Australia is a nation that is rapidly growing in its economy. Due to this, foreigners are motivated to become Australian citizens. To become an Australian citizen, you must understand the eligibility requirements and the many steps of the application procedure. This thorough guide covers all you need to know about becoming a citizen of Australia.
Eligibility Requirements to Become an Australian Citizen
Some international individuals may be eligible to get Australian citizenship through descent or family ties to an existing citizen of the country.
The most popular way to become an Australian citizen is through conferral. In Australia, citizenship by conferral is the procedure by which a non-citizen voluntarily becomes an Australian citizen.
To become a citizen through conferral, you must complete the following eligibility requirements:
1. Reside in Australia
To seek citizenship in Australia, you must first be a permanent resident. However, not all permanent residents and visa holders will be eligible unless they meet a certain set of residency standards.
You must have been in Australia on a valid permanent resident visa for at least four years, up to the day you apply for citizenship.
Furthermore, you must have been absent from Australia for more than twelve months in total over the previous four years. This includes no more than 90 days total in the last twelve months before the date of your application. You must also be present in Australia when your application is considered.
There are numerous types and subclasses of Australian visas. These include temporary visas, special category visas, skilled independent visas (for New Zealand citizens and invited workers), and other visas that allow for permanent residency.
2. Be of Good Character
If you are 18 years of age or older, you must exhibit good character. To decide this, the Australian government may check to see if you have any recorded criminal convictions, if you have any court responsibilities within or outside of the nation, and if you supplied any false or misleading information in your visa or citizenship application.
3. Maintain a Close Link with Australia.
You must plan to live in Australia or maintain a continuous connection to Australia while abroad. Individuals can demonstrate this by presenting evidence of one or more of the following:
● You own property in Australia.
● You keep bank accounts or other possessions within the nation.
● Australia serves as your source of money or employment.
● Your spouse and children are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
● Schooling arrangements, membership in Australian community clubs or charities, and rarely leaving the nation to travel abroad can all be used to demonstrate that you want to retain a close and constant connection to Australia.
4. Have basic knowledge of the English language.
You do not need to speak fluent English to obtain Australian citizenship, but you must demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of the English language. The citizenship interview and exam will assess your language proficiency.
5. Complete an application for Australian citizenship.
You can apply for citizenship after proving that you meet the qualifying and residency requirements.
The first step is to fill out the relevant application form. Immigrants aged 18 to 59 should use Form 1300T. Immigrants above the age of 60 should complete Form 1290.
Gather all of the necessary documentation for submission with your application. The form you fill out will specify the documents you need, such as approved forms of identification and original police certificates, to establish that you have no significant criminal records.
To acquire the forms and start the application process, go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. The application can be completed on paper or online, and both demand a cost.
6. Complete the Citizenship Test or Interview
Once your application has been received, you will be requested to schedule a citizenship test or interview.
The exam center will need proof of your identity. Then you’ll be asked a few questions to assess if you need to take the official test or if you qualify for an interview instead.
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 will have to take the Australian citizenship test. Children and adults over the age of 60 may be “tested” through an interview rather than a regular exam.
To pass the citizenship exam, you must get 75% or better. The questions assess your mastery of the English language, your understanding of Australian values and legislation, and what it means to be an Australian citizen.
Once you’ve completed the application, interview, and exam, you’ll have to wait for your decision.
How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after permanent residency?
Permanent residents can seek Australian citizenship after spending four years in Australia on any visa. This four-year period includes at least one year of permanent residency.
You must not be gone from Australia for more than 12 months.
Must have spent no more than three months outside of Australia in the year before application.
Australian Citizenship By Marriage
There is no unique process to becoming an Australian citizen through marriage. Even if your partner is Australian, you must meet all of the standard eligibility conditions, including residence and good character. However, having an Australian spouse or partner should help you when demonstrating your continued ties to the country as part of your application package.
Australian Citizenship by Descent
You can become an Australian citizen by descent if at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time you were born. This applies even if your parents later changed their citizenship, as long as you were born outside of Australia. You must still meet the criteria for good character, and you must provide proof of your identification and your Australian parent’s citizenship.
If you use this path and submit all of the required documentation, your application should be processed within 2 to 4 months.
Can I obtain citizenship through investment?
There is no set process to becoming an Australian citizen through investment. Even if you are in Australia as an investor or entrepreneur, you will need to choose a different route, such as permanent residency.
How to become a permanent resident in Australia
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you start your PR application, you need to evaluate your eligibility for the various visa types available. Australia offers various PR visa types, each with its own unique set of restrictions. The most popular visa choices are:
● Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
● Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
● Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
● Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
To determine which visa type is best suited for you, you must analyze your eligibility for an Australia PR visa based on the following characteristics:
● Age: You must be under the age of 45 at the time you apply.
● Score: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in all four bands is required to demonstrate English language ability.
● Education: You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
● Work experience: You must have at least two years of full-time experience in a skilled occupation.
Step 2: Calculate your points.
The Australian government evaluates applications for permanent residency cards using a points-based system. Several factors influence how many points you gain, including:
● Age: You gain 10 points for each year under 45.
● Score: If you achieve an IELTS score of 8.0 or higher, you will receive 20 points for English language abilities.
● Education: A bachelor’s degree is worth 15 points, while a master’s degree or above is worth 20.
● Work experience: 10 points are awarded for each year of full-time employment in a skilled occupation.
Step 3: Submit your Expression of Interest
After you’ve confirmed your eligibility and calculated your points, the next step is to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian government. An EOI is an online form where you can provide information about yourself, your abilities, and your qualifications. The Australian government will use your EOI to assess your application and determine if you are invited to apply for a PR visa.
Step 4: Gather the required documents.
If you are invited to apply for a PR visa, you must get the required documents. These documents will vary according to your visa application; however, they may include:
● Passport
● Educational certificates
● Work references
● Other supporting documentation
Remember to have all documents translated into English and validated before submitting them.
Step 5: Submit your Visa application.
After you submit your visa application, the Australian government will process it.
Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications being processed, so please be patient. You may see the status of your application online.
Step 6: Wait for Your Visa to be Granted
After you’ve finished all of the necessary processes and filed your visa application, the last step is to wait for it to be approved.
The processing period for a PR visa varies depending on the visa option you select, your specific circumstances, and the number of applications being handled by the Department of Home Affairs.
During the processing time, it is vital to check the status of your application via the Australian government’s online application system. You may also receive requests for more information or papers, which you must promptly provide to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
Step 7: Move to Australia
Once your PR visa is granted, you can move to Australia and begin your new life as a permanent resident. Your PR visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, as well as receive healthcare and social security benefits.
During the processing time, you must verify the progress of your application using the Australian government’s online application portal. You may also get requests for more information or documents, which you must promptly give to minimize delays in the processing of your application.
Step 7: Move to Australia.
Once your PR visa is approved, you can relocate to Australia and start your new life as a permanent resident. Your PR visa permits you to reside, work, and study in Australia indefinitely while receiving healthcare and social security benefits.
Which Visa Types Lead to Australian Permanent Residency?
The following visas provide a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency:
● 189 Visa to PR
● 190 Visa to PR
● Direct entry 186 Visa to PR
● Partner Visa to PR
● Child Visa to PR
Benefits of Becoming an Australian Citizen
While it is possible to remain in Australia as a permanent resident indefinitely, becoming an Australian citizen has numerous advantages.
Depending on your home nation, you may be allowed to hold dual citizenship in Australia and your home country simultaneously. Below is a closer look at the advantages of becoming an Australian citizen.
1. Owning an Australian passport
As an Australian citizen, you can obtain an Australian passport, which makes international travel easier. With an Australian passport, you can travel without a visa to 145 countries and territories. You can also re-enter the country at any time and stay outside for as long as you like.
2. Using the Australian Medicare Program
In Australia, the Medicare system provides free public hospital treatment and pays for a portion of your medical expenses when you see a general practitioner or specialist.
Be aware that Australia’s Medicare does not cover many sorts of medical treatment, including vision and dental. It also does not let you select your own doctors or specialties. Another disadvantage of Australia’s public healthcare system is the lengthy wait times for medical services.
All Australian citizens can benefit from private health insurance coverage. Private health insurance allows you to choose your own doctors, skip excessive wait times, and get coverage for dentistry, vision, and other medical treatments that Medicare does not cover.
Australian Citizenship Processing Time
The processing time for citizenship petitions varies. It can take four to sixteen months from the time you apply until you receive a decision. Approximately 75% of all candidates obtain a decision within seven months.
After Australia has granted your citizenship application, the next step is to attend a citizenship ceremony. To officially confirm your immigration status, you will be required to sign the Australian citizenship promise.
Citizenship ceremonies are organized by local government bodies. Four weeks before your ceremony, you will receive an invitation letter.
Conclusion
If you are a permanent resident or expat who has resided in the Commonwealth of Australia for at least four years with no significant absences, you may be able to apply for Australian citizenship. Remember that you will still need to meet residency requirements and be confirmed as a person of good character.
It takes several months for the Australian government to approve your citizenship application. Once accepted, you will have access to the same citizenship privileges as native Australians.
