If you miss the cut-off date (26 February 2001), you will have to apply for permanent residency before you can become an Australian citizen. 4. Can I become a Australian citizen on a student visa? Learn what documents you need, what form to use and how to finalize your migration story. Date of birth, birth name (and any name changes, if applicable): You will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate. Once you have gathered all supporting documents, completed the application, and prepared the filing fee, you can submit it to DHA electronically (online) or via mail. One difference is that with the 417 visa, you can apply up to age 35 if you’re from Canada, France, or Ireland. Before you are able to apply for citizenship you must have: resided in Australia for a specified number of years (currently, 4 years) In Australia, citizens have the right to work, vote, and stand for election to public office. This article has been viewed 29,827 times. I came from the UK with my parents when I was 6. ). A SCV is a temporary visa but it grants the New Zealand citizen the right to live and work in Australia for the duration of their stay. Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by the department. If you wish to become an Australian citizen, the first requirement that you must meet is a minimum age, which is 18 years old. Once you have completed the application, you will need to submit it to DHA with the application filing fee. Eligibility and more information. Proving you are a citizen. 2. The cost of application varies, depending on the applicant’s eligibility and the form they will use. Being an Australian citizen opens up work options for places that require security clearance (like federal government and defence jobs) as you can’t get do these jobs on a PR visa. The Australian citizenship test was created to ensure applicants have competent knowledge of Australia and the underlying rights and duties of being an Australian citizen. More information: Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, passport or national identity card. an Australian citizen; a permanent resident of Australia; an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident* a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members; a person who has been in New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia If you choose to submit your application via mail, be sure to send it to the correct address depending on where you live. Residency in Australia: Provide a document that will help you prove you’ve been living continuously and legally in Australia for the past four years. Identity: Provide a document with your photograph and/or signature that proves your identity. I immigrated in 1965 and I am a permanent resident. In this case you would either be eligible by birth or descent. Both working holiday visas cost AU$485 and last for 12 months. You can also establish permanent residency in Israel by living there for 3 out of 5 years before applying for citizenship. It also limits refugees to temporary 3 to 5 year visas. I am permanent resident of Australia since 1966. By continuing to use our website without changing your settings, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and use of cookies. If you don’t have this information on record, you can request birth certificates, citizenship records and other official info from local Australian government offices. You need to cover the 3 testable parts to the test. If you your parent is an Australian citizen or you’ve held permanent residency, you may already qualify. Australian citizens, permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. By being a dual citizen or dual national and acting inconsistently with your allegiance to Australia By being the child of responsible parents who cease to be citizens The Minister revoking your citizenship Engaging in certain terrorist or other related conduct You may also be able to complete your application online, via the e-Lodgement system. Communications between you and Immigration Direct or any employee are not protected by any privilege. Once you have permanent residency in Australia, you are able to apply for citizenship by conferral. % of people told us that this article helped them. Legally accepted documents for proving citizenship include passports, birth certificates issued in Australia, naturalization certificates, and certificates of citizenship by descent. be an Australian citizen and meet the residency requirements (you must study at least part of your course in Australia) be a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements; submit the Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form to your provider by the census date You’ll provide the originals at your citizenship appointment or interview. If an original document is not in English, you must submit a translation done by an accredited translator www.naati.com.au. “So you have to be a permanent resident first to become citizen. The general eligibility requirements for Australian Citizenship are: In addition to the changes announced on April 20, 2017 which will: Click here to learn more about the Australian Citizenship Changes. You must submit the required documents with your application or it will not be processed. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For this type of visa you will need to submit a skills test. Citizenship is a prized asset. Attend your Appointment & Sit for the Citizenship Test. With a few exceptions, anyone born in Australia between 1949 and 1986 acquired citizenship automatically at birth. Start by weighing your options. Be aware, again, of age, skill, and language requirements for this stream. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Become-an-Australian-Citizen-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-an-Australian-Citizen-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Become-an-Australian-Citizen-Step-1.jpg\/aid6294928-v4-728px-Become-an-Australian-Citizen-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"