Australian Citizenship
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance.
What is this right?
Permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The main requirements are that 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 in total during the 4-year period, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
You must be of good character — the Department checks your criminal history in Australia and overseas. Applicants aged 18 to 59 must pass a citizenship test that covers Australian values, history, traditions, and the responsibilities of citizenship. The test is in English and is conducted at a citizenship appointment. You must score at least 75% (answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly), and you must answer all 5 questions about Australian values correctly.
If approved, you attend a citizenship ceremony where you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. From that moment, you are an Australian citizen with the right to vote, hold an Australian passport, and access full consular protection. Children under 16 can be included in a parent's application.
Australia allows dual citizenship — you do not need to give up your other nationality (though your other country's laws may differ).
When does it apply?
- You are a permanent resident of Australia and have held a valid visa for at least 4 years.
- You have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months immediately before applying.
- You meet the residence requirements — no more than 12 months total absence in the 4-year period.
- You are of good character and have no unresolved criminal matters.
What should you do?
- Check your eligibility using the citizenship eligibility tool on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Calculate your residence carefully — count all days spent outside Australia during the qualifying period.
- Study for the citizenship test using the free resource 'Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond' available on the Department's website.
- Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the application fee.
- Attend your citizenship ceremony within 6 months of the invitation — you become a citizen only after making the pledge.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't apply too early — if you haven't met the 4-year residence requirement, your application will be refused.
- Don't provide false information about your travel history or criminal record — this can result in refusal and may affect future applications.
- Don't skip the ceremony — you are not a citizen until you make the pledge at an approved ceremony. If you don't attend within 6 months, your approval may lapse.
- Don't assume your other citizenship is automatically lost — check your home country's laws on dual nationality, as some countries do not allow it.
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