Relocating your life to a new
country is a thrilling prospect. If Australia is your target destination, you might
ask: Can a US citizen become an Australian citizen? The short answer is yes. The
pathway to obtaining Australian citizenship, however, often seems
complex.
In this article, we will shed light on the
steps required to become an Australian citizen, including Australian permanent
residency, the documents you’ll need to prove eligibility, and the fees and
potential timelines involved to claim an Australian passport.
What are the routes to Australian citizenship for US
citizens?
The three primary pathways for claiming
Australian citizenship as a US citizen are: citizenship by birth, citizenship by
descent, or citizenship by conferral. In this article, we will be detailing the
latter.
Australian citizenship by adoption and—for
former Australian citizens—citizenship by resumption are other routes. Check whether
you qualify for citizenship by birth or descent before applying for Australian
citizenship by conferral.
Most applicants gain their Australian
citizenship by conferral through general eligibility. This route requires one year
of permanent residence and four years of lawful residence.
What are the steps to becoming a naturalized citizen of
Australia?
To become a naturalized Australian citizen,
you will need to take the following steps:
- Enter Australia on a valid visa that allows you to remain within the law
and establish yourself in Australia for at least three years. Note: Under certain
circumstances people can become permanent residents directly from overseas and
commence living in Australia on the permanent visa. - Obtain a permanent residence visa. As an Australian permanent resident,
you’ll be allowed to live, work, and study without
restriction. - Satisfy the residence requirement, which typically involves being a
permanent resident for one year, with a total of four years of lawful residence in
Australia. - File an Australian citizenship application supplying evidence that you will
likely reside in Australia or maintain a close and ongoing association with the
country. - Pass the citizenship test, which was designed to help prospective citizens
understand Australia’s values, traditions, history, and national
symbols. - Attend an Australian citizenship ceremony and take the Australian
Citizenship Pledge.
What are the required documents for Australian
citizenship?
When applying for citizenship, you need to
provide several documents, including:
- A valid passport (*If you do not have a valid passport you’ll need to apply
via a paper application) - Birth certificate or any other proof of identity
- Proof of permanent residency
- Proof of lawful residence
- Evidence of good character
- Original police certificates
- Scans of your original documents if you are applying
online - Certified copies of all other documents if you are filing a paper
application form
You should provide as much information as
possible that might be helpful to your application, but each document should only be
submitted once, even if it is evidence of more than one thing.
In addition, you should ensure that any
documents requested during the application process are properly certified and
translated into English.
When can I apply for Australian citizenship?
You can apply for Australian citizenship after
you’ve lived in Australia on a valid Australian visa for four years immediately
before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
How long does Australia’s naturalization process
take?
Naturalization time varies depending on your
circumstances and pathway to naturalization. Several factors influence processing
times, including the accuracy of your application and the volume of applications
received by the Department of Home Affairs.
- 90% of applications for citizenship by conferral are processed within 11
months. - 90% of approved applicants will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony
within eight months of approval. - 90% of applications for Australian citizenship by descent are processed
within four months. - If you have applied for Evidence of Australian citizenship, 90% of
applications are processed within 27 days.
What is the fee to apply for Australian
citizenship?
There is a standard application fee of AU$540
for citizenship by conferral (general eligibility). The fee for 16- and 17-year-old
applicants is AU$330. If a child under 15 years of age applies using the same form
as a parent, there should be no fee.
For other pathways to citizenship, such as
claiming Australian citizenship by descent or reclaiming Australian citizenship
previously lost, there are different fee structures.
What regulations are involved with becoming a naturalized citizen
of Australia?
At the time of your application, you must be a
permanent resident or eligible New
Zealand citizen. You must also be in Australia when the Australian
Department of Home Affairs decides on your application. You need to demonstrate
intent to live in Australia or maintain a lasting connection with
Australia.
Children who are 16 or 17 must be permanent residents and meet the residence
requirement or provide proof that meeting the residency requirement would cause
significant hardship or disadvantage.
A child under 16 does not need to meet the
general residence requirement but must be a permanent resident.
What are the Australian citizenship
requirements?
Over the age of 18, applicants must
demonstrate “good character,” which is defined as a person’s “enduring moral
qualities.” A good-character assessment determines whether you will uphold and obey
Australian laws and meet other citizenship-pledge commitments.
Your commitment to Australia must be
long-term. Having extended family in Australia and spending time in Australia can be
used as evidence. Having a bank account in Australia, working in Australia, paying
income tax, and owning property in Australia are all evidence of commitment to
Australia.
You must sit the citizenship test or have an
interview to show that you understand what it means to be an Australian
citizen.
What is the Australian citizenship test and
interview?
Most people between 18 and 59 require an
interview and citizenship test to become Australian citizens. Others may only have
an interview.
During the citizen test, you must prove that
you are proficient in the English language, that you understand what Australian
citizenship means, and that you understand Australia and its responsibilities and
privileges, as well as that you are committed to Australian values.
Who is required to take the citizenship
test?
Citizenship by conferral applicants aged 18 to
59 must attend an interview and take the citizenship test. Those ages 16 or 17 and
those over 60 may be required to interview but not sit the citizenship
test.
How do I schedule my citizenship test and
interview?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will
send you a citizenship appointment letter with your appointment details. It can take
several months from the time you apply to your appointment date.
Your interview and test will be conducted in
Australia if you apply there. If you submit your application from outside Australia,
you will be invited to an interview and test once you return to Australia. A
citizenship interview and test may be conducted at an Australian embassy or
consulate in exceptional circumstances.
Appointments for citizenship can be made at
the departmental offices of most Australian capital cities and some offices of
Services Australia (Centrelink). Follow the instructions in your appointment letter
to reschedule.
How can I prepare for the Australian citizenship
test?
To prepare for the test, you should
study: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond
This guide will cover both your
English-language skills and your understanding of the rules and expectations of
Australian citizenship.
What is actually on the test, and what grade do I need to
get?
There are 20 multiple-choice questions and
five Australian-values questions in this 45-minute test. A passing mark of 75%
overall is required, including correct answers for all Australian values questions.
Tests are taken on computers and tablets. You can see your result once you have
completed the test.
What happens if I fail the test to become an Australian
citizen?
Your permanent visa will not be affected if
you fail the test to obtain citizenship. Officials will schedule a new appointment
if you fail. Retaking the test is free. You could be denied your application if you
fail the test after three appointments.
What happens during the citizenship interview
process?
During the interview, officials will confirm
your identity and eligibility. The original photo-identification documents you
provided in your application are required: a driver’s license, a passport, or an
Immicard. When the Department of Home Affairs contacts you to book your test and
interview, you may be asked to bring additional documents. Test centers do not allow
children, so test takers should arrange childcare.
How much does it cost to take the test and book an
interview?
Tests and interviews are free.
What are some reasons for Australian citizenship applications
being denied?
A citizenship application may be denied if the
Australian Department of Home Affairs cannot verify your identity.
In addition, you might be denied for criminal
activity or offenses against Australian law, even if your case is under appeal or
review.
A person may be denied citizenship if they
served a prison sentence of 12 months or more and were released from prison less
than two years before applying. Repeated offenders will have to wait 10 years to
apply for citizenship.
If you are subject to certain conditions
imposed by an Australian court (such as parole, good behavior, or bail), where
action may be taken against you if you breach them, you could be denied. Applicants
who are in prison or psychiatric institutions by court order at the time of their
application may also be denied.
Australia will reject individuals deemed a
security risk.
A former Australian citizen who ceased to be a
citizen within the past 12 months, either voluntarily or through revocation of
citizenship, will not be eligible.
With limited exceptions, your citizenship
application will also be denied if you are outside Australia when the decision is
reached.
FAQs about Australia’s naturalization
process
Can a foreigner get citizenship in
Australia?
Yes, foreigners can become Australian citizens
if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I live in Australia permanently?
A permanent resident visa allows you to live,
work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Obtaining permanent residency visas is an
important step in applying for citizenship, and you retain that permanent residency
even if you don’t succeed in becoming an Australian citizen.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Australia?
Yes, Australia permits dual
citizenship.
Will my child get Australian citizenship?
Children will automatically obtain Australian Citizenship if they are born in
Australia and at least one parent is a permanent resident or Australian Citizen.
They can obtain Citizenship by Descent if born overseas to an Australian Citizen. It
is not possible to obtain Citizenship by Descent if the parent becomes an Australian
Citizen after the child is born.
Is the Australian citizenship test
difficult?
Difficulty levels are subjective, but adequate
preparation to demonstrate sufficient knowledge using the available resources can
lead to success.
How can I track my Australian citizenship application
status?
You can track your application status online
via the Department of Home Affairs website.
What can I do if my application for Australian citizenship is
refused?
You can request a review of the decision if
your application is denied. Requests should be made in writing and explain why the
decision was incorrect. Depending on the reason for the denial, there are different
review processes, such as merit and judicial reviews.
If your application was rejected due to
incomplete or incorrect information, you may include additional information to
support it. If you feel that your application was denied unfairly or your rights
were violated, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
You may want to seek legal advice in this case.
Chookas on becoming an Aussie!
Once you are successful with your Australian
citizenship application, you can obtain an Australian passport, and participate in
Australian government elections. Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant commitment, and the process
may seem daunting at first glance. However, it is achievable with careful
preparation and an understanding of the requirements. Australia is well worth the
effort, offering its citizens a rich blend of opportunities and a high standard of
living.
Stay in the loop with Newland Chase
Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest
immigration policies and always seek help if you’re unsure about any part of the
process. An experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the
complexities of border-crossing requirements. Contact Newland Chase for a quote
today.