Australian Citizenship in Australia
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 apply for Australian citizenship by conferral under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The headline requirement: you must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. Total absences must not exceed 12 months over the 4 years, with no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months before applying.
You must be of good character — the Department runs criminal-history checks in Australia and overseas. Applicants aged 18 to 59 sit a citizenship test covering Australian values, history, traditions, and the responsibilities of citizenship. It's in English, conducted at a citizenship appointment, and you need at least 75% (15 of 20 correct) — and you must answer all 5 values questions correctly.
If approved, you attend a citizenship ceremony and 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 don't have to give up your other nationality — though your other country's laws may treat the matter differently.
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 to Do If Your Australian Citizenship Application Is Refused or Delayed
- 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.
Common Questions
When does australian citizenship 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 I do if my application for Australian citizenship has been refused or is taking too long?
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 mistakes should I avoid with australian citizenship?
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.