Australian Citizenship Application

Most permanent residents become Australian citizens through citizenship by conferral. You generally need four years of lawful residence in Australia, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months total absence in that four-year period (and no more than 90 days absence in the last 12 months). Most applicants aged 18–59 must also pass the citizenship test and satisfy the good character requirement. Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount using Form 1300t, with a general eligibility fee currently listed by the Department of Home Affairs at $595 (concession fee $85). Processing and ceremony timeframes vary and should be checked on the Department’s current processing times page before you plan around a date. This article explains the process in plain English and outlines when it may help to get legal advice before you apply.

Which law applies

This article concerns Commonwealth law. Australian citizenship is governed by the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth) and the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016, administered by the Department of Home Affairs. It applies uniformly across Australia, including to residents of Hornsby and the greater Sydney area. This article focuses on citizenship by conferral, the most common pathway for adult permanent residents. It does not cover citizenship by descent, citizenship by adoption, or resumption of citizenship in detail — different rules and forms apply to those pathways.

Key terms explained

Some of the language used by the Department of Home Affairs can be unfamiliar. Here is what the main terms mean in plain English.

Term	What it means
Citizenship by conferral	The main pathway for eligible permanent residents to become Australian citizens, by application and approval under section 21 of the Act.
General residence requirement	The residence test in section 22 of the Act: broadly, four years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, subject to strict absence limits.
Good character	A requirement that the Minister be satisfied you are of good character at the time of decision. Criminal history, character concerns and some conduct overseas can be relevant.
Citizenship test	A computer-based test of 20 multiple-choice questions on Australian values, history and government, generally required for applicants aged 18–59.
ImmiAccount	The Department of Home Affairs’ online portal used to lodge most citizenship applications and pay the application fee.
Pledge of commitment	The formal pledge made at a citizenship ceremony, required before citizenship takes effect for most conferral applicants.

Why this matters

Waiting to hear about a citizenship application can be stressful, particularly if travel plans, family reunification or employment depend on the outcome. Getting the residence calculation wrong, or lodging without required evidence, can lead to delays or refusal. If your matter is time-sensitive or your residence history is complicated by overseas travel, it can help to have your eligibility checked before you lodge.

If you are preparing a citizenship application and want your eligibility reviewed first, you can book a consultation with Caspian Legal, or call 02 7264 3200.

Who is generally eligible for citizenship by conferral

Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, and the requirements below are general only. Under sections 21 to 24 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth), a person applying for citizenship by conferral will generally need to:

1. Be a permanent resident (or eligible New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category visa) at the time of application and decision.
2. Satisfy the general residence requirement in section 22 — broadly, four years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including the 12 months immediately before applying as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months total absence in the four years and no more than 90 days absence in the final 12 months.
3. Be aged at least 18 at the time of application (separate, simpler pathways apply to children).
4. Have a sufficient knowledge of the English language (some exemptions apply, including for those aged 60 or over).
5. Satisfy the citizenship test, if required for your age group, and demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
6. Be of good character at the time the Minister decides the application.
7. Intend to reside in Australia, or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia, if the application is approved.

Some applicants — for example those aged 60 or over, those with a permanent or substantial impairment, and those applying under special or defence service residence requirements in sections 22A–23 — have different or reduced requirements. Because these variations are technical, it is best to have your specific circumstances assessed rather than relying on general guidance.

Step-by-step: how the application process works

1. Check your eligibility, including your residence history. The Department’s online residence calculator can help, but complex travel histories are best checked with a solicitor or migration agent.
2. Gather your supporting documents (see checklist below) and create or sign in to your ImmiAccount.
3. Complete and lodge Form 1300t (general eligibility) online, or the applicable paper form if you are not eligible to apply online, and pay the application fee.
4. Respond promptly to any request for further information or documents from the Department.
5. If invited, sit the citizenship test and attend an interview to confirm your identity and circumstances.
6. Await the Minister’s decision. If approved, you will be notified and later invited to a citizenship ceremony.
7. Attend the ceremony and make the pledge of commitment. Citizenship generally takes effect from the day the pledge is made.

Process at a glance

Stage	What happens	What you can control
Lodgement	Application and fee submitted via ImmiAccount (or paper form where applicable).	Accuracy and completeness of evidence provided.
Processing	Identity, residence and character checks are carried out. This is usually the longest stage.	Responding quickly to Department requests.
Test and interview	Most applicants aged 18–59 sit the citizenship test and attend an identity interview.	Preparing using official study materials.
Decision	The Minister (or delegate) decides whether to approve the application.	Not directly controllable.
Ceremony	Approved applicants are invited to a citizenship ceremony to make the pledge.	Attending your scheduled ceremony.

Published processing benchmarks change over time and vary by individual circumstances. Always check the Department of Home Affairs’ current processing times before relying on any timeframe.

Current application fees (Department of Home Affairs)

Application	Standard fee	Concession fee
Form 1300t — general eligibility (citizenship by conferral)	$595	$85
Form 1290 — other situations	$365	$40
Child aged 15 or under on a parent’s form	Nil	Nil

Concession fees apply only if you hold a valid Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card. Fees are set under the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016 and are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website before you pay. Source: Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship application fees (Form 1298i).

Document checklist

Requirements vary by individual circumstances, but most conferral applicants are asked to provide:

• Evidence of identity (passport, birth certificate, national identity document)
• Evidence of permanent residence (visa grant notice or ImmiCard)
• Evidence of your travel history and time spent in and outside Australia over the relevant period
• Evidence supporting your English language ability, if relevant to your circumstances
• A recent passport-style photograph meeting the Department’s photo requirements
• Any name-change documentation (marriage certificate, deed poll, change of name certificate)
• Character-related documents if requested, such as police checks for time spent overseas
• Evidence supporting any concession fee claim (e.g. a valid Pensioner Concession Card)

What not to do

• Do not guess your residence history — count your absences carefully, or have them checked, before you lodge.
• Do not lodge without required identity or residence documents, as this can delay processing.
• Do not assume a past minor offence is irrelevant to the good character requirement without checking.
• Do not ignore a request for further information from the Department — unanswered requests can lead to refusal.
• Do not travel overseas for an extended period while a decision is pending without understanding how this may affect your application.
• Do not rely on unofficial online guides for exact fees, forms or timeframes — confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Common mistakes and myths

Myth	Reality
“I’ve lived here for years, so the residence requirement doesn’t matter.”	The residence requirement is calculated precisely, including specific absence limits. Long-term residents can still fall short if absences were not tracked correctly.
“A speeding fine or minor offence will automatically block my application.”	Good character is assessed on the full circumstances, not a single minor matter. However, more serious or recent issues can be relevant and should be disclosed and discussed with a solicitor.
“Once I lodge, there’s nothing more I need to do.”	You may be asked for further documents, an interview or a test. Delays in responding can delay or jeopardise your application.
“The processing time I saw online is guaranteed.”	Published processing times are percentile estimates for the overall caseload, not a promise for your individual application.

What happens in an initial consultation with Caspian Legal

If you engage Caspian Legal to assist with your citizenship application, an initial consultation will typically involve:

1. Reviewing your immigration history, visa status and residence record.
2. Identifying any potential character, residence or documentation issues before you lodge.
3. Explaining the applicable pathway and what evidence the Department is likely to require.
4. Discussing realistic timeframes and next steps, including whether we can assist with lodging your application.

Assisting clients in Hornsby and the Upper North Shore

Caspian Legal is based in Hornsby and assists clients throughout the Upper North Shore, including Waitara, Asquith, Wahroonga, Turramurra, Thornleigh, Pennant Hills, Normanhurst and Berowra, with Commonwealth migration and citizenship matters. While citizenship applications are lodged with the Department of Home Affairs and are not heard in a local court, many clients prefer to have their eligibility checked and their application prepared with the help of a local solicitor before they submit anything online.

Caspian Legal Pty Ltd is located at 22-28 Edgeworth David Ave, Sydney NSW 2077. You can reach the firm on 02 7264 3200, or visit caspianlegal.com.au to make an enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to have lived in Australia before I can apply?

Generally, you need four years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including the 12 months immediately before applying as a permanent resident, with limited absences during that period. This is a technical calculation — the Department’s online residence calculator or a solicitor can help you check it.

Do I have to sit the citizenship test?

Most applicants aged 18 to 59 must sit and pass the test. Some applicants — including those aged 60 or over, or with a relevant permanent impairment — may be exempt, though an interview may still be required.

How much does it cost to apply?

As at the Department of Home Affairs’ current fee schedule, the general eligibility application (Form 1300t) is $595, with a concession fee of $85 for eligible Pensioner Concession Card holders. Fees are reviewed and indexed annually, so always confirm the current amount before paying.

How long does the process take?

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of your application and the Department’s current caseload. Rather than relying on a fixed number, check the Department of Home Affairs’ published processing times before you plan around a particular date.

Can a minor criminal record stop me becoming a citizen?

Not necessarily. Good character is assessed on your overall circumstances, but disclosure obligations apply and some matters (including spent convictions in certain contexts) need to be handled carefully. It is worth obtaining advice if you have any criminal history, however minor.

What happens if my application is refused?

You will generally be notified of the reasons for refusal and, in some circumstances, may have review rights. Time limits can apply to any review, so it is important to seek advice promptly if your application is refused.

Can Caspian Legal lodge the application for me?

We can review your eligibility, help you prepare your evidence, and advise on your options, including where relevant, assisting with lodgement. Contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Why timing can matter

Time limits and evidentiary requirements can affect your application, and circumstances such as a pending court matter, upcoming travel, or a visa expiry can add urgency. If your circumstances are time-sensitive, it is worth seeking advice as early as possible rather than waiting until a deadline is close.

Speak with Caspian Legal before you apply

This article is general information only. Whether you meet the residence, character and other requirements for citizenship by conferral depends on your individual circumstances. Caspian Legal can review your position and help you prepare a complete, accurate application.

Call 02 7264 3200, book a consultation online, or visit us at 22-28 Edgeworth David Ave, Sydney NSW 2077. You can also read more on our migration and citizenship services page.