Apply for Australian Citizenship

You may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you are one of the following:

1. Migrant with permanent residence
2. New Zealand citizen living in Australia
3. Spouse or partner of an Australian citizen
4. Child adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen
5. Child aged 15 years or under or an unaccompanied minor
6. Child aged 16 or 17
7. Child born outside Australia to an Australian citizen
8. Child of a former Australian citizen
9. Commonwealth Child Migration scheme arrival
10. Person born in Papua before independence in 1975
11. Resume Australian citizenship
12. Refugee and humanitarian entrants

There are various requirements that need to be met depending on your circumstances. However, the main requirements are that you:

• Are a permanent resident at time of the Australian citizenship application and at time of decision
• Meet the residence requirements
• Are a person of good character
• Possess a basic knowledge of the English language
• Have the intention to reside or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
• Have an adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges that come with Australian citizenship.

In order for you to meet the residence requirements, you must demonstrate that you:

• Have lived in Australia on a valid Australian visa for 4 years immediately prior to applying;
• Have been a permanent resident for 12 months immediately prior to making an application and not have been absent from Australia for more than one year in total, during the four year period, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.

You can include your children under the age of 16 in your application provided that they are permanent residents.

Please note that if you do not meet some of the above criteria, there are exceptions that may apply. Accordingly, we strongly recommend to get in touch with our office to discuss your matters in detail and ascertain your eligibility.