Foreigners hoping to become Australian citizens must meet specific residency, character and language requirements before they can apply. The process also comes with an application fee, which varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Australia remains a destination for people seeking better employment opportunities, education and long-term settlement. However, obtaining Australian citizenship is not automatic, even for foreigners who have lived in the country for several years.
The Australian government requires applicants to satisfy specific conditions before they can qualify for citizenship by conferral.
How much does Australian citizenship cost?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes citizenship application fees for different categories of applicants.
The general eligibility application uses Form 1300t, while Form 1290 covers applicants in other situations.
The government also provides concession fees for eligible applicants. These concessions are not available to every foreign resident.
Applicants should check the latest official fee schedule before submitting their applications because citizenship fees are subject to annual adjustments.
Who can apply for Australian citizenship?
Most adult applicants seeking citizenship by conferral must first hold Australian permanent residency.
New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa (subclass 444) may also qualify under the relevant arrangements.
However, holding permanent residency alone does not automatically make someone eligible.
Applicants must also satisfy Australia’s general residence requirement.
How long must foreigners live in Australia?
Under the general residence requirement, applicants must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before applying.
They must also have held permanent residency for at least the final 12 months before submitting their applications.
The government also restricts how long applicants can spend outside Australia during this period.
Generally, they must not have spent more than 12 months outside the country during the four years. Their absence must also not exceed 90 days during the final 12 months.
Some applicants may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.
Other requirements for Australian citizenship
Beyond residency, applicants must satisfy other conditions.
These include:
- Good character: Applicants aged 18 and above must meet Australia’s character requirement. Authorities may consider criminal records, court obligations and whether applicants provided truthful information.
- English language: Applicants generally need a basic knowledge of English.
- Citizenship test: Most applicants aged between 18 and 59 must demonstrate knowledge of Australia, its values, responsibilities and privileges.
- Commitment to Australia: Applicants must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing connection with the country while overseas.
For the citizenship test, applicants generally need to score at least 75% and answer all five questions on Australian values correctly.
How to apply for Australian citizenship
Eligible applicants can begin the process through the Department of Home Affairs.
They must complete the appropriate application form, provide supporting documents and pay the applicable fee through the government’s ImmiAccount platform.
Most applicants aged between 18 and 59 will receive an appointment for a citizenship test.
After the appointment, applicants must wait for the government’s decision. Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and whether additional documents are required.
The government may request further information before deciding an application.
Foreigners should therefore understand that Australian citizenship is a separate process from obtaining a visa or permanent residency. They must first meet the eligibility conditions before applying.