Applying for Australian citizenship is one of the most significant steps in your migration journey. It represents a commitment to Australia and unlocks full rights as a citizen — including the ability to vote, apply for an Australian passport, and enjoy greater security of residency.
This guide, prepared by Australian Migration Lawyers, explains the pathways, legal requirements, and step-by-step process to apply for Australian citizenship in 2025.
Summary
Applying for Australian citizenship is a major legal milestone and the final step in your migration journey. Ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and supported by strong evidence can help avoid unnecessary delays.
For tailored advice and professional assistance, contact Australian Migration Lawyers — our team can guide you through every stage of your citizenship application.
Types of Australian Citizenship
There are several ways a person can become an Australian citizen. The most common categories are:
This is the most common pathway for permanent residents who have lived in Australia for several years and meet the residence requirements.
If you were born overseas and one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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If you were born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may automatically be an Australian citizen.
Children adopted under the Hague Convention or under a bilateral arrangement may be eligible if the adoption was finalised by an Australian court.
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Eligibility for Citizenship by Conferral
To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must meet several key legal requirements:
- Permanent Residency: You must hold permanent resident status (or an eligible New Zealand citizen visa).
- Residence Requirement: Generally, you must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, with limited absences.
- Good Character: Applicants aged 18 and over must satisfy the character requirement, which involves police checks and disclosure of criminal history.
- English Language and Citizenship Test: You must demonstrate a basic understanding of English and pass the citizenship test covering Australian values, history, and laws.
- Intention to Live in Australia: You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.
A minimum score of 75 percent is required on the citizenship test, and all five questions on Australian values must be answered correctly, there is no partial credit on those five. If you don't pass, there is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, and no additional fee for doing so, your application stays open while you retake it.
How to Apply for Australian Citizenship
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the citizenship by conferral application process:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet all the residence and character requirements. A registered migration lawyer can help confirm your eligibility and identify any potential issues before you apply.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You will need to prepare identity documents (such as your passport and birth certificate), evidence of permanent residence, and police clearances from any country where you have lived.
Step 3: Complete the Application Online
Applications are submitted through the Department of Home Affairs online portal (ImmiAccount). You must provide accurate details and upload all required documents.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The most common application, Form 1300t (general eligibility), currently has a standard fee of $595, with a concession fee of $85 for eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders. Payment must be made when you submit your application. Fees are indexed annually on 1 July, so confirm the current figure on the Department's Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Step 5: Attend the Citizenship Test and Interview
Most applicants between 18 and 59 years old must sit a citizenship test. The test is computer-based and focuses on Australian history, values, and government.
Applicants aged 60 or over at the time of application, and those under 18, are generally exempt from sitting the test, though they still attend an interview to confirm identity and eligibility.
Step 6: Await the Department’s Decision
Processing times vary considerably depending on the Department's caseload, individual circumstances, and whether further information is required. Treat any single figure you see, including elsewhere on this page, as indicative only, and check the Department's current published processing times before relying on a specific estimate for planning purposes.
Step 7: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
Once approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony conducted by your local council, where you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You officially become an Australian citizen after taking this pledge.
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Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals
Applications may be delayed or refused if:
- You do not meet the residence requirement
- There are character concerns or undeclared criminal matters
- Documentation is incomplete or inconsistent
- You fail to attend the citizenship interview or test
If your application is refused, you may have rights to seek review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024.. Legal advice can help you understand your options and strengthen your case.
Legal Advice from Australian Migration Lawyers
Applying for citizenship is a legal process that requires attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. Mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays or even refusal.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, we assist clients across Australia and overseas with:
- Checking eligibility before applying
- Preparing and lodging strong applications
- Responding to Department requests and interviews
- Handling complex or refused applications
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FAQs About Australian Citizenship
How long does it take to get Australian citizenship?
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and Departmental caseload. Rather than relying on a fixed figure, check the Department's current published processing times for citizenship by conferral before planning around a specific timeframe.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have spent time overseas?
Yes, but you must meet the residence requirement, which limits the number of days you can be outside Australia in the qualifying period.
Do children need to sit the citizenship test?
No, children under 18 are exempt. Applicants aged 60 or over at the time of application are also generally exempt, though both groups still attend an interview.
Can I apply for dual citizenship?
Yes, Australia allows dual citizenship. However, you should check whether your home country also recognises dual nationality.
How much does it cost to apply for Australian citizenship?
The most common application, Form 1300t, currently has a standard fee of $595, with a concession fee of $85 available to eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders. Other application types, such as citizenship by descent or evidence of citizenship, have different fee schedules. Fees are indexed annually on 1 July, so confirm the current figure before applying.
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