East Coast Immigration Consultants

VISA TYPES

Citizenship

 
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Becoming an Australian citizen is a major event and for most people it is the final chapter of a long migration journey! This is where you pledge your loyalty and commitment to Australia and in return you continue to receive the many opportunities Australia has to offer.

 
 

Benefits of being an AustraliaN citizen:

  • apply for an Australian passport

  • freely travel in and out of Australia as you please

  • being able to vote

  • access assistance from Australian consulates or embassies whilst you are oversees

  • stand for election (ie become a politician)

  • defer your study costs with access to HELP

  • register the birth of your children in another country as Australian citizens.

Responsibilities OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS:

  • behaving in accordance with Australia’s democratic beliefs

  • respecting the rights and liberties of Australia

  • following and obeying the laws

  • voting in all federal and state or territory elections and referenda

  • serving on jury duty, if summoned

  • defend Australia, if necessary.

 
 

There are many different ways of becoming an Australian citizen.

 

Permanent Residents or NZ Citizens

(by conferral)

This is one of the most common way people become eligible for citizenship. Some of the eligibility criteria include:

  • have permanent residency for at least 12 months, or be a New Zealand citizen

  • have been living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years, ie you have spent no more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years outside of Australia, including no more than 90 days in the past 12 months (unless you are exempt).

Persons who are 60 years and over can apply without sitting a citizenship test.

If your parent was an Australian Citizen when you were born overseas

(by descent)

This is another common way of becoming eligible for citizenship. Some of the eligibility criteria include:

  • be born outside of Australia on or after 26 January 1949

  • at the time of your birth, one or more of your parents was an Australian citizen.

Other pathways include:

  • Children 15 years and under who are permanent residents but whose parent(s) are not applying for citizenship

  • People who were born to a parent who was a former Australian citizen

  • Children who have been adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen

  • Persons born in Papua before independence in 1975

  • People who used to be Australian citizens.