Australian Citizenship
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Australian citizenship gives you the right to live in Australia permanently, vote, obtain an Australian passport, and enjoy the full benefits of membership of the Australian community.
There are several pathways to Australian citizenship, each with its own eligibility requirements. Careful assessment is important, particularly where residence, character, or special circumstances apply.
Australian Citizenship Pathways
The main ways to become an Australian citizen are:
- Citizenship by conferral – the most common pathway for permanent residents
- Citizenship by descent – for people born overseas to an Australian citizen parent
- Citizenship by adoption – for children adopted overseas by Australian citizens
Australian Citizenship by Conferral
Citizenship by conferral is the standard pathway for permanent residents applying to become Australian citizens.
Who This Pathway Is For
- Australian permanent residents
- Eligible New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa
How the Process Works
- Citizenship application – meeting residence, status and character requirements
- Citizenship test – unless exempt
- Citizenship ceremony – conferral of citizenship
Key Eligibility Considerations
Applicants must generally meet requirements relating to:
- Lawful residence in Australia (usually four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident)
- Good character (a higher threshold than permanent residence)
- Intention to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association
Exemptions and special cases may apply, including for:
- Applicants aged 60 and over (test exemption)
- Applicants with certain incapacity or impairment
- Children aged 16 or 17 (apply in their own right)
What Citizenship Allows
- Live and work in Australia indefinitely
- Apply for an Australian passport
- Travel freely in and out of Australia
Australian Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent is available to people born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent.
Key Points
- No citizenship test is required
- Applicants aged 18 and over must meet character requirements
- Additional residence requirements apply where the Australian parent obtained citizenship by descent or adoption
Australian Citizenship by Adoption
Citizenship by adoption applies to children adopted overseas by Australian citizen parents under recognised adoption arrangements.
Key Points
- Adoption must comply with Hague Convention, bilateral, or recognised arrangements
- No citizenship test is required
- Character requirements apply for applicants aged 18 and over
Speak With Us – Citizenship
Citizenship applications can raise complex issues around residence, character, and eligibility. We provide clear advice and manage the process from start to finish.
Phone: (02) 9283 0888
Email: info@lewisbollard.com.au
