How to Become an Australian Citizen
For permanent residents ready to take the final step, this page walks through the Australian citizenship requirements, the test, the fees and the ceremony. We handle the eligibility check, the evidence, and the lodgement, so your application goes in complete the first time.
*Standard adult conferral fee from 1 July 2026. Figures are current at time of writing — always confirm at your assessment, as Home Affairs reviews fees periodically.
Who qualifies for citizenship by conferral
Most permanent residents become citizens through conferral. Broadly, you need to meet the residence requirement, be of good character, and show a basic connection to Australia. Here's what that looks like in plain terms.
- ✓4 years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before you apply, on a valid visa the whole time.
- ✓The last 12 months as a permanent resident (or on a Special Category subclass 444 visa, for eligible New Zealand citizens).
- ✓No more than 12 months total spent outside Australia across those 4 years.
- ✓No more than 90 days outside Australia in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
- ✓Good character if you're 18 or over — assessed against your criminal history, court and tax record.
- ✓Basic knowledge of English and an understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, usually demonstrated by passing the citizenship test.
- ✓Intend to keep living in Australia, or otherwise maintain a close, continuing association with the country.
How the citizenship application works
Eligibility check
We map your visa history, travel dates and residence period against the 4-year rule before you spend a cent on the application.
Evidence gathering
Identity documents, proof of residence, and character documents such as police certificates are compiled and checked for gaps.
Lodgement
Your application (Form 1300t for general eligibility) is submitted through ImmiAccount along with the government fee.
Citizenship test
If you're aged 18–59, you sit the 20-question, 45-minute test. We help you prepare using the official "Our Common Bond" material.
Interview
You attend an interview to confirm your identity and the details in your application.
Ceremony
You make the pledge of commitment at an official citizenship ceremony — the final step to becoming an Australian citizen.
Documents and evidence you'll need
- Current passport(s), including any previous passports used to travel to Australia
- Visa grant notices and current visa evidence
- Birth certificate, and evidence of any name changes
- Full travel history for the 4-year period (Home Affairs holds movement records, but check them against your own)
- Evidence of address history (leases, utility bills, bank statements)
- Police certificates for any country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Form 80 or 1221 if requested, disclosing any offences or pending matters
- Two passport-style photos for the interview/appointment
- Evidence supporting a special residence requirement claim, if relying on one
Government fees and processing time
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard adult conferral application (from 1 July 2026) | AUD $595 |
| Concession fee (eligible pensioner concession card holders) | AUD $80 |
| Child aged 15 or under, included on a parent's application | No fee |
| AIC service fee | Fixed quote after your assessment |
Government fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and reviewed periodically — always confirm the current amount at your assessment. Our service fee is a fixed quote agreed upfront, never hourly billing.
Where citizenship applications go wrong
Residence miscalculation
The 4-year rule, the 12-month permanent residence window, and the 90-day absence limit interact in ways that trip up even careful applicants — especially with bridging visa periods or several short overseas trips.
Character disclosure gaps
Undisclosed infringements, old convictions, or inconsistent answers between your visa and citizenship applications are a common reason for delay or refusal.
Weak or missing evidence
Address and travel evidence that doesn't line up, or missing police certificates for countries you've lived in, slows an otherwise straightforward case.
As a MARA-registered agent, Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225) checks your residence calculation, prepares your evidence file, and helps you get test-ready before lodgement — so avoidable errors don't cost you months of processing time.
Common questions about Australian citizenship
How long do I need to live in Australia to become a citizen?
Generally 4 years of lawful residence immediately before you apply, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident (or on a Special Category subclass 444 visa). Across those 4 years you must not have been outside Australia for more than 12 months in total, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months right before you apply.
What is the Australian citizenship test?
A 45-minute, 20-question computer-based multiple-choice test based on the official booklet "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond." You need at least 75% correct (15 of 20) and must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly. Applicants 60 and over, and those 17 and under, don't sit the test but still need to apply and attend an interview.
Can a permanent resident become an Australian citizen?
Yes — most permanent residents apply through citizenship by conferral once they meet the residence requirement, are of good character, and show a basic knowledge of English and Australia. Eligible New Zealand citizens on a subclass 444 visa also apply this way.
How much does an Australian citizenship application cost?
From 1 July 2026, the standard adult conferral fee is AUD $595. A concession fee of $80 applies for eligible pensioner concession card holders, and children 15 or under on a parent's application are generally free. Confirm the current fee at your assessment, as it's reviewed periodically.
How long does the application take to process?
Typically around 12–24 months from lodgement to a ceremony invitation, though it varies with your individual circumstances. Cases with character concerns, complex travel history, or incomplete evidence generally take longer.
What documents do I need?
Identity documents (passport, visa details, birth certificate), evidence of your residence and travel history, and character documents such as police certificates for any country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Do I need to sit the test if I'm over 60?
No. Applicants 60 and over don't sit the test, but they still need to apply, prove their identity, attend an interview, and meet the other eligibility requirements including good character.
What happens if my application is refused?
Refusals are usually tied to the residence requirement not being met, character concerns, or gaps in the evidence. Depending on the reason, you may be able to seek review or reapply once the issue is resolved — a registered agent can help assess the best path forward.
Ready to check your citizenship eligibility?
Send Fahad your visa and travel history on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation assessment of where you stand against the residence requirement.
This page is general information only, not legal or migration advice, and doesn't guarantee an outcome. Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Department of Home Affairs and reviewed periodically — always confirm current details at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or at your assessment with Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225). Return to the Australian Immigration Consultants homepage.