The road to Australian citizenship is a complex and often slow journey to navigate. If you’re looking to officially become an Australian citizen, here’s what you need to know.
Current criteria
In short, to be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must have:
- Been an Australian permanent resident for at least one year and have spent no more than 90 days outside Australia in the 12 months before you apply
- Been living in Australia on a valid visa for the four years before you apply
- Not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in the four years before you apply
- Be of good character
The Australian citizenship test and interview
As part of the process, most applicants aged between 18 and 59 also need to attend an interview and successfully pass the Australian citizenship test.
The interview involves confirming documentation, identity and eligibility to sit the test, while the Australian citizenship test is designed to assess what applicants know about Australia and Australian citizenship.
Applicants are given 45 minutes to sit the test, and can re-sit it on the same day (if possible) or at another time should they fail.
Once the Australian citizenship test has been passed, processing of the application continues, with applicants notified of the outcome in writing. If the application is approved, applicants need to attend a citizenship ceremony in order to become citizens.
What citizenship entitles you to
Australian citizens enjoy the following rights. The Department of Home Affairs explains that as an Australian citizen you can:
- apply for an Australian passport
- leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want
- ask for help from an Australian consulate if in trouble overseas
- vote in federal, state or territory elections
- vote in a Constitutional referendum or plebiscite
- seek election to parliament, if you are aged 18 years or over and not a dual citizen
Meanwhile citizenship also brings with it certain responsibilities. You must:
- behave in accordance with Australia’s democratic beliefs
- respect the rights and liberties of Australia
- follow and obey the law
- vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in referenda
- defend Australia if necessary
- serve on jury duty if summoned
About T & T Lawyers
T & T Lawyers is a dynamic and progressive Sydney-based firm offering sound advice, effective strategies and the best possible outcomes in all areas of law including citizenship applications and a broad range of immigration matters.
You can learn more about our services here, or contact us directly for further advice.
