Australian Citizenship
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Becoming an Australian citizen is often the final step in your migration journey.
Australian citizenship gives you the security of knowing Australia is your permanent home, along with additional rights and opportunities that are not available to permanent residents.
If you are an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, you may already be eligible to apply.
Why Apply for Australian Citizenship?
Many permanent residents delay applying for citizenship because they are comfortable living in Australia on a permanent visa. However, citizenship provides long-term benefits that go beyond permanent residency.
Australian Passport
As an Australian citizen, you can apply for an Australian passport and travel internationally as an Australian citizen.
No Need for Resident Return Visas
Permanent residents generally need a valid travel facility to return to Australia after overseas travel. Once this expires, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) may be required.
Australian citizens do not need an RRV and can freely enter and leave Australia using an Australian passport.
Voting Rights
Australian citizens can vote in federal, state and local elections and have a direct say in Australia’s future.
Greater Security
Citizenship provides the highest level of security and certainty for your long-term future in Australia.
Government and Defence Opportunities
Some government and Australian Defence Force roles are only open to Australian citizens.
Benefits for Children
Children born overseas to Australian citizens may be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent.
Dual Citizenship
Australia allows dual citizenship in many cases, depending on the laws of your country of origin.
Why Consider Applying Now?
If you are already eligible, there is often no benefit in delaying your citizenship application.
Applying sooner may help you:
- Secure an Australian passport for easier international travel
- Avoid issues with expiring permanent resident travel facilities
- Strengthen long-term settlement security for you and your family
- Access full rights of citizenship, including voting
- Avoid complications from extended overseas travel or changing visa rules
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for Australian citizenship if you:
- Are an Australian permanent resident; or
- Are an eligible New Zealand citizen
Most applicants must also:
- Meet residence requirements
- Be of good character
- Pass the Australian Citizenship Test (if required)
- Attend a citizenship ceremony and make the citizenship pledge
Residence Requirements
For most applicants, you must generally:
- Have lived in Australia lawfully for at least 4 years before applying
- Have held permanent residency for at least 12 months before applying
- Meet limits on time spent outside Australia
Your travel history is important, so eligibility should always be checked before applying.
Australian Citizenship Test
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 years are required to pass the Australian Citizenship Test before approval (unless exempt).
The test is designed to ensure you understand Australia and what it means to become a citizen.
What the test covers:
- Australia’s history, culture and people
- Australian values and democratic beliefs
- Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Government and the law in Australia
The test is based on the official resource “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
How we can help
Many applicants underestimate the importance of correct preparation. Think Visa can guide you on:
- Whether you need to sit the test
- How to prepare using official materials
- Common mistakes that cause delays or refusals
- Your overall eligibility before you apply
New Zealand Citizens
Many New Zealand citizens living in Australia may now be eligible for citizenship.
Eligibility depends on factors such as:
- When you arrived in Australia
- Your residence and visa history
- Time spent outside Australia
A proper assessment is recommended before applying.
Children and Citizenship
Children may sometimes be included in a parent’s application or apply separately, depending on age and circumstances.
Eligibility depends on residence status, age and family situation.
How Think Visa Can Help
Citizenship applications are not just paperwork — eligibility can depend on detailed travel history, visa status, and timing.
With more than 25 years of experience, Think Visa can help by:
- Confirming your eligibility to apply
- Checking your residence and travel history
- Identifying your earliest application date
- Advising on citizenship test requirements
- Assessing New Zealand citizen eligibility
- Reviewing children and family applications
- Identifying and resolving potential issues before lodging
- Preparing and managing your citizenship application
Our goal is to make sure your application is correct, complete, and positioned for approval from the start.
Take the Final Step
If you are already living in Australia as a permanent resident, citizenship may be the most important step in securing your long-term future.
Contact Think Visa today to find out if you are eligible for Australian citizenship and how we can help you complete the process with confidence.
Speak to Think Visa Today
If you are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen and want to live in Australia, the Subclass 461 visa may be your pathway.
We help you apply correctly the first time and avoid costly mistakes that can delay your future in Australia.