Australian Citizenship Requirements

Australian citizenship requirements are the topic of this installment of our guide to emigrating to Australia...

To become a formal member of Australian society you need to apply for citizenship there. If you do so and are accepted then your rights, privileges and opportunities will be equal to those who were born in the country, and you'll no longer need to apply for visas to reside there.

Certain criteria are in place for you to be eligible for Australian citizenship; you should have been residing there for the last 2-4 years (exactly how long differs on personal circumstances), you must be planning to live there long-term, you should over 18 years old, and must be of good character (which is judged on references you provide and your criminal record). Additionally, a computerized test of 20 multiple choice questions on a range of aspects of Australia must be passed.

You can apply online or by post (application forms being available to download from the website of the Department of Immigration and Culture (DIAC) or from a branch of the Australian High Commission) and the fee is approximately $200. Prior to doing so you should thoroughly read through the information on the DIAC website regarding fees, concessions, exemptions, methods of application and the application process, as doing so will increase your chances of a successful application.

You could also consult with a migration agent, as they're experienced in the citizenship application process. Failed applications won't affect your permanent residence visa or your ability to continue living in Australia, but you won't get your application fee refunded.

The final step in the application process requires you to make the Pledge of Commitment at a special ceremony presided over by an Australian government official. After this has been done you'll receive a Citizenship Certificate which enables you to change have your documents (passport, driving license, etc.) amended to reflect your new status.

Want to learn about other aspects of emigrating to Australia? Click here to read more: Finding A Job In Australia Or Major Cities In Australia