TL;DR
- Permanent residents must generally live in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, before applying for citizenship.
- Applicants must pass an Australian citizenship test, meet character requirements, and demonstrate a commitment to Australian values.
- Citizenship applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs application site, with current processing times averaging up to 14 months.
Becoming an Australian permanent resident is a major milestone for many migrants. For many individuals who hold permanent resident status, becoming an Australian citizen is the natural next step and ultimate goal.
Australian citizenship is a privilege and can provide stronger community connection and access to additional rights and opportunities in Australia. Citizenship can provide benefits such as the right to vote, eligibility for an Australian passport and greater certainty when living and travelling internationally.
While the pathway from permanent residency to citizenship is generally straightforward, applicants must still satisfy a range of eligibility requirements relating to identity, residency and character. Understanding these requirements and preparing the application correctly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
The following information provides a practical guide and step-by-step process on how permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Australian Citizenship as a Permanent Resident?
Individuals who have lived in Australia for four years and have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months can apply for Australian citizenship.
A permanent resident applying for Australian citizenship needs to ensure they spend no more than 12 months in four years, or more than 90 days during the 12-month PR period immediately prior to application, outside of Australia.
The following individuals can apply for Australian citizenship:
- Permanent residents
- Children of Australian citizens aged 16 years or under
Understanding the Residency Requirement: What Counts and What Doesn’t
To be considered for Australian citizenship, applicants must be considered lawful. Being a lawful resident implies that applicants hold a valid visa that permits them to remain in Australia.
A permanent resident applying for Australian citizenship needs to meet the residency requirement. The residency requirement is the length of time someone has already lived in Australia. The time an applicant holds a temporary visa contributes to the four-year residency qualification period, provided there were no periods where the applicant did not hold a valid visa. Times without a visa do not count towards the residency period.
When applying, applicants must:
- Have been living in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before the day they apply
- Hold a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa for the last 12 months immediately before they apply
- Not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past four years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying
Absences can be calculated using the Residence calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Employer-sponsored workers may be required to travel internationally for work purposes. This can affect residency calculations. It is recommended that individuals affected by international work obligations seek professional advice from a registered migration agent.
The Australian Citizenship Test: What to Expect
Most Australian citizenship applicants between the ages of 18 and 59 will need to sit the Australian Citizenship Test.
The test includes 20 multiple choice questions which are based on the resource booklet, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, and five questions related to Australian values. Applicants who sit the test must achieve a mark of 75% to pass.
Applicants are exempt from sitting the Australian Citizenship Test if:
- they are aged 17 years or younger when applying for citizenship
- they are aged 60 years or over when applying for citizenship
- they are the child of a former Australian citizen who lost their citizenship under specific circumstances
- they were born in Papua before 16 September 1975 to an Australian citizen born in Australia
- they were born in Australia and are stateless (have never been a citizen or entitled to be a citizen of another country)
- they are unable to sit the test due to an incapacity or impairment
There are practice tests available on the Department of Home Affairs website to help applicants prepare for the Australian Citizenship Test.
Character Obligations and Other Requirements
Australian citizenship applicants must meet character requirements. Applicants 18 years of age or over must be of good character. When assessing good character, the Department of Home Affairs considers whether applicants are likely to:
- uphold and obey Australian laws
- meet the other commitments made through the citizenship pledge
The Department of Home Affairs will also consider:
- any recorded criminal convictions
- obligations an applicant may have to a court in Australia or overseas
- any association with people of concern
- incidents of reported domestic violence
- whether an applicant has been honest in their dealings with the Australian community, including providing false or misleading information in relation to a visa or citizenship application
Australian citizenship applicants will be required to make an Australian citizen’s pledge during their citizenship ceremony. This is a public commitment to Australia. It confirms that applicants are accepting the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
While dual citizenship is permitted in Australia in most cases, applicants must check their country of origin’s laws. Australian citizens, including dual citizens, must use their Australian passport when leaving and entering Australia.
Step-by-Step: The Australian Citizenship Application Process
Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility
You need to ensure you meet all requirements before you apply, including:
- Be a permanent resident
- Meet the residence requirement
- Meet character requirements
- Have knowledge of Australia
- Meet language requirements
- Have a close and continuing link to Australia
Step 2 – Gather Supporting Documents
Provide documents that confirm you meet the requirements for applying for Australian citizenship. This includes:
- Identity documents (including those for any children under 15 years of age)
- Character documents
- Supporting documents (eligibility for exemptions and concessions, etc.)
- Evidence of residence
- Photographs of you and any dependent children
Step 3 – Lodge the Application
Lodge your Australian citizenship application online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. The application fee is payable at the time of lodging the application.
Step 4 – Complete the Australian Citizenship Test
Eligible applicants will be given an appointment to sit the Australian Citizenship Test.
Step 5 – Outcome
A letter will be sent to applicants advising of the outcome. If your Australian citizenship application is approved, you will be sent a letter inviting you to a citizenship ceremony.
Step 6 – Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
Applicants will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to make their pledge of commitment to become an Australian citizen.
Processing times for Australian citizenship applications vary and can take up to 14 months. Each application is assessed individually, and more complex cases can take longer to process. Processing times can be affected by:
- Whether you have submitted a complete application, including all the supporting documents
- How promptly you respond to requests for more information
- How long it takes to check the information you have provided
- How long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, usually for character and national security requirements
Processing times can also be largely dependent on local councils who hold the citizenship ceremonies.
How Visa Solutions Australia Can Support the PR-to-Citizenship Journey
Visa Solutions Australia has helped many clients achieve their Australian citizenship goals. Their expertise in eligibility assessment, residence period calculation and identifying and rectifying complications before application lodgement ensures a smooth application process and a high chance of success.
Applicants with complex cases, which may include extended overseas absences, criminal history disclosures or dual citizenship considerations, can benefit from professional advice.
To discuss your Australian citizenship application, book a consultation with the team of experienced registered migration agents at Visa Solutions Australia.
The journey from permanent resident to Australian citizenship is generally straightforward but quite detail oriented. A registered migration agent can help with the PR-to-citizenship process and any complexities that may arise.
For many permanent residents, Australian citizenship is the final step in building a long-term future in Australia. With the right planning, guidance and support, Australian citizenship is achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must hold permanent resident status for at least 12 months before applying. Applicants generally have to have lived in Australia for a total of four years. Time spent on certain temporary visas prior to your PR grant can count toward the four-year total.
Yes, but absences are capped at 12 months total over the four-year period, with no more than 90 days during the 12-month permanent resident period. Exceeding these limits will delay your eligibility to apply for citizenship.
Applicants can retake the citizenship test if they do not pass initially. Failing the test does not affect permanent residence. If the applicant doesn’t pass the test after three attempts, the Department of Home Affairs may refuse the citizenship application.
Yes. Once citizenship is granted, the individual no longer holds a visa and has an unconditional right to live and work in Australia permanently.
Australian citizenship provides benefits such as the right to vote, eligibility for an Australian passport and the ability to live and work in Australia indefinitely without conditions.
