Who Can Apply
Australian citizenship by conferral is available to:
- Permanent residents of Australia
- Certain New Zealand citizens who meet the residence requirements
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must have been lawfully present in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before lodging your application — and at least 12 of those months must have been as a permanent resident (not on a temporary visa or bridging visa).
The Residence Requirement — The Detail That Trips People Up
The 4-year calculation for Australian citizenship has two specific absence limits:
- No more than 12 months total absence from Australia in the 4 years before applying
- No more than 90 days absence in the 12 months immediately before applying
Time spent on a bridging visa generally counts as lawful presence, but does not count toward the 12-month permanent residence requirement. If you spent time on a bridging visa before your permanent visa was granted, that period counts toward the 4 years but not the 12 months as a PR.
We calculate the exact figures before advising on timing. Lodging too early — even by a few weeks — can result in your Australian citizenship application being refused and the fees being lost.
Good Character Requirement
All applicants must be of good character. This covers criminal history in Australia and overseas — not just convictions in the criminal sense. Spent convictions in some states may still need to be disclosed. If you have anything in your history that could be relevant, we review it before you lodge so there are no surprises.
The Citizenship Test
Most adult applicants (18 and over) must pass the Australian citizenship test. It's a multiple choice test covering Australian values, history, symbols, government, and the responsibilities of citizenship. A practice test is available on the Department's website — most applicants pass on the first attempt with modest preparation.
The test is available in English only. Applicants who cannot sit the test due to a physical or cognitive incapacity may be exempt.
Processing Times
Citizenship applications currently take 12–18 months for most applicants, though complex cases with character issues or identity questions take longer. The Department does not prioritise applications — the best way to avoid delays is to make sure the application is correctly and completely prepared when lodged.
After Approval — The Ceremony
Once your application is approved, you'll receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony. Ceremonies are typically arranged through your local council. You make the Australian citizenship pledge at the ceremony, and citizenship is conferred at that point.