Australian Citizenship

Become an Australian Citizen

Australian citizenship is the most significant milestone in your immigration journey. It gives you the unconditional right to call Australia home permanently, hold an Australian passport, vote in elections and pass those rights on to your children. Our immigration lawyers guide you through every step — from eligibility assessment through to the citizenship ceremony.

4 Years

Minimum lawful residence required

12 Months

As a permanent resident

75%

Pass mark for citizenship test

98%

Our citizenship approval rate

What Is Australian Citizenship by Conferral?

Citizenship by conferral is the process through which a person who was not born Australian — but who has lived in Australia as a permanent resident — applies to formally become an Australian citizen. It is the final and most meaningful step in the Australian immigration journey, granting full and permanent membership of the Australian community.

The citizenship is granted — conferred — by the Australian Government after you satisfy the eligibility requirements and take the citizenship pledge at a public ceremony. From the moment you take that pledge, you are Australian.

This is distinct from citizenship by descent — which applies to people born overseas to an Australian parent — and citizenship by adoption. This page focuses on citizenship by conferral, the primary pathway for permanent residents.

What Does Australian Citizenship Give You?

Australian Passport

One of the world’s most powerful travel documents — providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries.

Right to Vote

Enrol and vote in federal, state and local government elections — your direct voice in shaping Australia’s future.

Stand for Public Office

Stand for election to local, state or federal government. Only citizens can hold elected office in Australia.

No Visa Conditions

Never worry about visa expiry, conditions, or sponsorship again. Unconditional right to live in Australia forever.

Children Born Australian

Children born to you in Australia after you become a citizen are automatically Australian citizens by birth.

Sponsor Family Members

Sponsor parents, siblings, and other family members for Australian permanent residence as a citizen.

Citizenship vs Permanent Residence — what’s the real difference?

Permanent residence allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely — but it comes with conditions, can require renewal in some circumstances and, critically, it can be cancelled. Citizenship is permanent and unconditional. It is also heritable — your children and grandchildren may be able to claim it. The Australian passport alone, with access to over 185 countries, makes citizenship one of the most valuable documents in the world.

Requirement 1: Permanent Residence

You must be a permanent resident at the time you lodge your application. Temporary visa holders — including Subclass 482, student visa and visitor visa holders — are not eligible. New Zealand citizens living in Australia on a Special Category Visa may be eligible under specific rules introduced in 2023 — contact us if this applies to your situation.

Australian Citizenship Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship by conferral are set out in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. All of the following requirements must be met at the time you apply:

The 5 Core Eligibility Requirements

You must meet ALL of these to be eligible to apply for citizenship by conferral.

Be a permanent resident of Australia at the time of application
Meet the absence limits within the residence period
Pass the Australian citizenship test (or be exempt)

Meet the 4-year lawful residence requirement (including 12 months as a PR)
Be of good character (no disqualifying criminal history)
Have an intention to reside in Australia (or in eligible overseas service)

Requirement 2: The 4-Year Residence Requirement

This requirement has two layers that must both be satisfied:

You must have been lawfully in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before the date you apply

During those 4 years, you must have held permanent residence for at least 12 months

Time spent in Australia on temporary visas — such as student, work or partner visas — prior to becoming a permanent resident counts toward the 4-year total, provided you were lawfully present throughout.

Requirement 3: Absence Limits

Even if you have been lawfully in Australia for 4 years, time spent overseas reduces your qualifying residence period. The specific limits are:

Time spent outside Australia reduces your qualifying residence period. The specific limits are:

Period	Maximum Permitted Absence
Total absences across the 4 years before applying	No more than 12 months (365 days)
Absences in the 12 months immediately before applying	No more than 90 days

Absence limits are where the most common eligibility mistakes occur. Many applicants who believe they are eligible have unknowingly exceeded the 90-day limit in the final year — often due to extended holidays, family visits or work travel they had not accurately calculated. Our immigration lawyers assess your full travel history before you apply.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often. Each page on our website contains detailed guides for every visa type.

How long do I need to live in Australia before applying for citizenship?

You must have been lawfully in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before applying, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.

Do absences from Australia affect my citizenship eligibility?

Yes. Absences count against the residence requirement. You cannot have been absent for more than 12 months in total in the 4 years before applying, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying. These limits are strictly calculated — a single day over the limit means you must wait longer. We calculate your precise eligibility date including all absences at your free consultation.

What is the Australian citizenship test like — is it difficult?

The test covers Australian values, history and the responsibilities of citizenship. A pass mark of 75% is required. Most well-prepared applicants find it straightforward. Some applicants are exempt — our lawyers confirm whether an exemption applies to you.

Can my children become Australian citizens at the same time as me?

Children under 16 can generally be included in a parent’s citizenship application. Our lawyers advise on the specific requirements for children.

Can I hold dual citizenship — keep my original citizenship and become Australian?

Australia permits dual citizenship — you do not need to renounce your original citizenship under Australian law. However, your original country may have its own rules about whether you can retain your citizenship after becoming Australian. Some countries (including China and India) do not recognise dual citizenship and may automatically consider your original citizenship revoked when you naturalise elsewhere. We strongly recommend checking with your home country’s embassy before applying.

What happens at the citizenship ceremony?

After your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony held by your local council. At the ceremony, you stand and make the Australian Citizenship Pledge — either a secular affirmation or a religious oath. You officially become an Australian citizen from the moment you make the pledge. You receive your citizenship certificate on the day. Ceremonies are joyful occasions — bring your family and camera.

How long does the citizenship application take?

Total processing time from lodgement to ceremony is typically 12–24 months in the current environment, though this varies. The citizenship test invitation usually comes within 1–6 months of lodgement. After passing the test, the application is assessed and — if approved — a ceremony invitation is issued, typically 1–3 months after approval. Priority processing is available in genuine urgent circumstances.

I have a criminal record — can I still apply for Australian citizenship?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The Department assesses the good character requirement by looking at the nature, severity, recency, and circumstances of any offences. Minor, old, or non-custodial offences are treated differently from serious, recent, or imprisonable offences. We advise on the likely outcome of an application with a complex criminal history and whether timing, additional evidence, or a supporting submission can improve your prospects.

Can I apply for Australian citizenship if I am currently overseas?

Generally, no. You must be in Australia at the time you lodge your citizenship application. The application is lodged online through ImmiAccount while you are physically in Australia. If you are overseas when you become eligible, you must return to Australia before lodging. Additionally, you must be in Australia on the day of your citizenship ceremony to make the pledge and have citizenship conferred.

What is the difference between Australian citizenship and permanent residency?

Permanent residence allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely but can be cancelled and comes with conditions. Citizenship is unconditional, permanent and heritable — it also gives you the right to an Australian passport, the right to vote and the right to stand for public office.