Australian Citizenship

Australian citizenship was first introduced with the passing of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. Before this date Australian citizenship did not exist. All those born and naturalised in Australia were British subjects. Becoming a citizen of Australia is an important decision as it is a recognition that you are making a commitment to Australia, its people and its way of life.

There are many reasons to become a citizen – the right to vote, ability to work for the Australian public service or in the Australian Defence Force, seek election to parliament, apply for an Australian passport and receive embassy help while overseas.

Australian Citizenship Application

There are different applications for citizenship. You may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you are a:

• spouse or partner of an Australian citizen;
• migrant to Australia who has obtained permanent residence;
• New Zealand citizen living in Australia;
• child of a former Australian citizen;
• commonwealth Child Migration Scheme arrival;
• refugee or humanitarian entrant;
• person born in Papua before independence in 1975;
• former Australian citizen looking to resume their citizenship;
• adopted outside Australia by at least one Australian citizen;
• born overseas to an Australian citizen.

You may need to meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• be a migrant who is a permanent resident;
• satisfy the residence requirement;
• meet character requirements;
• be likely to reside, or continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.

Citizenship test

Most people who apply for citizenship will need to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate that they have a basic knowledge of the English language and an adequate knowledge of Australia – its culture, its customs, its laws and its democratic beliefs and liberties.

Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services has significant experience in the citizenship application process and can deal with any difficult issues that may arise when applying for citizenship.