If you’re an expat in Australia who’s fallen in love with the land down under, you might be curious about becoming an Australian citizen. Citizenship can give you many rights and benefits that may otherwise be unavailable to you as a permanent resident.
First, you’ll need to look at the eligibility requirements for citizenship and confirm whether you’re eligible to apply. Once you’ve verified your eligibility, you’ll need to take several other steps, such as passing a citizenship test. Below is our detailed guide to how to become an Australian citizen.
Eligibility Requirements to Become an Australian Citizen
Some international citizens may be able to obtain Australian citizenship by descent or family relation to someone who is already a citizen of the country.
The most common way to become a citizen of Australia is by conferral. In Australia, citizenship by conferral is the process of a non-citizen voluntarily becoming an Australian citizen.
To become a citizen by conferral, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Reside in Australia
- Be of good character
- Maintain a close link to Australia
- Have basic knowledge of the English language
Reside in Australia
You must be an Australian permanent resident before you can apply for citizenship. However, not all permanent residents and visa holders will qualify unless they meet a specific set of residency requirements.
You must be living in Australia on a valid permanent resident visa for a period of at least four years, up to the day before you submit your application for citizenship.
In addition, you cannot have been absent from Australia for more than twelve months in total over the past four years. This includes no more than 90 days in total in the immediate twelve months before the date of your application. You must also be present in Australia when your application decision is made.
There are many types or subclasses of Australian visas. These include temporary visas, special category visas, skilled independent visas (for New Zealand citizens and invited workers), and other visas that make it possible to become a permanent resident. Learn more about Australian visa options.
Be of Good Character
If you are 18 years of age or older, you must demonstrate that you are of good character. To determine this, the Australian government may check to see that you do not have any recorded criminal convictions, do not have any court obligations within the country or overseas, and have not provided any false or misleading information in relation to your visa or citizenship application.
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Maintain a Close Link to Australia
You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a continuous link with Australia while overseas. Individuals can show this by providing proof of one or more of the following:
- You own a property in Australia
- You keep bank accounts or other valuables in the country
- Australia is your source of income or employment
- Your spouse or children are Australian citizens or permanent residents
Schooling arrangements, participation in Australian community clubs or charities, and rarely leaving the country to travel overseas can also be used as proof that you intend to maintain a close and continuous link to Australia.
Have Basic Knowledge of the English Language
You don’t have to speak fluent English to get Australian citizenship, but you must show that you have basic knowledge of the English language. The citizenship interview and exam will test how much of the language you know.
Related: Cost of Living Abroad in Australia
Complete an Application for Australian Citizenship
Once you’ve established that you meet the citizenship requirements for eligibility and residency, you can apply for citizenship.
The first step is to complete the proper application form. Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 59 should use form 1300t. Immigrants over the age of 60 should submit form 1290.
Gather all the documentation required for submission with your application. The form you fill out will tell you exactly what documents you need, such as acceptable methods of identification and original police certificates to prove that you have not had any serious criminal convictions.
Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs Website to access the forms and begin the application process. You can complete the application either on paper or online — both of which require you to pay an application fee.
Complete the Citizenship Test or Interview
Once your application has been received, you’ll be asked to make an appointment for a citizenship test or interview.
The testing center will ask you to provide proof of your identity. Then, you’ll answer a few questions that will determine whether you have to take the actual test, or if you’ve qualified for an interview instead.
Most applicants between 18 and 59 years of age will have to sit for the Australian citizenship test. Children, and adults over 60, may be “tested” via an interview as opposed to the traditional exam.
To pass the citizenship exam, you must score 75% or higher. The questions test your knowledge of the English language, your knowledge of Australian values and Australian laws, and what it means to be an Australian citizen. Study the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond resource booklet to prepare for the exam.
Once you’ve completed the application, interview, and test, you’ll need to wait to receive your decision.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Australian Citizen?
Processing times for citizenship applications vary. From the time of application to when you receive a decision, it can take four to 16 months. 75% of all applicants receive a decision within seven months.
Once Australia has approved your citizenship application, the final step is to attend a citizenship ceremony. You will be asked to take the Australian citizenship pledge to make your immigration status official.
Local government councils organize the citizenship ceremonies. Four weeks before your ceremony is scheduled to take place, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend.
Benefits of Becoming an Australian Citizen
While it’s possible to live in Australia as a permanent resident for an indefinite period of time, there are plenty of benefits to becoming an Australian citizen.
Depending on your home country, you may be able to hold dual citizenship in Australia and your home country at the same time. Below is a closer look at the benefits of becoming a citizen of Australia.
Having an Australian Passport
As an Australian citizen, you can get an Australian passport, which simplifies travel around the world. With an Aussie passport you can enjoy visa-free travel to 145 different countries and territories. You’re also allowed to re-enter the country any time you want and stay outside of the country for as long as you want.
Using the Australian Medicare Program
The Medicare system in Australia offers free public hospital treatment and covers a portion of your medical costs when you visit a general practitioner or specialist.
Be aware that Australia’s Medicare does not cover all types of medical treatment, such as vision and dental. It also does not allow you to choose your own doctors or specialists. Another downside of Australia’s public healthcare is that wait times for medical care can be long.
All citizens of Australia can benefit from private health insurance coverage. Private health insurance allows you to choose your own doctors, avoid long wait times, and receive coverage for dental, vision, and other medical services that are not covered by Medicare.
Learn more about international health insurance plans for immigrants and expats.
Find the Best International Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Voting in Australia’s Elections
As an Australian citizen, you can vote in Australian government elections. Permanent residents of Australia that are not citizens do not have the right to vote, except for British subjects who enrolled to vote before 1984.
In Conclusion
If you’re a permanent resident or expat who has lived in the Commonwealth of Australia for at least four years without any significant absences, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to meet residency requirements and be confirmed as a person of good character.
It takes several months before the Australian government approves your citizenship application. Once approved, you’ll be able to enjoy the same benefits of citizenship as native-born Aussies.
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