Citizenship & Naturalization
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Permanent residents can become Australian citizens by conferral under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. Australia allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your existing nationality (though your home country's rules may differ).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Residence: You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months total during the 4-year period, and not more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
- Good character: The Department conducts criminal history checks in Australia and overseas. Serious criminal convictions may disqualify you.
- Citizenship test: Applicants aged 18 to 59 must pass a test on Australian values, history, and civic responsibilities. The test has 20 questions — you must score at least 75% (15 correct) and answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly. The test is based on the free study guide Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.
Application and Fees:
- Application fee: approximately $490 (no fee for applicants under 16 included in a parent's application).
- Processing time: typically 8 to 14 months from application to ceremony.
- If approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You become a citizen only at the moment you take the pledge.
Benefits of Citizenship: Right to vote (and obligation to enrol), Australian passport, full consular protection, eligibility for Australian Defence Force and most government positions, and you can never be deported.
When does it apply?
- You are a permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least 4 years with at least 12 months as a PR.
- You meet the residence requirements — no more than 12 months total absence in the 4-year qualifying period.
- You are of good character with no serious unresolved criminal matters.
- You intend to live in Australia or maintain a close connection to the country.
What should you do?
- Calculate your residence carefully using the Department's eligibility calculator — count every day spent outside Australia during the 4-year period.
- Study the free resource Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond on the Department's website to prepare for the citizenship test.
- Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the $490 fee.
- Attend your citizenship test appointment — you can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait before rebooking.
- Attend the ceremony within 6 months of your approval — ceremonies are held by local councils and the Department. You become a citizen only after making the pledge.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't apply before you are eligible — your application will be refused and the fee is non-refundable.
- Don't misrepresent your travel history — the Department cross-checks travel records with airport systems and can refuse your application for providing false information.
- Don't skip the ceremony — if you do not attend within 6 months of the invitation, your approval may lapse.
- Don't assume your home country allows dual citizenship — some countries automatically revoke your original citizenship when you acquire another. Check your home country's laws before proceeding.
- Don't forget to enrol to vote after becoming a citizen — voting is compulsory in Australia and you must enrol with the Australian Electoral Commission within the required timeframe.
Common Questions
When does citizenship & naturalization apply?
You are a permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least 4 years with at least 12 months as a PR.You meet the residence requirements — no more than 12 months total absence in the 4-year qualifying period.You are of good character with no serious unresolved criminal matters.You intend to live in Australia or maintain a close connection to the country.
What should I do about citizenship & naturalization?
Calculate your residence carefully using the Department's eligibility calculator — count every day spent outside Australia during the 4-year period.Study the free resource Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond on the Department's website to prepare for the citizenship test.Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the $490 fee.Attend your citizenship test appointment — you can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait before rebooking.Attend the ceremony within 6 months of your approval — ceremonies are held by local councils and the Department. You become a citizen only after making the...
What mistakes should I avoid with citizenship & naturalization?
Don't apply before you are eligible — your application will be refused and the fee is non-refundable.Don't misrepresent your travel history — the Department cross-checks travel records with airport systems and can refuse your application for providing false information.Don't skip the ceremony — if you do not attend within 6 months of the invitation, your approval may lapse.Don't assume your home country allows dual citizenship — some countries automatically revoke your original citizenship when you acquire another. Check your home country's laws before proceeding.Don't forget to enrol to vote...
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