Ways To Become an Australian Citizen
Acquiring an Australian citizenship represents numerous pathways that demand meticulous consideration, especially for those studying and working onshore. While the process is complicated, it’s straightforward if you keep in mind what is required from the Immigration Department.
Becoming an Australian citizen provides a wide range of advantages. These include:
– Live, work, and travel without any restrictions in or out of Australia,
– Apply for an Australian passport,
– Receive support from Australian representatives abroad, when necessary,
– Pursue career opportunities in Australia’s public sector or armed forces,
– Exercise your right to participate in elections, and
– Serve on legal juries as an enrolled voter in both state/territory and federal electoral registers.
Before we look at the different ways to get a citizenship here’s somethings you need to know when you get a citizenship in Australia.
How long does it take to get citizenship in Australia?
Citizenship applications through conferral are typically processed within 10 months, with a 90% approval rate. Successful applicants can participate in ceremonies within six months of approval.
Descent applications are usually processed within 4 months. While, for those seeking evidence of citizenship, processing takes an average of 20 days.
How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after PR?
After residing in Australia as a permanent resident for a designated period, individuals become eligible for citizenship. Once this waiting period concludes, applicants undergo citizenship tests and fulfill additional requirements, a process that typically spans 3-12 months. Following application submission, processing times generally range from 10-14 months.
Which is the best way to become an Australian citizen?
Attaining Australian citizenship through a grant is possible if you don’t meet other conditions like birth or descent requirements. Eligibility involves meeting age criteria and holding permanent residency in Australia. Legal residence in the country for four years, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident, is necessary. Additionally, you must have resided in Australia for at least nine out of the last twelve months prior to the application date. Demonstrating good character and a sound understanding of Australian citizen rights, privileges, and responsibilities are essential.
How difficult is it to become an Australian citizen?
If you were born in Australia to at least one parent who is a citizen or permanent resident, obtaining citizenship is straightforward. Alternatively, you can apply if you meet specified criteria, such as four years of legal residency, with 12 months as a permanent resident, demonstrating good character, and more. Additionally, the application process for permanent residency visas, which can lead to citizenship, is efficient. Even individuals from New Zealand experience a smooth pathway to becoming Australian citizens.
Can someone buy Australian citizenship?
Certainly, purchasing Australian citizenship is not allowed. However, there is a pathway to obtain citizenship through investment.
Australia offers temporary subclass 188 and permanent subclass 888 visa options, each with specific criteria and investment requirements. The latter eventually leads to Australian citizenship. Investors can gain citizenship by investing specific amounts and fulfilling the necessary criteria as outlined by the country’s regulations.
Ways to Become an Australian Citizen
There are 3 ways to become an Australian citizen:
1. By birth
If a child is born in Australia and at least one of their parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of their birth, the child will become an Australian citizen.
The parent who holds Australian citizenship or permanent residency must initiate the process to obtain evidence of citizenship for the child. This involves applying for the child’s citizenship certificate, which is a crucial step in confirming the child’s citizenship status.
2. By descent
If a child was born overseas to an Australian Citizen:
A. On or After January 26, 1949 – may be eligible if you were born outside Australia and one or both your parents at that time was an Australian citizen.
But if the parents became an Australian Citizen by descent or adoption outside Australia under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or bilateral arrangement, they would need to spent at least 2 years lawfully in Australia before you apply.
B. Born outside Australia through an international surrogacy arrangement.
The child can choose to have dual citizenship or apply for Australian citizenship by fulfilling specific eligibility requirements. And if the child is 15 years or younger, the parent must sign the application.
3. By conferral
Individuals eligible for Australian citizenship include permanent visa holders who have been living in Australia for the past four years before applying, or New Zealand Citizens with a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) for the last 12 months before the application date.
3.1. Conferral – For New Zealand Citizens
For permanent residents of New Zealand or New Zealand citizens, they can obtain citizenship of Australia by fulfilling these criteria:
– New Zealand citizens holding an SCV are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
– Individuals aged between 18-59 years for 60 years or older is another classification.
– A parent cannot include a child aged 16 or 17 in their application. They must apply on their own.
– A parent can include a dependent child aged 15 or younger in their application at no extra cost. The child must be a permanent resident.
– Migrants under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme
– Spouse/partner of an Australian citizen
– Humanitarian migrants or refugees.
3.2. Conferral – PR visa holder
Australian citizenship through conferral is accessible to individuals who fulfill the following criteria:
– For person 60 years or over, they can obtain citizenship in Australia with these criteria:
* Be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa (SCV)
* Must have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day of application,
* Held a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months immediately before the day of application,
* Have no absence from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before application,
* Must be 60 years or older to apply without sitting a citizenship test,
* Must be satisfied that you are of good character,
* May have an interview to confirm identity and show that you understand the nature of the application.
* Must show and satisfy immigration that the applicant is likely to live or continue to live in Australia, or maintain a close and continuing link with Australia while overseas.
– Migrants under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme
– Spouse/partner of Australian citizens
– Qualified New Zealand citizens
– Humanitarian/refugee migrants
3.3 Conferral – Born to A Former Australian Citizen
If you were born to a former Australian citizen, you can attain a citizenship but would need to meet the certain criteria:
– Must show evidence of the birth to a former Australian citizen.
– One of you parents must have been an Australian citizen but lost their citizenship:
* Before you were born;
* Before April 4, 2022 (Dual citizenship was allowed after this date)
* Result of applying for and acquiring another country’s citizenship as an adult
– Must be of good character if over 18 years of age.
3.4 Conferral – Person born in Papua
If you were born in Papua before independence in 1975, you may be eligible for Australian citizenship. You can attain a citizenship if you meet the following criteria:
– Must have been born in Papua before September 16, 1975,
– Have at least one parent who was born in Australia and was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth,
3.5 Conferral – Person with an Incapacity or Impairment
You can apply for a citizenship meet certain criteria before you can apply:
– You must be a permanent resident,
– New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa (SCV),
– Met the general residence requirement,
– Must be of good character if you are 18 years or over,
– This information if for people 18 years and over who are unable to sit the citizenship test because they have a:
* Permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity or,
* Permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech, or sight.
3.6 Conferral – Born in Australia and are Stateless
This if for those who are born in Australia and are stateless. You can apply for a citizenship but need to meet the following:
– Have been born in Australia on or after July 1, 2007,
– Must not have become a national or citizen of a foreign country automatically upon your birth in Australia,
– Never have been a national or citizen of any country,
– Not be entitled to acquire the nationality or citizenship of any country.
Acquiring Australian citizenship is a manageable process, as long as you adhere to the stipulated guidelines and rules. You can check the eligibility available on the immigration department official website before deciding to apply: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen
Now, that you know what to do. Good luck on your journey for processing your visa application.
