Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship is the final step for any applicant looking to live in Australia permanently as an Australian.

Becoming a citizen of Australia is an important decision as it is a recognition that you are making a commitment to Australia, its people and its way of life.

Privileges of becoming an Australian Citizen

Gaining Australian Citizenship provides applicants with a range of privileges, these include:

• Citizens have an unrestricted right to enter, live, and work in Australia without needing a visa.

• Citizens can vote in federal and state or territory elections, and referendums.

• Children born to Australian citizens automatically acquire citizenship, regardless of where they are born.

• Citizens can sponsor family members for visas, and it may be easier and quicker for their applications to be processed.

• Citizens can access financial assistance for higher education, such as the Higher Education Loan Program.

• Citizens have full access to public health care, education, and social security benefits, including unemployment benefits and pensions.

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

• Citizens can ask for consular assistance from Australian officials while overseas.

These are among the significant privileges included in a successful Citizenship application

Australian Citizenship Application

There are different applications for citizenship. You may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you are a:

• spouse or partner of an Australian citizen;

• migrant to Australia who has obtained permanent residence;

• New Zealand citizen living in Australia;

• child of a former Australian citizen;

• commonwealth Child Migration Scheme arrival;

• refugee or humanitarian entrant;

• person born in Papua before independence in 1975;

• former Australian citizen looking to resume their citizenship;

• adopted outside Australia by at least one Australian citizen;

• born overseas to an Australian citizen.

You may need to meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• be a migrant who is a permanent resident;

• likely to reside, or continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia;

• satisfy the residence requirement;

• meet character requirements.

Australian Citizenship test

Most people who apply for citizenship will need to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate that they have a basic knowledge of the English language and an adequate knowledge of Australia – its culture, its customs, its laws and its democratic beliefs and liberties.

There is no additional cost in taking the Citizenship test as it is included in your application fee. The test ensures that prospective citizens possess a sufficient understanding of Australia's values, traditions, history, and governmental system. The test comprises 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass the test you must correctly answer all five questions on Australian values and score at least 75%. The test lasts 45 minutes and is conducted in a digital format at your chosen test centre.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is also a consideration, if the law of the other country permits. Some countries do not recognise dual or multiple citizenship. Since 2002, dual citizenship has been permitted in Australia.

Contact Us

Canberra Visa & Migration Services has significant experience in the citizenship application process and can deal with any difficult issues that may arise when applying for citizenship. If you need any assistance, please contact our office to arrange a consultation.