Base Requirements for Permanent Residents

Australian citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who have resided in Australia for the required period of time, and meet all other criteria.

Those who have been conferred citizenship have the same rights and privileges as any other Australian citizen, including the right to vote, to work for the Australian Public Service or Defence Force, and to obtain and use an Australian passport. Citizens by conferral are also subject to the same responsibilities as other Australian citizens, including the responsibility to serve on a jury and to defend Australia should the need arise.

The minimum requirements for citizenship by conferral are set out below. These requirements apply to most applications; however please note that depending upon your particular circumstances, you may be subject to other criteria:

The current criteria for Australian Citizenship for applicants under the age of 60.

• Be a Permanent Resident of Australia when you apply for and when your application is decided.

  NOTE: If you are not a permanent resident of Australia but you are a NZ citizen,

  you may be eligible if you were in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a

  Special Category Visa (SCV) OR if you spent a total of at least 12 months in

  Australia on a SCV during the 24 months immediately prior to 26 February 2001.

• Have spent time in Australia and know about Australia.
• Have an intention yo live in or maintain a lasting link with Australia while overseas.
• Have 4 years lawful residence in Australia. This period must include 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before making an application for Australian citizenship. You cannot be outside of Australia for more than 90 days int he last 12 months.
• If over 18 be a person of good character.
• Be likely to reside in, or maintain a close and continuing connection with, Australia.
• As part of its assessment of your eligibility for citizenship, the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) requires you to provide details of ALL overseas travel you have undertaken since you turned 18 years old.

Additional Information

• A dependent child who is 15 years old and under can be included in the application with their parent at no additional cost. The child must be a permanent resident. if they are not applying with their parent, they will need to pay the application fee.
• A child who is 16 or 17 need to make a separate application and pay the application fee.

Applicants over the age of 60

• Applicants over the age of 60 do not need to sit a Citizenship test
• Exemptions in certain cases can be granted for the residency requirement.
• If over 18 be a person of good character.
• You may have an interview to confirm your identity and to show that you understand the nature of the application.
• Have an intention to live or continue to maintain close and continuing associations with Australia while overseas.