Conferral & descent

Citizenship Applications

Becoming an Australian citizen is the final step in many migration journeys. We help permanent residents check their eligibility, prepare a strong citizenship by conferral application, and get ready for the test and the pledge.

Overview

Australian citizenship gives you the right to vote, apply for an Australian passport, and fully call Australia home. Most people become citizens by conferral - after living in Australia as a permanent resident.

The residence rules and the citizenship test have specific requirements, and small details (like time spent overseas) can affect eligibility. We help you check where you stand and prepare with confidence.

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Key facts

Main pathway: Citizenship by conferral
Residence: Generally 4 years' lawful residence
PR requirement: Permanent resident for the last 12 months
Absences: No more than 12 months away in the 4 years, and 90 days in the last 12 months
Test: Citizenship test (most applicants 18-59)
Final step: Pledge at a citizenship ceremony (applicants aged 16 and over)

Your visa options

There is usually more than one way forward. Here are the main pathways within citizenship applications.

Conferral

Most common

By conferral

The main route for permanent residents who meet the residence requirement and other criteria.

Descent

Born overseas

By descent

For people of any age born outside Australia to a parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of the birth. If that parent was themselves a citizen by descent, they must have spent at least 2 years in total in Australia before the application.

Birth

By birth

Automatic / by birth

A person born in Australia is a citizen automatically if a parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the birth, or if the person lives in Australia for the first 10 years of their life.

Is this pathway right for you?

This may suit you if:

You're a permanent resident who has lived in Australia for the required time
You've held permanent residence for at least the last 12 months
Your time outside Australia is within the limits (12 months in total in the last 4 years, and 90 days in the last 12 months)
You're ready to sit the citizenship test (most applicants aged 18 to 59)
You're of good character and intend to keep a close link with Australia
Your child was born overseas to an Australian citizen parent (citizenship by descent)

Why it's worth it

Vote and take part

Citizens can vote in elections and participate fully in Australian civic life.

Australian passport

Citizenship lets you apply for an Australian passport and travel more freely.

Security to stay

Unlike a visa, citizenship generally can't be cancelled if you spend time overseas.

More opportunities

Some roles - such as parts of the public service and defence - are open only to citizens.

Pass it on

Your children may be able to become citizens, including by descent if born overseas.

Fully belong

Citizenship is the final step in making Australia your permanent home.

This may not be the right fit if…

You haven't yet met the residence requirement (usually 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident)
There are outstanding character concerns, such as unresolved criminal matters
You're not yet a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen

These are general pointers, not a determination about your case - book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.

General requirements

Every case is different, but you'll generally need to:

Be a permanent resident when you apply and when the decision is made (some Special Category visa holders, such as certain New Zealand citizens, are covered by a Minister's determination)
Meet the general residence requirement - generally four years' lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident
Not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the 4 years before applying, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months
Pass the citizenship test, if you're aged 18 to 59 (some exemptions apply)
Be of good character
Be likely to reside in, or keep a close and continuing association with, Australia

How we help

Our step-by-step process

We keep things clear and calm, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.

Check your residence & eligibility

We review your visa and travel history to confirm you meet the residence requirement.

Prepare your application

We help you complete and support your citizenship by conferral application.

Study for the test

We point you to the right materials so you can prepare for the citizenship test.

Sit the test & interview

You attend your appointment, sit the test (if required) and confirm your identity.

Attend your ceremony

The final step is making the Australian Citizenship Pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

Documents you'll typically need

A general guide - we'll give you a tailored checklist for your situation.

Passport and full travel history
Evidence of your permanent residence and time in Australia
Identity documents
Police certificates, if applicable

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to what people ask us most.

How long do I need to have lived in Australia?

Generally, you must have been in Australia for the four years immediately before applying, never as an unlawful non-citizen, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident. People born in Australia and former Australian citizens are exempt from the four-year part, and some situations have other rules, so it's worth checking your exact position.

Does time before I became a permanent resident count?

Time in Australia on other valid visas can count toward the four years, but you must have held permanent residence for the 12 months immediately before you apply.

What if I've spent time overseas?

In the four years before you apply, your absences from Australia must total no more than 12 months, and in the last 12 months no more than 90 days. Too much time overseas can affect eligibility, so we review your travel history carefully.

Do I have to sit the citizenship test?

Most applicants aged 18 to 59 sit the citizenship test. You do not sit it if you are 60 or over when you apply, if you have a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight, or if a permanent or enduring incapacity means you cannot understand the application or show the required knowledge - we'll let you know if that applies to you.

What is the pledge?

The final step to becoming a citizen is making the Australian Citizenship Pledge, usually at a citizenship ceremony. Children under 16 when they apply do not make the pledge.

Can my children become citizens?

Children born overseas to an Australian citizen parent may be eligible for citizenship by descent. A child under 16 who is a permanent resident can be included on the same application form as one responsible parent; children aged 16 or 17 need their own application. We can advise on your family's situation.

This page is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Australian citizenship rules are set by the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and can change. Book a consultation for advice specific to your circumstances; we never guarantee an outcome.

Related services

Skilled Migration

For skilled workers moving to Australia permanently.

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Partner Visas

Reunite with your partner or family in Australia.

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Free eligibility check

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Answer a few plain-English questions and get a friendly, no-obligation summary of the pathways that may suit you. It only takes about two minutes.

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This is a guide, not a legal determination.