Australian Citizenship
The final step in your migration journey
Australian citizenship represents the culmination of your migration journey. It grants you the right to vote, access to an Australian passport, and the security of permanent belonging to this country.
Whether you are applying by conferral after meeting residency requirements, by descent through an Australian citizen parent, or resuming citizenship you previously held, we guide you through every stage of the process.
For clients with connections to multiple countries, we also advise on dual nationality strategy, ensuring you understand the implications of Australian citizenship for your existing nationality status.
Three ways to become Australian
Citizenship by Conferral
For permanent residents who have lived in Australia for the required period and meet residency, character, and other requirements.
Citizenship by Descent
For people born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent. No residency requirement, but documentation of lineage is essential.
Citizenship by Resumption
For former Australian citizens who lost their citizenship and wish to resume it. Specific eligibility criteria apply.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for citizenship by conferral, you must meet the following requirements at the time of application and decision.
General requirements
- Be a permanent resident at the time of application and decision
- Have lived in Australia for at least 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident
- Meet the general residence requirement (not absent for more than 12 months total, including 90 days in the last 12 months)
- Be of good character
- Have a basic knowledge of English
- Have an adequate knowledge of Australia and citizenship responsibilities
- Be likely to reside or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
Special circumstances
Some applicants may be eligible for modified requirements, including spouses of Australian citizens, members of the Australian Defence Force, and those engaged in activities beneficial to Australia.
The Minister also has discretion to waive certain requirements in exceptional circumstances. We advise on whether special provisions may apply to your situation.
Children under 16 have different requirements and do not need to sit the citizenship test.
Born overseas to Australian parents
Eligibility
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 citizenship by descent. No residency requirement applies.
Documentation
You will need to provide evidence of your parent's Australian citizenship at the time of your birth, your birth certificate, and identity documents. We assist with obtaining and authenticating required documents.
Second generation
If your parent acquired citizenship by descent (rather than by birth in Australia), additional requirements may apply. We assess your specific circumstances and advise on the pathway available to you.
How we work.
From eligibility assessment to citizenship ceremony, we guide you through every stage.
Eligibility
assessment
We assess your eligibility for citizenship by conferral, descent, or evidence of citizenship.
Eligibility
assessment
Citizenship pathways have specific requirements. We review your residency history, visa status, character, and any special circumstances to determine your eligibility. Whether by conferral, descent, or resumption, we identify the pathway that applies to you.
Document
preparation
We prepare and verify all required documents for your citizenship application.
Document
preparation
Documentation must be complete and accurate. We prepare identity documents, residency evidence, character certificates, and any supporting materials required for your pathway. For descent applications, we assist with obtaining and authenticating ancestral documents.
Application
lodgement
We lodge your application and manage all Department communications.
Application
lodgement
Completeness prevents delays and refusals. We lodge your citizenship application with all required documents and respond to any Departmental requests. Your application is prepared to meet all legislative requirements from the outset.
Ceremony &
completion
We guide you through the citizenship test, interview, and ceremony process.
Ceremony &
completion
The final steps to becoming Australian. We prepare you for the citizenship test and interview, advise on ceremony attendance, and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as an Australian citizen. Your citizenship certificate marks the completion of your migration journey.
