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Australian Citizenship

Australia is considered to be its own country, continent and island. It’s consists of 6 states and 2 territories. Each state and territories have unique landmarks and natural wonders of its own.
Australia is filled with beautiful beaches. It is estimated that we have more than 11 000 beaches here. Our beaches is packed with lively actions where surfers can most definitely catch a good wave! There’s definitely a little something here for everybody so why wait?
Generally, to apply for Australian citizenship you will need to:
  • Determine that you are eligible
  • Gather your original documents
  • Copy and certify your documents
  • Complete and lodge your application.
A decision on your application for citizenship will only be made after you have lodged a completed application form together with the required documents and fee.
Children under 16 years of age are usually included on a responsible parent’s application form.

Australian by Descent

This option is for you if you were born overseas to an Australian citizen
Commonly, if you were born overseas on or after 26 January 1949 to an Australian citizen parent, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship by descent.
If your responsible parent became an Australian citizen by descent, he or she must have been present in Australia for periods totalling two years at some time in their life.
If you were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 you may also be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent if at least one of your responsible parents became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949.
If your responsible parent had lost their Australian citizenship at the time of your birth, you cannot apply for citizenship by descent. You may be eligible to apply for citizenship as a child of a former citizen.
If you are adopted, you cannot apply for Australian citizenship by descent. You may be eligible to apply for citizenship by adoption.

Australian by Conferral

Australian citizenship can be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who meet all the requirements including character and residence.
Residence requirement:
  • 4 years lawful residence in Australia, immediately prior to making an application for Australian citizenship,
    • Including at least 12 months as a permanent resident​, and
  • Absences from Australia of
    • no more than 12 months in total in the 4 years prior to application,
    • no more than 90 days in the 12 month permanent residency period prior to application.
Other requirements include, but are not limited to:
  • English competency
  • Character
  • Passing the Australian Citizenship Test

Australian by Adoption

This option is for you if you were adopted by an Australian citizen in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
You may be eligible to be registered as an Australian citizen by adoption if:
  • you were adopted by an Australian citizen under the full Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption
  • an adoption compliance certificate has been issued
  • the adoption is recognised and effective for the laws of the Commonwealth and each state and territory, and
  • there is no need for your adoptive parent to seek further legal recognition of your adoption in Australia.
All applicants aged 18 years and over must be of good character. Applications for children under 16 years of age must be made by an adoptive parent.

Citizenship Resumption

You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen again if you lost your citizenship because of acquiring the citizenship of another country, or renounced or gave up your Australian citizenship.
If you had children under 18 years at the time you lost your Australian citizenship they may also have lost their Australian citizenship, unless their other parent was an Australian citizen at the time. Children under 16 can be included in your resumption application. Children 16 years and over must apply for resumption in their own right.
Your eligibility depends on your unique circumstances.