Australian permanent residents can become citizens through an application by “conferral”. This document checklist acts as a guide for the documents required to facilitate a smooth application.
Am I eligible for Citizenship by Conferral?
To be eligible for Australian citizenship by Conferral, some common criteria include that you must:
- be a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen when you apply, and when the Department decides on the application;
- meet the residence requirement;
- be of “good character”;
- be in Australia when the Department decides on the application (in most cases);
- have spent time in Australia and be able to pass a citizenship test; and
- be likely to reside in Australia, or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if the application is approved.
You can read more about the eligibility requirements here.
Documents required: Proof of identity
You must provide identity documents for both you and any children included in your application.
| Document type | Examples |
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Proof of name, date of birth, and gender |
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Photo identification (containing a photograph and signature) |
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Proof of current residential address |
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| Proof of change of name (if applicable) |
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All applicants must also provide a passport-sized photograph with their full name written on the back of the photograph.
Documents required: Evidence of good character
As part of the application, you will need to demonstrate that you are of good character. This is especially relevant for applicants over 18 years of age.
| Document Type | Explanation |
|
National Police Check |
If you are 16 years of age or over, the Department of Home Affairs will request a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) on your behalf |
| Overseas penal clearance |
You must obtain police clearance certificates from countries where you have spent 90 days or more since becoming a permanent resident |
You must ensure that all penal clearance certificates are translated into English if required.
Applicants with a criminal history must provide further information and supporting evidence as to why they believe they are of good character despite the adverse information. If you are in these circumstances, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice before lodging your application.
Documents required: Application forms
Applicants for Citizenship by Conferral will also need to complete and submit an application form. This can be submitted online via ImmiAccount.
When the online form is completed, you will be requested to pay the lodgement fee. This is currently $560 per adult as of 1 July 2024, with children under 16 years of age exempt from the fee when applying on the same form as a parent.
What happens after I lodge my application?
After you submit your application, you will be scheduled for a citizenship test (if applicable). This test covers knowledge of:
- Australian values;
- Australian history; and
- responsibilities as a citizen.
You can prepare for the Citizenship test by reviewing the “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” booklet available online.
After passing the test, the next step is to attend a citizenship ceremony. There, you pledge:
- your loyalty to Australia and its people;
- that you will share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties; and
- to uphold and obey the laws of Australia.
The ceremony usually occurs within six months of your application’s approval, but will ultimately depend on the availability of your local council.
What does it mean to be an Australian citizen?
Some of the benefits of being an Australian citizen mean you can:
- vote in elections and referendums;
- apply for a job in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force;
- seek election to parliament;
- apply for an Australian passport; and
- ask for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas.
You can view the list of privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizens here.
Do you require further assistance?
If you require assistance with your Citizenship application, or have any other immigration related queries, get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at +61 3 9016 0484.
