HOW TO BECOME AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN

Privileges of Australian Citizenship

1. Full Political Participation: Australian citizens have the right to vote in federal, state, and territory elections. They can also stand for public office, allowing them to actively participate in the democratic process.
2. Access to Government Jobs: Some government positions and roles are restricted to Australian citizens. By becoming a citizen, you may have access to a broader range of employment opportunities within the public sector.
3. Passport and Travel: Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport, which provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. This can simplify international travel and may offer greater protection and assistance through Australian embassies and consulates abroad.
4. Permanent Residency for Family: Australian citizens can sponsor family members for permanent residency, facilitating family reunification.
5. Social Security Benefits: Citizens have access to a range of social security benefits, including unemployment benefits, health care, and other support services.
6. Education Benefits: Australian citizens have access to government-subsidized education, including higher education loans and scholarships.
7. Security and Protection: Australian citizens receive protection and assistance from the Australian government while overseas, including access to consular services.
8. Dual Citizenship: Australia allows dual citizenship, so becoming an Australian citizen doesn’t necessarily require renouncing citizenship in another country.
9. Civic and Legal Rights: Citizens enjoy certain rights and responsibilities, such as the right to live in Australia indefinitely, protection under Australian law, and the ability to apply for certain government positions.

It’s important to note that the benefits of Australian citizenship may change over time, and there could be additional requirements and considerations. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs or other official government sources for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

 

There are 3 ways to become an Australian citizen:

1. CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

If you are born in Australia and at least one of your parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia at the time of your birth.
You must notify Australia Department of Home affairs of the birth. The notification form will be issued by the hospital immediately after a mother is delivered of the baby. Fill the form and post it to the indicated address and the baby birth certificate will be issued. This baby is now an Australian Citizen. You can apply for the citizenship certificate at any time, and you will receive it with 2 weeks in your mailbox.

2. CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

If you are born overseas to an Australian citizen. You will apply using the citizenship form and provide indicated proof.

3. CITIZENSHIP BY CONFERRAL

If you are a permanent visa holder who is residing in Australia. There are certain Australian citizenship requirements you must meet for Australian citizenships, the most common being citizenship by conferral, which may include:

• Being an Australian permanent resident
• Living in Australia for a period of four years with absences of less than 12 months
• Living in Australia for the last 12 months as a permanent visa holder with absences of less than 90 days
• Being of good character
• Having an adequate knowledge of your responsibilities and privileges as an Australian citizen
• Intending to reside in Australia, or to preserve a close connection with Australia.

There are also various discretions and special considerations which may vary the general requirements of the above ways to obtain citizenship. This may include:

• Being born in Australia and spending the first 10 years of your life in Australia
• Being the spouse/partner of an Australian citizens while residing overseas
• Holding specific visas and/or having special skills which are of benefit to Australia.
• Working in specific employment which requires you to travel outside Australia.

Applying for Australian Citizenship

This Is Australia has extensive knowledge in the Australian citizenship requirements through many successful applications.

To become an Australian citizen, you must lodge a completed application form with the required documents and pay the applicable fee to DOHA. You will generally be required to present for an interview and pass a test before your application can be approved.

The citizenship test will assess your knowledge of Australia’s history and society as well as the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen.

If approved, you will be invited to participate in an Australian citizenship ceremony and make the Australian Citizenship Pledge after which you will officially become an Australian citizen.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR AUSTRALIA CITIZENSHIP

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:

1. • You must be a permanent resident of Australia.
   • You should have lived in Australia for a specific period (usually four years) as a permanent resident.
   • There are additional criteria related to your character, criminal record, and other factors.

1. Confirm Eligibility for Citizenship by Descent (if applicable):

1. • If you were born outside Australia to an Australian citizen, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent.

1. Gather Required Documents:

1. • Collect necessary documents, including proof of identity, residency, and other supporting documents.

1. Apply for Citizenship:

1. • Complete and submit the citizenship application form to the Department of Home Affairs.
   • Pay the required application fee.

1. Attend a Citizenship Test or Interview (if required):

1. • Some applicants may need to take a citizenship test or attend an interview as part of the assessment process.

1. Wait for Processing:

1. • The processing time for citizenship applications can vary. You will be notified about the outcome of your application.

1. Attend a Citizenship Ceremony:

1. • If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you’ll make the Australian Citizenship Pledge.

1. Receive Citizenship Certificate:

1. • After the ceremony, you will be given a citizenship certificate as proof of your Australian citizenship.

1. Update Records:

1. • Update your details with relevant government agencies, such as the electoral roll and the Australian Taxation Office.

For more information https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/home