Australian Citizenship

To apply for Australian Citizenship you must be a permanent resident or New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV).

Criminal history information may include the following: charges; court convictions, including penalties and sentences; findings of guilt with no conviction; court appearances; good behaviour bonds or other court orders; matters awaiting court hearing; warrants and/or warnings; traffic offences.

If you have applied for Australian citizenship by conferral: 90% of applications are processed within 12 months. 90% of approved applicants will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony within 6 months of approval.

You will not become an Australian citizen until you have made the pledge of commitment to Australia. You will receive an invitation to attend a ceremony after your application is approved. The time between the approval of your application and your ceremony can vary.

If you are required to attend a ceremony, you will receive an invitation letter from the Department of Home Affairs about four weeks before the event. Wait times for citizenship ceremonies can vary. For the most up-to-date information see Citizenship processing times.

If you have lodged an Australian citizenship application and then leave Australia, for the Department of Home Affairs to continue processing your application you need to return to Australia or provide an intended return date.

Yes, Australia allows dual citizenship. However, the other country must also allow dual citizenship for the individual to hold both citizenships.

Any adult who became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. This includes: 12 months as a permanent resident.