Category Visa (SCV) OR if you spent a total of at least 12 months in Australia on a SCV during the 24 months immediately prior to 26 February 2001.
- have lawfully resided in Australia for at least the last 4 years
- not have been outside Australia for more than a total of 1 year in the last 4 years (and no more than 90 days during the last 12 months)
- be likely to reside in, or maintain a close and continuing connection with, Australia
- if aged 18 years or older, be of good character
NOTE: As part of its assessment of your eligibility for citizenship, the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) requires you to provide details of ALL overseas travel you have undertaken since you turned 18 years old.
Citizenship by Conferral Application Process
Stage 1 – Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation below so one of our Registered Migration Agents can assess your current circumstances and your eligibility. Following the consultation, you will receive a fixed fee quote. Our fees are fixed, competitive and we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. No Citizenship – No Fee!
Stage 2 – Preparation and Lodgement
We will look after the entire process for you and lodge your citizenship application, along with any supporting documents required to demonstrate that you satisfy the relevant requirements.
Stage 3 – Citizenship Appointment & Test
Once the DOHA has determined that you are eligible for the conferral of citizenship, they will ask you to attend an appointment with a case officer. At this appointment, you will present your original documents, uploaded as attachments to your citizenship application, and sit the citizenship test.
The citizenship test contains questions regarding the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizenship, along with questions relating to life in Australia and what it means to be an Australian citizen. Each eligible adult applicant must sit this test. The questions are based on testable information contained in the Australian citizenship test resource book, which you can study before your test.
Stage 4 – Citizenship Ceremony
After you have passed your citizenship test and the DOHA has approved your application, you need to attend a citizenship ceremony. This usually takes place within 3 months of the date that an application is approved, although waiting times vary between different local councils. At the citizenship ceremony, you must take the Australian Citizenship Pledge to complete the process of becoming an Australian citizen. All eligible adult applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony – there are very few exceptions to this requirement.
How to Apply for Australian Citizenship by Descent
What is Australian Citizenship by Descent?
If you were born outside Australia, and at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Australian CIT – Citizenship by Conferral. Australian citizens by descent have the same rights and privileges as any other Australian citizen. These include the right to vote, work for the Australian Public Service or the Defence Force, and to obtain and use an Australian passport. Citizens by descent are also subject to the same responsibilities as other Australian citizens, including the responsibility to serve on a jury and defend Australia should the need arise. The minimum requirements for Citizenship by Decent are set out below:
Citizenship by Descent Requirements
There are two pathways to Australian citizenship by descent:
- General Eligibility
You may apply under this pathway if:
- You were born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949
- At least ONE of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
NOTE: If that parent was an Australian citizen by descent, they must have spent at least TWO years in Australia during their life.
- Pre-1949 Birth (Additional Eligibility)
You may apply under this pathway if:
- You were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949
- At least ONE of your parents became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949
NOTE: That parent must have been born in Australia or New Guinea, or have been naturalised in Australia BEFORE your birth.
Citizenship by Descent Application Process
We will lodge your citizenship application along with any supporting documents required to demonstrate that you satisfy the relevant requirements. Please note that you MUST have evidence of your parent’s citizenship status at the time of your birth (and on 26 January 1949, if applicable). If aged 18 years or older at the time of your application, you must also be of good character.
Should the Department of Home Affairs (the DOHA) determine that you fulfil the relevant requirements, your application will be approved and you will become an Australian citizenship by descent. You may then apply for an Australian passport.
NOTE: Applicants for Australian citizenship by descent are NOT required to sit a citizenship test or attend a citizenship ceremony.
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How it works
Consultation
Engagement
Preparation & Lodgement
How can Migration Unity help you?
Eligibility Assessment:
Determine your eligibility for Australian citizenship with an assessment from our registered migration agents.
Expert advice:
Receive professional advice on your migration options in accordance with the Citizenship Act and Regulations.
Strengthen your case:
Get recommendations, guidance, and support to strengthen your application and increase your chances of success.
Ongoing assistance:
Receive support and guidance throughout the entire process to ensure your evidence meets the legal requirements.
Accessibility and simplicity:
Access our secure online portal to manage your application from anywhere in the world.
Case management:
Receive ongoing case management from a team of experienced professionals to ensure your application progresses smoothly, we liaise with the Department on your behalf.
Review and checking:
Receive a full review and final check of all supporting evidence prior to lodgement to ensure everything meets the legal requirements.
Applications and forms:
Your registered migration agent will complete all applications and forms on behalf of you and your partner.
Clarifying your matter to the Case Officer:
Receive legally written submissions by our expert professionals in Australian immigration law to support your application when if required.
Post grant support:
Receive ongoing support, including record-keeping and reminders, to ensure compliance with the relevant criteria.
Next steps: Planning your Australian permanent residency and citizenship, our team can help you and your loved ones to secure a long term and stable future.
…put simply we look after the entire process for you!
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