There are there primary ways to obtain Australian citizenship. Let’s take a look at them;
The first option is obtaining Australian citizenship by birth. These are fortunate individuals who are born in Australia. Plus, one or both of their parents are permanent residents or citizens of Australia.
The second option is obtaining Australian citizenship by descent. This happens when an Australian citizen’s child is born in another country.
The last option is obtaining Australian citizenship by conferral or grant. This method is specifically for foreign nationals interested in applying for Australian citizenship.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Australian Citizenship?
The Australian citizenship application of an applicant who fails to fulfill all the eligibility requirements is likely to be rejected. Hence, you are advised to ensure to meet the entire eligibility criteria to avoid disappointment.
Let’s talk about the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship;
- Applicant’s age must be above 16 years.
- The applicant must have a valid permanent resident permit.
- Most importantly, the applicant is required to prove their identity by submitting a photograph and a completed identity declaration accredited by a current Australian citizen unrelated to the applicant.
- The applicant must have been living in Australia for the last four years as a permanent resident at the time of submitting their application. Plus, they should have a valid visa during those four years as a permanent resident in Australia or eligible New Zealand citizen. In addition to this, the applicant must not have been out of the country for over 2 months in those four years or over 90 days in the last year.
- The applicant must pass the Australian citizenship test with a minimum score of 75% while correctly answering all five questions on Australian values. This will help them in fulfilling the knowledge requirements for obtaining citizenship.
- The applicant must prove their English language proficiency. Don’t forget many Australian citizenship applications are rejected simply because those applicants failed to demonstrate good English language skills.
The applicant also needs to prove their intention to live in Australia while solidifying their relationship with the country.
Interestingly, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) considers different factors to confirm the applicant’s ties with Australia. They see if the applicant has children or a partner who is an Australian citizen. Plus, it helps your case if you have an extended family in Australia.
They also see if the applicant has paid tax in Australia, owns a property in the country and has an employment contract or a bank account in Australia.
We hope you found this information helpful. Follow our blogs for the latest updates and informative content on Australian immigration.
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