Australian Citizenship
Citizenship by conferral and by descent, residence calculations, the citizenship test, and evidence of citizenship for those already entitled.
Citizenship by conferral has strict residence requirements, and working out whether you meet them is rarely as simple as counting years. Absences, the date your permanent residence commenced, and time spent on particular visas all feed into the calculation.
We check your residence position against the requirements before you apply, and help you prepare an application that is complete the first time.
How we help with australian citizenship
- Calculate your general residence position against the requirements
- Check identity and character documentation before you lodge
- Prepare citizenship by conferral applications
- Prepare citizenship by descent applications for children born overseas
- Apply for evidence of Australian citizenship where entitlement already exists
- Explain the citizenship test and what the appointment involves
- Advise on special residence and discretionary provisions where relevant
Visas in this category
Expand any option below for who it suits and what it involves. These summaries are general. Your own eligibility depends on your circumstances.
The standard pathway for permanent residents who have met the residence requirement and wish to become Australian citizens.
Who it may suit
- Permanent residents who satisfy the general residence requirement
- Applicants aged 18 to 59 who can sit the citizenship test
- Children under 16 included in a responsible parent's application
Key points
- Generally four years lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying
- At least twelve months of that as a permanent resident
- Absences from Australia are capped across both periods
- Applicants aged 18 to 59 sit a citizenship test covering values and knowledge
- You must be of good character and intend to reside in Australia
- Citizenship takes effect at the citizenship ceremony
For people born outside Australia to a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth.
Who it may suit
- People born overseas to an Australian citizen parent
- Children of Australians who were themselves citizens by descent, in some cases
- Adopted children of Australian citizens in certain circumstances
Key points
- No residence requirement and no citizenship test
- Your parent must have been an Australian citizen when you were born
- Additional requirements apply where the parent was a citizen by descent
- Applicants over 18 must be of good character
- There is no age limit on applying
A formal certificate for people who are already Australian citizens but need documentary proof.
Who it may suit
- People born in Australia who need proof of citizenship status
- Citizens who have lost their original certificate
- Applicants needing evidence for a passport or employment
Key points
- Confirms citizenship you already hold rather than granting it
- Commonly needed where a birth certificate alone is not sufficient
- Birth in Australia does not automatically confer citizenship in every case
- Parents' status at the time of your birth may be relevant
Not sure where you stand?
Book a consultation and get an honest assessment of your options, including the ones that are not open to you yet, and why.
Initial consultations are by appointment, in person in Punchbowl or by video anywhere in Australia and overseas.
- Registered migration agency. MARN 2619475
- Honest assessment, including when a pathway isn't open
- Written quote before any work begins
- In person in Punchbowl, or by video Australia-wide