Citizenship

Citizenship

Australian Citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia. With Australia renowned as “The Lucky Country”, it’s unsurprising that the number of individuals seeking to gain citizenship continues to rise.

There are three ways to become an Australian citizen. By birth (If you are born here and one or both of your parents is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia), by descent (If you are born overseas but are the child of an Australian citizen, you will generally be granted Australian Citizenship) and by grant (If you are a non-citizen of Australia you can apply to become an Australian citizen).

Citizens of the Land Down Under are afforded some of the most generous opportunities and liberties in the world, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of association – the right to form, join and leave associations such as political parties, trade unions, religious bodies, cultural groups and legal organisations to pursue common goals.

These values are enshrined in a number of laws designed to ensure a person is not treated differently to others because of their gender, race, disability or age.

In exchange, citizens are expected to adopt Australian values based on freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity. Citizenship gives individuals the chance to fully participate in Australian life and community. The greatest example of this is the spirit of mateship – the strong Australian tradition of service and volunteering – to look out for each other and strengthen the community.

Request to Calculate Date of Eligibility

Citizenship Privileges

Australian Citizenship is a privilege that also offers enormous rewards. In particular, migrants who become Australian citizens generally recognise it is an important milestone in their migration story.

Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making a choice to offer an ongoing commitment to Australia and the shared community values of the country.

As an Australian citizen, you gain rights and responsibilities, including:

  • voting in state or territory and federal elections, and in a referendum
  • defending Australia should the need arise
  • serving on jury duty if required
  • applying for children born overseas to become Australian citizens by descent
  • applying for a job in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
  • seeking election to parliament
  • applying for an Australian passport and freely re-entering Australia
  • asking for consular assistance from an Australian official while overseas
  • deferring university fees
  • representing Australia at many international sporting and cultural events
  • greater access to New Zealand and American work permits

While the rewards are wonderful, the journey towards Australian Citizenship can be a complicated one, and often requires expert assistance to ensure the success of your application. Migrate2Australia’s experienced citizenship lawyers and advisors understand the complex immigration system and can guide you throughout your immigration process so you can “Advance Australia Fair ” sooner rather than later!

Determine Your Eligibility for Citizenship

The most common path to granted Australian Citizenship is through becoming an Australian Permanent Resident and satisfying the residency requirements. To fulfil the residency requirement, a permanent resident must have been living in Australia for at least four years and hold Permanent Resident Status the year immediately before applying. The Australian Permanent Resident must have not left Australia for a time totalling more than 365 days in the four years before the application is made.

However, other individuals who may qualify for Australian Citizenship include: those born overseas to a former Australian citizen, those who arrived under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme; those who have lost Australian Citizenship and want to resume it; a spouse or partner of an Australian citizen; a citizen of New Zealand, children who are non-Australian citizens adopted by an Australian citizen over 18 years old; children who were born overseas but have at least one Australian citizen parent, or refugee and humanitarian entrants.

After determining eligibility, the Migrate2Australia team will discuss the different application processes as well as the documentation and identification required for each. They will support you and complete and lodge your citizenship application.

Once the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Offices in Australia has received your citizenship application, Migrate2Australia can help you prepare for and schedule a citizenship appointment. At the appointment, you will undergo identity verification and may be required to take the Australian Citizenship Test or have a citizenship interview. The Citizenship Test is designed to assess whether you have adequate knowledge of Australia, including the responsibilities and privileges of Australian Citizenship. The test also determines the level of English that each applicant possesses. The Citizenship Test requires a pass mark of 75%. (Some applicants are exempt from sitting the test, including those under the age of 18, at the age of 60 or over or who do not have the capacity to sit the test.)

Dual Citizenship

For those who seek dual citizenship, Migrate2Australia can also help you secure this. (Since April 2002, multiple citizenship has been permitted in Australia. Prior to 2002, if a person wanted to become an Australian Citizen, they had to renounce their previous citizenship.)

The citizenship process is completed with a citizenship ceremony, where you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. In doing so, you make a public commitment to Australia and accept the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. At the citizenship ceremony, you will:

  • Pledge your loyalty to Australia and its people
  • Promise that you will share Australia’s democratic beliefs and respect its rights and liberties
  • Vow to uphold and obey the laws of Australia

Throughout the entire process, The Migrate2Australia team are available to review applications and advise on prospects and strategy. They are committed to aiding applicants by investigating prior citizenship or permanent residency status of parents; responding to ministerial requests; assessing residence requirement exceptions – especially for persons who have spent significant periods outside Australia; helping with issues affecting the character requirement (including persons with criminal convictions or an immigration history that is deemed “unacceptable” by the Department); answering questions concerning identity and supporting stateless applicants.

Ultimately, Migrate2Australia want to help you achieve your citizenship goals while saving you time and money so that you can become a valuable member of the Australian society – and reap the benefits that come with it.

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To find out how Migrate2Australia can assist you, contact us for a confidential discussion about your circumstances or for an obligation free quote on the application process.

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