Pathway to Citizenship

Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, offering you the opportunity to fully embrace life in Australia. As a citizen, you gain access to rights, responsibilities, and privileges that allow you to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.

Become an Australian citizen (by conferral)

Gaining Australian citizenship by conferral is the most common pathway to becoming an Australian citizen. To apply, you must be a permanent resident and meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and character requirements.

Responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship

Responsibilities - what you will give Australia

As an Australian citizen, you must:

  • obey the laws of Australia

  • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and a referendum

  • defend Australia should the need arise

  • serve on jury duty if called to do so

Privileges - what Australia will give you

As an Australian citizen you can:

  • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum

  • apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent

  • apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force

  • seek election to parliament

  • apply for an Australian passport and return to Australia freely

  • ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas

Application Process

Achieving Australian citizenship involves a structured process that ensures applicants meet all legal and character requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide to the Australian citizenship application process:

Stage 1 – Lodging the Citizenship Application

The first step is to submit a citizenship application along with all required supporting documents. These documents must demonstrate that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, including residency, character, and other legal requirements.

Stage 2 – Australian Citizenship Test

Once the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) confirms an applicant’s eligibility, they will be invited to attend an appointment with a case officer. During this appointment, eligible adult applicants must sit the Australian citizenship test. This test assesses knowledge of:

  • The rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens

  • Australian values, history, and culture

  • The significance of Australian citizenship

Stage 3 – Citizenship Ceremony and Pledge

Upon passing the citizenship test and receiving application approval, applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony—usually held within three months of approval, though wait times may vary by local council. During the ceremony, applicants take the Australian Citizenship Pledge, which marks the final step in officially becoming an Australian citizen. Attendance at the ceremony is mandatory for all adult applicants, with very few exceptions.

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • Generally, applicants must have lived in Australia for at least four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident, and must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during this period, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

  • Yes, most applicants aged 18 to 59 must pass the Australian citizenship test. The test assesses knowledge of Australia’s values, history, and responsibilities of citizenship. Study materials are available to help applicants prepare.

  • Applicants who fail the test will be given two additional attempts. If they fail all three attempts, their application will be refused, but they can reapply for citizenship.

  • Applicants must meet the good character requirement. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but serious offenses or repeated violations may affect eligibility. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each case individually.

  • Yes, children may be eligible for citizenship under specific conditions, such as being born in Australia to permanent residents or Australian citizens, or through citizenship by descent if born overseas to Australian parents. Some children under 16 years may be included in a parent’s application.