Applying For Australian Citizenship

This part of our guide to emigrating to Australia looks at becoming an Australian citizen…

Attaining Australian citizenship formalises your membership of the Australian community and means that you no longer need to apply for visas to stay there. It entitles you to the same privileges that people who were born in the country receive and maximizes the opportunities available to you.

Certain criteria are in place for you to be eligible for Australian citizenship; you should have been residing there for the last 2-4 years (exactly how long differs on personal circumstances), you must be planning to live there long-term, you should over 18 years old, and must be of good character (which is judged on references you provide and your criminal record). Additionally, a computerized test of 20 multiple choice questions on a range of aspects of Australia must be passed.

Information and advice regarding methods of application, the application process and fees can be found on the website of the Department of Immigration and Culture (DIAC). Carefully read through this before downloading an application form from the website or collecting a paper version from a branch of the Australian High Commission. At $200 per application, it isn’t cheap, so be sure that you’re eligible and have all the necessary documentation before proceeding.

The status of the visa you have when you apply, or any future ones you apply for, won’t be affected by a failed citizenship application but you won’t get your application fee returned to you. To save yourself both the time and expense incurred by an unsuccessful application (though either ineligibility or incorrect documentation) you might want to consider consulting with a migration agent, who will be able to advise on your likelihood of gaining citizenship and also guide you through the process.

Once the application process is complete, and you’ve satisfied all of the citizenship requirements, you’ll be required to make the Pledge of Commitment. This is done at a special ceremony, which will culminate in you being presented with a Citizenship Certificate by an official from the Australian government.