If you would like to live and work in Australia freely, the first step is to apply for Australian citizenship. But first, you will need to understand and commit to the values of the country and its people. To apply for Australian citizenship, you will need to lodge a completed application form and pay the applicable fee. If and when your application is successful, you will be invited to participate in an Australian citizenship ceremony.
Citizenship Requirements
Before you apply for your Australian citizenship, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. This will ensure you are as successful as possible in your application. If you answer yes to the below Australian citizenship requirements, you will have a higher chance of success:
- Are you an Australian permanent resident?
- Are you over 16 years of age?
- Have you lived in Australia for a period of four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident?
- Are you of good character?
- Do you have adequate knowledge of your responsibilities and privileges as a citizen?
- Do you intend to live in Australia or maintain a lasting link with Australia while overseas?
Australian citizenship requirements
There is a number of things you are required to do to gain your Australian citizenship. First, you will need to pass a citizenship test. This test is based purely on your knowledge and understanding of Australian society, values and history. The Australian citizenship test will also assess your English language capabilities. It will determine if you have sufficient knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
Apply for Australian citizenship and what happens next?
- Once you obtain your Australian citizenship, you will be eligible for a number of privileges:
- You will be eligible to vote in Federal and State or territory elections
- You will be allowed to apply for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
- You may seek election to parliament
- Applying for an Australian passport and re-entering Australia freely will also be allowed
- You will be eligible to obtain help from an Australian official while overseas
- Registering children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent will also be allowed
Can anyone become an Australian citizen?
There are 3 ways to become an Australian citizen:
- You can become an Australian citizen by birth. This means you are born here and one or both of your parents are either Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.
- You can also become an Australian citizen by descent. If you are born overseas, there is every chance you will be granted Australian citizenship.
- The third way to become an Australian citizen is by a grant. So, if you are a non-citizen of Australia, you can apply to become an Australian citizen.
Are you ready to apply for Australian citizenship?
Do you require assistance to navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration process? Here at JL Hallam and Partners on the Sunshine Coast, our team has extensive knowledge of the Australian citizenship requirements. And we have guided many successful applicants through the process. Call and arrange an appointment with one of our team members today at 07 5474 0195. You might also like to take a look at the other services we offer online.