Australia is widely known as the land of opportunity. From all over the world, people come to Australia to fulfil their dreams, achieve freedom, and to give their children a better future. Find all you need to know about applying for Australian citizenship in our blog below.

Australia is a classless, equal opportunity society where everyone can thrive and succeed.

There are various ways to become an Australia citizen. One of the most challenging aspects of becoming an Australian citizen is that unfortunately, just one tiny error in the application can delay the application process and quickly take you back to square one.

This article will help you understand the path for how you can apply to become an Australian citizen.

Australian Citizenship Requirements

There are specific requirements you must meet which include:

1. You are an Australian permanent resident

2. You are over 16 years of age

3. You have lived in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident

4. Are of good character

5. Have adequate knowledge of your responsibilities and privileges as a citizen

As an Australian citizen, you have many privileges which include:

+ Voting in Federal and State or territory elections and in a referendum

+ Applying for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force

+ Seeking election to parliament

+ Applying for an Australian passport and re-entering Australia freely

+ Obtaining help from an Australian official while overseas

+ Registering children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent

How to become an Australian Citizen

There are different paths to becoming an Australian citizen: by conferral, by descent or by birth.

Conferral: You must to be an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen

Descent: If your parent was an Australian citizen when you were born overseas.

Birth: If you are born in Australia and one or both of your parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

Some general requirements apply to most situations:

– You should be in Australia when your application is submitted and approved
– You intend to make a life in Australia or maintain a lasting link with Australia if you are based overseas

1. Citizenship Application

To become an Australian citizen, you must submit a completed application in your Australian ImmiAccount. If you don’t have an account you can create an ImmiAccount to access the Australian Department of Home Affairs’s online services. You can pay the application fee online. For more info regarding citizenship costs click here.

Prepare your documents

You will need to submit evidence that you meet citizenship requirements. This includes scans of your original documents if you are applying online.

Identity documents

– At least three of these documents will be required:

Australian driver’s licence, passport, national identity card, UNHCR document, aircrew identity document, seafarer identity document, military identity document, proof of age card, student card.

– Photograph (no more than 6 months old)

– Complete Form 1195 (download here)

Current residential address

Examples of home address documents include: Electricity, gas or water bill, rates notice, rental contract, and bank statement.

Evidence of arrival in Australia

Examples of first entry to Australia include: Passport, travel document with a visa, such as a Document for Travel to Australia, PLO56 (M56) or Titre de Voyage, proof of entry, passenger list from the National Archives of Australia.

2. Citizenship Test and Interview

The Australian citizenship test is a round-up of 20 multiple-choice questions based on common Australian Values. For info read it online at the Our Common Bond booklet.

You will be given 45 minutes to take the test at your local Australian Government Centrelink Office. After the in-person interview, you will be left to complete the test in private.

The test is split up into four sections:

1: Australia and its people
2: Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties
3: Government and the law in Australia
4: Australian values

Out of the 20 questions, you will need to get 75% correct. All Australian values questions must be answered correctly which comprise around five of the 20 questions.

You can take your time completing the test and go back and forth between the questions. Furthermore you’re happy with your answers before submit button. You’ll pass if you get over 75% right, including all of the Australian values questions.

3. Citizenship ceremony 

The final step in becoming an Australian citizen is to make the Australian Citizenship Pledge at a citizenship ceremony. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to attend a ceremony, which will be three to six months from the time your application is approved. Most ceremonies across Australia are organised and hosted by local councils.

Citizenship ceremonies meet requirements under Australian citizenship law and provide a significant opportunity to officially welcome new citizens as full members of Australian society.

I am not a permanent resident yet, what can I do?

If you are not yet a resident and are thinking about how you can redirect your career to achieve a path for residence or if you’re looking for study courses leading to permanent residency, now may be the best time to start.

Do you want to move to Australia?

Australia is among the top 5 most immigrant-friendly countries worldwide. No wonder people worldwide want to work and settle in Australia!  Due to its demand for skilled workers, Australia is one of the most sought immigration-friendly countries aspirants move to.

Moving to Australia or Down Under can be a challenge. Make sure you are prepared according to your particular circumstances. Read our blog Moving to Australia: 11 Tips you Need to Know.

What study courses lead to permanent residency in Australia?

The skills shortage has been widespread throughout the country leaving employers scrambling for qualified applicants that meet their standards. Even while offering competitive wages and benefits, many employers still cannot find enough people. This makes finding quality workers difficult because there are so many jobs available. Read our blog High Demand Jobs in Australia in 2022.

Common ways of becoming a permanent resident 

Australia has different PR visa categories as listed below:

Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

Graduate Temporary visa (Subclass 485)

Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subclass 489)

Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)

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