Citizenship
Australian citizenship has a variety of privileges, responsibilities and benefits that come with it. Anybody born in Australia is automatically granted citizenship and has access to these rights, responsibilities, and privileges. However, people born overseas can become citizens by following a variety of pathways.
People who apply for citizenship complete an application, submit their documents, and attend a citizenship ceremony if they are granted citizenship. People over the age of 16 must apply on their own, however a child under the age of 15 can apply with their parent/ guardian.
Pathways
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Permanent residents and New Zealand citizens can apply for Australian citizenship if they have spent time in Australia and intend to live or ‘maintain a lasting link’ with the nation.
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New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more are eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. This means all New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) are eligible to apply directly for citizenship (by conferral).
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If your parent/s was an Australian citizen when you were born overseas, you are eligible to become an Australian citizen. (If you were born to a former Australian citizen, some options are available as well).
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Person born in Papua before independence in 1975.
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Child adopted by an Australian Citizen in Australia, whilst the child was born outside of Australia.
Responsibilities
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Obeying Australian laws.
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Vote in Elections – federal, state & local.
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Serve on jury duty.
Privileges
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Children born overseas can become Australian citizens by descent.
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Jobs in the ADF (Australian Defence Force) or APS (Australian Public Service) are available for citizens.
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Citizens can be elected to parliament.
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Obtain an Australian passport, return to Australia from overseas freely without any visa application requirements.
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Live in any Australian region – no live/ work location requirements like some vias subclasses require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently the requirements applying for citizenship from the permanent resident pathway include:
- You’re an Australian Permanent resident.
- You have lived in Australia for a period of 4 years, which include 12 months as a permanent resident
- You are of ‘good character’ – passing a ‘character test’ is required.
The cost is $490 AUD for adults, over 18.
If you are 16 or 17 years old the cost is $300
There is no cost for a child under the age of 15 years old
An Australian citizenship will not be granted under the following circumstances:
If it has been less than two years since you were last serving time in prison.
If you are currently in prison or a psychiatric institution by an order of the courts.
Other caveats may be applied.
Schedule Your Australian Citizenship Consultation Appointment
With AIVS’ immigration visa consultants, we can help you find a solution to your visa needs, and assist you with any questions you may have about which visa is suitable for your specific circumstances.