Three Important Pathways to Apply for Australian CItizenship

Are you an expat living in Australia? Are you planning to get Australian nationality after getting residency? You have come to the right place.

Australia has now become a desirable destination for thousands of immigrants because of stability, less income tax, good education and quality medical services. There are many benefits to becoming an Australian citizen. You get all the privileges and rights, use government services and also get the right to vote in national elections.

Although the citizenship application process in Australia is lengthy and daunting, carefully following every step will prevent mistakes in your application and documentation process.

Eligibility Criteria

First, you need to check your eligibility criteria.

• You should have a resident card for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship
• The residence requirement must be satisfied.
• You need to pass the Australian Citizenship Test with at least a 75% score and satisfy the criteria for the English language.
• Your age should be 18-65.
• You should show good moral conduct with no criminal record and legal penalties within and outside Australia.
• You should have lived in Australia for 4 years.
• You shouldn’t spend more than 90 days in the last 12 months overseas before applying for citizenship.

Keep in mind that this criteria can vary based on case to case. It is recommended to visit the official website

Three Important Pathways to Apply for Citizenship

There are three main pathways to applying for citizenship in Australia

• Citizenship Australia by Conferral
• Citizenship Australia by Birth
• Citizenship Australia by descent

Australian Citizenship By Conferral

You should spend 4 years in Australia and can spend at least 12 months overseas while holding any visa. In the last year (before you apply for citizenship), you shouldn’t be absent from Australia for more than 90 days. The application process for Australian Citizenship By Conferral can take 7-17 months

The fee to apply by Conferral is AUD 300 while children who are dependent on their parents don't need to pay.

Australian Citizenship By Birth

If both of your parents or any single parent is either an Australian Citizen or is a resident while you were born, then you can apply for citizenship. If your parents are resident and you are born overseas then they should apply for your child visa. The application process for Australian Citizenship By Birth can take 5-38 days.

Australian Citizenship By Descent

If your parents are Australian Citizens and resided overseas while you were born, then you can apply for Australian Citizenship by descent. You need to verify your paternity test and have your registration verified by the Australian Government. Your application can be processed within the duration of 45 days to 4 months.

Documents Required for Australian Citizenship

• Birth Certificate with your full name and parents' name
• ID card
• Passport Size Photos

However, there are other documents as well that you need to provide if asked by the Department of Home Affairs

• Original divorce or marriage certificate
• Documents that show your first date of entry to Australia, your current country and no. of days you spent outside Australia in the last 4 years
• Your previous passports and travel documents
• Child Migrants Trust Letter
• Address of your current place where you are residing
• Medical insurance documents
• Good character certificate
• Australian Citizenship Test result
• Documents that you have solved all your legal penalties (if any)

Privileges of Becoming an Australian Citizen

There are many privileges of becoming an Australian CItizen

• You can join the armed forces.
• You can participate in federal, state, and territory elections and referendums.
• You have a right to vote and get elected to parliament.
• You can travel visa-free to 185 countries.
• You don’t need a return visa to travel from or to Australia.