The route by which foreign nationals can acquire Australian citizenship is through naturalization. It is a means of obtaining citizenship for people who were not born in Australia or did not have Australian parents.
To get Australian citizenship by naturalization, you must meet specific qualifying conditions and complete the application procedure. The following qualifications must be met in order to be qualified for naturalization as an Australian citizen:
Here is an overview of the documentation and application requirements:
Australia typically accepts naturalization for dual citizenship. This indicates that you can typically keep your prior citizenship and hold dual citizenship if you obtain Australian citizenship through the naturalization process.
To apply for Australian citizenship by naturalization, you must have been living in Australia as a permanent resident for at least four years. Out of those four years, you must have held a valid permanent residency for at least 12 months continuously.
Yes, you can include your eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children, in your application for Australian citizenship. Each family member will need to meet the relevant eligibility criteria and submit the required documentation.
Yes, but there are restrictions. During the four-year residency period, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total. Additionally, the 12-month period immediately before applying for citizenship should not include more than 90 days of absence.
Yes, English language proficiency is generally required for Australian citizenship. Most applicants need to pass an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless they are exempt based on specific criteria.
Generally, time spent on temporary visas, such as student or work visas, does not count towards the residency requirement for citizenship by naturalization. You need to have held a valid Australian permanent residency for the specified period.
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply at a later date, depending on the circumstances.