Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship: Pathways, Eligibility & How to Apply

The final step in your migration journey — made clear, complete and stress-free.

Becoming an Australian citizen is the final step in many people’s migration journeys — securing the right to vote, an Australian passport, and the ability to travel freely without a Resident Return Visa. There are several pathways to Australian citizenship, and the right one depends on your circumstances. At Tolic Lawyers, we help you identify the correct pathway and prepare a complete, accurate application from start to finish.

The pathways to Australian citizenship

Citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway)

This is the standard pathway for eligible permanent residents (and some New Zealand SCV holders) who meet the residence and character requirements. Most applicants aged 18–59 must sit the citizenship test and attend a citizenship ceremony to become a citizen, as well as meeting the character requirement and demonstrating close ties to Australia. To apply, you will need to meet the general residence requirement:

• have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply;
• hold a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months immediately before the day you apply; and
• not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying.

The residence requirement, explained

Residence miscalculation is the single most common reason conferral applications are refused — short trips add up quickly. A weekend wedding overseas, a family emergency and a three-week holiday can quietly push you over the 90-day or 12-month limits. We carefully review your full travel and residence history against the rules before you lodge, and the Department’s online Residence Calculator is used to confirm your eligibility date. Note that applicants aged 60 or over are assessed under a different framework and generally do not sit the test, and children under 16 do not need to meet the residence requirement but must be permanent residents.

Citizenship by descent

If you were born outside Australia and, at the time of your birth, at least one parent was an Australian citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. This pathway is document-based and usually does not involve a test or ceremony in the same way as conferral.

• You must have been born outside Australia, with one or both parents an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.
• If your parent became a citizen by descent, or by adoption outside Australia under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or a bilateral arrangement, they must have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years before you lodge your application.
• If you are 18 or older when you apply, you must also meet the good character

New Zealand citizens: the direct pathway

Since 1 July 2023, eligible New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) who have lived in Australia for the required period can apply directly for citizenship by conferral — without first obtaining a separate permanent visa. SCV holders are treated as permanent residents for citizenship purposes (those who held an SCV before 1 July 2022 are treated as permanent residents from that date; those granted an SCV on or after 1 July 2022 from the grant date). The standard residence, test and character requirements still apply.

Why become an Australian citizen?

• Vote in Australian federal, state and territory elections.
• Hold an Australian passport and travel freely, re-entering Australia without a Resident Return Visa.
• No need to maintain or renew a visa — unlike permanent residents, who need an RRV to keep their travel facility after five years.
• Apply for government and Australian Defence Force roles, and register children born overseas as citizens by descent.
• Seek Australian consular assistance while overseas.

The citizenship application process

For citizenship by conferral, the process generally involves:

1. Confirming eligibility — including the residence and character requirements.
2. Preparing and uploading your supporting documents.
3. Lodging the application online.
4. Completing any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Attending an interview/appointment where required, and sitting the citizenship test (if applicable).
6. If approved, attending a citizenship ceremony, where citizenship is formally granted by making the pledge.

As at June 2026, the standard conferral application fee is around $575 per applicant (with a concession fee for eligible applicants, and children aged 15 or under included on a parent’s application exempt). Government fees change periodically and should be confirmed at lodgement.

How Tolic Lawyers can help

We provide end-to-end support and work with you at every stage: eligibility assessment, a tailored document checklist, review of your travel and residence history, preparation of submissions and supporting statements, quality-checking your evidence before lodgement, responding to requests for further information, and preparing you for the interview and test — through to approval and ceremony. Let’s make it clear, complete and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral?

Permanent residents and eligible New Zealand SCV (Subclass 444) holders who meet the general residence requirement, are of good character, and (if aged 18–59) pass the citizenship test.

What is the residence requirement?

You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for the 4 years immediately before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident or SCV holder, with no more than 12 months’ total absence in those 4 years and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.

Do I have to sit the citizenship test?

Most applicants aged 18 to 59 must sit the test, which is based on the booklet ‘Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond’ and covers Australian values and knowledge. Applicants aged 60 or over are generally exempt.

What is citizenship by descent?

It is for people born outside Australia who had at least one Australian citizen parent at the time of their birth. It is document-based, with no test, and has no residence requirement — though good character applies for applicants aged 18 or over.

Can New Zealand citizens apply directly?

Yes. Since 1 July 2023, eligible NZ citizens holding an SCV can apply directly for citizenship by conferral without first obtaining a separate permanent visa, provided they meet the residence, test and character requirements.

When do I actually become a citizen?

For conferral, most applicants become citizens at the citizenship ceremony when they make the pledge — usually held within around six months of approval, depending on your local council.

Why is my travel history so important?

Residence miscalculations are the most common reason conferral applications are refused. Even short overseas trips count toward the absence limits, so an accurate travel record is essential before lodging.

Tolic Lawyers — Immigration & Employment Law

Suite 19/103 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150

P: (02) 8077 2562   ·   E:    ·   toliclawyers.com.au

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general information only and is current as at June 2026. It is not intended to constitute legal advice and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Accessing or using this information does not create a client–lawyer relationship. Citizenship requirements, fees and residence rules change — please obtain advice tailored to your situation before acting. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.