Being an Australian citizen reaps many benefits.
Having an Australian citizenship is one of the most exciting yet fulfilling part of your migration journey. After getting an Australian citizenship, you are calling Australia your new home and adapting to its culture and lifestyle. This also means you will be a part of the Australian community so you can proudly say ‘I am Australian’.
Why Australian Citizenship?
Australia has become a preferred destination choice for people dreaming of a better and luxurious life. Given its breath-taking landscapes, diverse culture, excelling economy, and much more, Australia has made itself stand out.
But, what is the process of obtaining an Australian citizenship? The following is a step-by-step guide explaining the following sections –
- Eligibility Criteria
- Processing Time
- Requirements
- Cost
- Steps for Citizenship Application
Understanding Eligibility for Australian Citizen Application
Before we proceed with the process for applying Australian citizenship, let us understand the eligibility criteria:
- You must take a citizenship test unless you are older than 60 years.
- You must be an Australian permanent resident at the time of application and the decision-making process.
- You must have a genuine reason to live in Australia and adapt its culture.
- Ensure you are of a good character to the Australian government.
Important Requirements to Apply for Australian Citizenship
After you have known eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship, consider important requirements such as:
- Gather the necessary paperwork, including qualifications in education
- Provide employment histories as in for how many years you are working
- Provide proof of English competency
- Provide identity verification documents along with your current passport that shows you are a permanent resident of Australia and are now eligible to apply for citizenship.
- Provide police record verifying your good character and that you are free from any criminal charges in Australia.
Following these guidelines will speed up your citizenship application process and help you get your new Australian identity quickly.
Citizenship Application Processing Time
The application process for Australian citizenship involves a series of steps, including application preparation, submission and recognition, assessment by the Department of Home and Affairs, citizenship test, and citizenship ceremony.
Therefore, the process can take several months depending on the case type and the complexity. It can take up to three to six months for the Department of Home and Affairs to assess the application and gather further information. Whereas, if we talk about the citizenship processing time i.e., from application submission to citizenship ceremony, it may take 12 to 24 months. It means citizen application waiting time would also be around 12 to 24 months.
Cost of Australian Citizenship
There is a list of citizenship fees with cost of each form for citizenship defined. However, if we talk about Application for Australian citizenship under form 1300t then the fees for general eligibility is $540.
To know in detail about the cost of Australian citizenship depending on your case, let our migration experts guide you better. Get in touch with us through our official website or book an appointment.
Steps for Australian Citizenship Application
To begin with, determine your eligibility criteria and find out the mandatory requirements for applying an Australian citizenship. We have mentioned both the topics earlier in this blog. After you have known these two, you can apply for your citizenship. Here is how you can do it:
How to Apply for Australian Citizenship
You can apply for Australian citizenship online on ImmiAccount. Filing Australian citizenship application online helps the authorities to process it more quickly given; you have provided them with complete listed documents and fees. Also, when applying online, you can do it from in or outside of Australia.
For offline or paper application, there are certain conditions you must meet. Firstly, if you are aged 18-59 and do not have a passport or travel documents, or you have not travelled in or out of the country since July 1990, you are required to complete Form 1300t for Australian citizenship eligibility. We have mentioned the cost for this earlier in the blog.
Next comes the Form 1290 for Australian Citizenship. It is required to be completed by individuals aged 15 years or younger, aged 16 or 17, or are 60 or older. Followed by they must have a permanent hearing, speech, or sight impairment, as well as physical or mental incapacity. They should have at least basic understanding of English and have enough knowledge of Australia and everything that takes up to become a citizen.
Citizenship Appointment
If you are an applicant aged 18-59 years, then you will have to take the citizenship test, with the appointment letter sent out. This step can take your several months so keep patience. Also, some of the applicants, depending on the eligibility, might have to sit for an interview and not take the test.
Outcome
The authorities will notify you in writing after they have made a decision on your citizenship application. If your application is approved, you will be asked to attend a citizenship ceremony to make a pledge of commitment to Australian community. However, if your application is rejected, you will get a letter as a request to ask for a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Reasons for rejection will be mentioned in the letter with important details.
Attend Citizenship Ceremony
After you get approval for your citizenship, you will have to participate in a citizenship ceremony and commit to uphold the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You will receive an invitation letter if you are required to attend the ceremony about four weeks prior to the ceremony.
Key Takeaways
Getting Australian citizenship is a fulfilling emotion that gives you a new chance to a better life. We hope the above guide helps you understanding the entire process to apply for Australian citizenship.
If you are ready to take this journey, Asia Pacific Group is here to guide you. Book an appointment with our MARA agents and call yourself an ‘Australian’.
