Australian citizenship. Your next chapter.
You’ve built a life, a connection or a family link to Australia. Understand your citizenship pathway, the evidence you need and the next step that fits.
Different pathways.
The right starting point.
Citizenship by conferral and citizenship by descent have different requirements. First, check whether you need to apply to become a citizen or obtain evidence that you already are one.
Citizenship by conferral
A common pathway for permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens. Your residence history, identity, character and connection to Australia all matter.
The test and other requirements depend on your age and circumstances.
See the key requirementsCitizenship by descent
Born overseas to a parent who was an Australian citizen when you were born? Descent may be an option. You need an application and approval.
Additional parental residence rules can apply. Applicants aged 18 or over must meet the character requirement.
Evidence of citizenship
If you are already a citizen, an evidence application may be the right step. Your birth date, parents’ status and residence history can be relevant.
This can include some people born in Australia, including those ordinarily resident here throughout their first ten years.
Qualifying overseas adoptions and some former Australian citizens have separate pathways. A parent who became a citizen by descent or certain overseas adoptions generally needs two years of lawful presence in Australia before a descent application for their child, subject to applicable exceptions.
Your dates matter.
So does the full picture.
For a standard adult application, check more than the time since your permanent visa was granted.
- Your status: hold a permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand Special Category visa (subclass 444) when you apply and when a decision is made.
- Your identity and character: establish who you are and meet the good character requirement. Be accurate about your history.
- Your knowledge and understanding: meet the applicable English and citizenship knowledge requirements, usually through the citizenship test.
- Your connection: intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing connection. In most cases, you must be in Australia for approval.
A New Zealand citizen?
Your SCV may be the starting point.
Eligible New Zealand citizens holding an SCV can apply by conferral without first obtaining a permanent visa. They are treated as permanent residents for citizenship purposes. Residence and absence requirements still apply, with specific rules for calculating when permanent residence starts.
Put your story
and evidence together.
The documents need to support the pathway you choose. Resolve gaps and inconsistencies before you lodge.
Connect your records.
Bring together your birth record, passports, identity documents, photograph and evidence of any name changes. Descent applications also need evidence of the parent-child relationship and the parent’s citizenship.
Make the dates add up.
Check visa grants, first arrival as a permanent resident where relevant, and every trip outside Australia. Include the exact departure and return dates when reviewing residence.
Address the history clearly.
Disclose relevant convictions, charges and other matters accurately. Overseas police certificates may be required, depending on your age, pathway and travel history, or if Home Affairs requests them.
Prepare with purpose.
Know what to expect.
Most conferral applicants aged 18 to 59 sit the citizenship test in English. Prepare using Home Affairs’ Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond booklet and official practice resources.
45 minutes
15 out of 20
must all be correct
If you do not pass, Home Affairs can arrange another appointment at no extra cost. It may refuse your application after three unsuccessful appointments. Not passing the test does not, by itself, affect your visa.
A different appointment? People aged 17 or younger, 60 or older, and some applicants with an incapacity or impairment do not sit the test. An interview or supporting evidence may still be needed. Test support is available in eligible circumstances.
One more step.
A meaningful commitment.
For most people applying by conferral, citizenship starts when they make the pledge at a ceremony. Passing the test or receiving approval does not complete that step.
Home Affairs or your local council will send an invitation. Ceremony availability varies, so allow for the wait when planning travel.
Keep travel rights in view. Before your ceremony, use your current passport and make sure you can return to Australia on a valid visa. A permanent resident may need a Resident Return visa if their travel facility has expired. Tell Home Affairs about planned overseas travel.
Descent, qualifying adoption and resumption generally do not require a ceremony. Children under 16 included with a parent usually become citizens when that parent does.
A few clear steps.
Support where it matters.
We help connect the requirements to your circumstances, explain the scope of support and identify what needs attention before you proceed.
Check your pathway.
Review your status, residence or family connection. Identify the right application and any issues that need closer advice.
Prepare and apply.
Gather the required records, check consistency and lodge the appropriate application. Confirm the current government fee and any concession.
Follow through.
Respond to requests and keep Home Affairs informed of changes. For conferral, prepare for the relevant appointment and, where required, the ceremony.
A lasting connection.
A shared responsibility.
Citizenship brings opportunities to participate in Australia’s future, alongside responsibilities to its people and laws.
Your responsibilities
- Obey Australian laws.
- Enrol and vote when required.
- Serve on a jury if called, and defend Australia should the need arise.
Your opportunities
- Apply for an Australian passport and return as a citizen.
- Apply for eligible public service or defence roles.
- Apply for citizenship by descent for an eligible child born overseas.
Let’s make
things clearer.
A few useful answers before you take the next step.
Can I include my children?
A dependent child aged 15 or younger may be included in a responsible parent’s conferral application at lodgement, without an extra fee. The child must hold an eligible status and meet the relevant requirements. Children aged 16 or 17 apply separately. Independent applications for younger children have specific parent, consent and living-arrangement rules.
What if I have a conviction or a pending court matter?
A conviction does not automatically rule out citizenship. The details, timing and applicable legal restrictions matter, and Home Affairs must assess good character. Disclose the history accurately and seek advice early, especially if proceedings are ongoing.
How long will it take, and what will it cost?
Fees depend on the application type, age and any concession or exemption. Processing and ceremony waits also vary. Check the current Home Affairs fee schedule and processing guidance before lodging; a published processing timeframe is not a guaranteed decision date.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
Australia permits dual citizenship. The law of your other country may operate differently, so check its requirements before applying. Once you are an Australian citizen, use an Australian passport to enter and leave Australia.
What if I was adopted or used to be an Australian citizen?
Certain overseas adoptions have a specific citizenship pathway, while other adoption cases may need a visa or conferral application. Some former citizens may be eligible to resume citizenship. The adoption arrangements or the way citizenship ceased determine which rules need checking.
Let’s make your
next step clearer.
Tell us about your current status, time in Australia or family connection. We’ll help you understand what needs checking and the support that fits.
Information checked 13 November 2026 against Home Affairs guidance. General information only. Eligibility, required evidence and timing depend on your pathway and circumstances.