Australian citizenship is the final step in the migration journey for many people who have made Australia their permanent home. In my 27 years practising immigration law, citizenship applications are among the most rewarding matters I handle — but they are also more complex than many people expect. This guide explains the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the common issues that can delay or prevent approval.
Am I Eligible? The Four Requirements
To be eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral under section 21 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, you must meet four requirements:
- Residence requirement — you must have been lawfully present in Australia for at least four years immediately before applying, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident
- Citizenship test — you must pass the Australian citizenship test (unless exempt)
- Character requirement — you must be of good character
- Intention to reside — you must intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
Each of these requirements is assessed individually, and a failure on any one of them will result in a refused application.
The Residence Requirement
The residence requirement is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of citizenship eligibility. The four-year period must be calculated carefully.
The rules are:
- You must have been lawfully present in Australia for the four years immediately before the application date
- Of those four years, you must have been a permanent resident (or eligible New Zealand citizen) for at least 12 months
- Absences from Australia during the four-year period are counted against the residence requirement
- You can be absent for up to 12 months in total during the four-year period, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying
Time spent in Australia as an unlawful non-citizen does not count. Time spent on a temporary visa counts as lawful presence but does not count towards the 12-month permanent residency requirement.
If you have spent significant time outside Australia, you should calculate your residence carefully before applying. An application lodged before you meet the residence requirement will be refused.
The Citizenship Test
The Australian citizenship test consists of 20 questions drawn from the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond resource. You must score at least 75% — that is, answer at least 15 questions correctly — to pass.
The test covers:
- Australian values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and mutual respect)
- Australian history and government
- The rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens
The test is conducted at a Department of Home Affairs office and is computer-based. Most people who prepare adequately pass on the first attempt.
Exemptions from the test apply to:
- Persons aged 60 years or over
- Persons aged under 18 years
- Persons with a permanent physical or mental incapacity that prevents them from understanding the nature of the application
The Application Process
The citizenship application process involves the following steps:
- Check eligibility — confirm you meet the residence requirement, character requirement, and other criteria
- Lodge the application online through ImmiAccount — the application fee is AUD 490 (general eligibility, 2025-26)
- Book and pass the citizenship test — you will be invited to attend a test appointment after lodging
- Attend an interview (if required) — the Department may request an interview in complex cases
- Receive the decision — if approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony
- Attend the ceremony and make the pledge — citizenship is conferred at the ceremony when you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge
After You Apply — What to Expect
Processing times for citizenship applications vary. The Department of Home Affairs currently processes most straightforward applications within 12 to 18 months of lodgment. Complex cases — including those involving character issues, extended absences, or requests for additional information — can take longer.
You will be notified by email when your application progresses. You can check the status of your application through ImmiAccount.
Common Issues That Delay or Prevent Approval
The most common issues I see in citizenship applications are:
- Residence miscalculation — applying before the four-year residence requirement is met, or failing to account for absences correctly
- Character issues — criminal convictions, including spent convictions in some circumstances, can affect eligibility. The character requirement applies to the period both before and after the application is lodged.
- Failure to disclose — failing to disclose relevant information (criminal history, previous visa refusals, travel history) can result in refusal and, in serious cases, cancellation of citizenship after it is granted
- Pending criminal proceedings — if you have pending criminal charges, your application may be deferred until the proceedings are finalised
- Substantial criminal record — a substantial criminal record (as defined in the Act) will generally prevent approval
How I Can Help
Citizenship applications appear straightforward but contain traps for the unwary. Residence miscalculations, character issues, and disclosure failures are the most common causes of refusal — and in most cases, they are preventable with proper advice.
If you are considering a citizenship application, I encourage you to book a consultation with me before you apply. I can review your residence history, identify any issues, and advise you on the best approach.
Book a consultation to discuss your citizenship application.