Australian citizenship cost & application fees

Applying for Australian citizenship is a significant milestone in many people's lives. In Australia, citizenship can be attained in three different ways, and this includes a pathway for those who have migrated to Australia but were not born here or born to an Australian citizen. Regardless of how citizenship is attained, all Australian citizens have the same rights and responsibilities. However, applying for Australian citizenship is unfortunately not free, and potential applicants are required to pay an application fee.

This blog will provide an overview of the Australian citizenship application fees and outline some key information that applicants should consider before applying and making any payment. While applicants are able to apply for Australian citizenship independently, those who require tailored advice or specific information can contact an Australian Migration Lawyer who can assist them at any stage in the application process.

Australian Citizenship overview

As stated, there are three ways that an applicant can attain citizenship in Australia. These pathways differ depending on if an applicant is seeking citizenship by conferral or descent. Becoming an Australian citizen by birth refers to an applicant who was born in Australia. Becoming an Australian citizen by descent refers to an applicant having at least one parent who was or is an Australian citizen. Becoming an Australian citizen by conferral refers to eligible applicants apply to the Australian government to receive citizenship (e.g., New Zealand citizens or permanent visa holders).

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If you are interested in getting more information about citizenship, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Australian Citizenship benefits

Irrespective of how an applicant becomes an Australian citizen, all Australian citizens are given the same rights and benefits. While generally becoming an Australian citizen strengthens an individual’s connection within Australia and provides them a legal status analogous to if they were born in Australia, there are a number of other benefits including:

• Being eligible for an Australian passport.
• Being able to vote in federal, state and territory elections (as well as in a referendum).
• Being able to apply for children born overseas to become Australian citizens.
• Being able to apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force.
• Being able to seek election to an Australian parliament.
• Being able to leave and re-enter Australia freely without restriction.
• Being able to seek consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas.

Australian Citizenship application requirements

Applicants should be aware that to become an Australian citizen, there are eligibility criteria and requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to make a successful application. These include being of ‘good character’, being an Australian permanent resident and demonstrating adequate knowledge of Australia. Furthermore, there are several accompanying documents that need to be provided to the Department of Home Affairs alongside any citizenship application.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we can assist applicants who need guidance around the Australian citizenship process or provide advice in relation to their eligibility for Australian citizenship, including assessing if the applicant’s current visa provides a pathway to permanent residence and Australian citizenship. If applicants require this type of assistance, they can contact us today.

Australian Citizenship application process

The citizenship application process occurs over multiple stages. Applicants should be aware that this process is similar to the process involved in applying for any Australian visa. As previously mentioned, there are three ways that an applicant may attain Australian citizenship, so it is important that applicants firstly consider any appropriate options and if they are eligible for citizenship. Once an applicant is satisfied they are eligible, they should collate all of their documents and supporting evidence, fill out the application form and pay their application fee. These documents and fees can be lodged and paid for online (paper applications can be processed in specific circumstances). Applications can be made both inside and outside of Australia.

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 59 years old will typically be required to sit the Australian citizenship test or have an interview with the Department following the lodgement of their application. The Department will then consider the application that the applicant has made and where necessary request additional information or documents. When the department reaches a decision, the Department will contact applicants in writing. If successful, applicants will be invited to attend an Australian citizenship ceremony and make the Australian citizenship pledge. There is no additional government fee for attending the citizenship pledge ceremony itself; the cost is covered by the application fee already paid. If unsuccessful, the Department will provide any reasons for the refusal and information about reviewing their decision. 

Australian Citizenship cost

Australian citizenship fees and associated application costs can be found on Form 1298i (Citizenship application fee). The Australian citizenship application fee differs depending on how citizenship is being attained by the applicant (Australian citizenship by conferral, descent or birth). This form, at the time of writing, is summarised below:

Form 1300t - Application for Australian citizenship - General eligibility

Standard Fee: $595

Concession Fee: $85

Child/children under 15 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent: Nil

Fee Exemptions: Nil

Form 1290 - Application for Australian citizenship - Other situations

Standard Fee: $365

Concession Fee: $40

Child/children under 15 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent: Nil

Fee Exemptions: Nil

Form 118 - Application for Australian citizenship by descent

Standard Fee: $380

For second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time: $160

Form 1272 - Application for Australian citizenship for children adopted under full Hague Convention or bilateral arrangements

Standard Fee: $380

For second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time: $160

Form 128 - Application for renunciation of Australian citizenship

Standard Fee: $320

Form 132 - Application to resume Australian citizenship

Standard Fee: $255

Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent: Nil

Form 119 - Application for evidence of Australian citizenship

Standard Fee: $290

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Citizenship fee concessions

Applicants should be aware that if they are making an application under Form 1300t or Form 1290 they may be eligible for a concession fee. This means that applicants will only be required to pay a reduced fee if they are eligible when they make an application. 

A fee concession is available to:

• Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs)
• Persons aged under 18 years 17 years or younger listed as a dependent on a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

Health Care Cards, Student Cards, and Seniors Health Cards cannot be used to obtain a citizenship fee concession  only a Pensioner Concession Card is accepted.

Applicants should be aware that when seeking to receive a fee concession, applicants are required to provide a certified copy of both sides of their concession card (issued by either Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs) with their citizenship application. Information about certifying documents can be found on the Department of Home Affairs’ website.

Australian Government fee exemptions

Additionally, applicants should check if they are eligible for a fee exemption if they are making an application under Form 1300t or Form 1290. This means that no fee will be payable for applicants if they are eligible.

A fee exemption is available to:

• British and Maltese former child migrants who came to Australia without their parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. Applicants will be required to provide a letter from the Child Migrants Trust confirming the details of their arrival and sponsorship with their citizenship application.
• Persons who have served for a total of at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. Applicants will be required to provide a letter or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force specifying service dates with their citizenship application.
• Persons applying under Statelessness provision (section 21(8) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007)

Applicants should be aware that if they are seeking to apply for Australian citizenship with a fee exemption the Department requires that these applications be made via a paper application rather than lodged online.

Fee changes

Many applicants wonder if the citizenship application fee changes. The fees that are charged by the Department for an Australian citizenship application are subject to change. The fees are specified in the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016 and on July 1 of each year, indexation is applied to the fees charged. Applicants should be aware that this indexation means the citizenship application fee changes by a differing amount calculated by reference to the consumer price index. Consequently, application fees may increase year on year at the beginning of each new financial year. This means the fee that applies to an application is the one in effect on the date the Department receives it, not the date the application was started or completed, so applicants planning to apply close to 1 July should confirm the current fee before paying.

Get an estimate using our free visa cost calculator.

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How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

If you are unsure which citizenship pathway applies to you, need help understanding the citizenship application fee structure, or want to check your eligibility for a concession or exemption, an Australian migration lawyer can help. This includes applicants navigating a partner-based pathway to citizenship, or those applying on behalf of a child. New: We can help clarify how citizenship fees apply to specific circumstances, including applications made on behalf of a child or as part of a family group. For tailored guidance and help avoiding common application errors, contact our team at Australian Migration Lawyers today.

If you're in or near Melbourne, reach out to our Melbourne migration lawyers for guidance.