Australian citizenship marks the final step in a migrant’s legal journey toward full membership of the national community. It carries both legal status and symbolic weight, binding new citizens to the values and institutions of the country. The process involves meeting eligibility criteria, taking part in a formal pledge ceremony, and accepting the rights and obligations that come with citizenship.
“Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values,” the department states in its guidance.
As Australia prepares to update its citizenship application fees from 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has reiterated the responsibilities, privileges and pathways associated with becoming an Australian citizen.
Who can apply for Australian citizenship
The most common routes to citizenship are through conferral and descent.
1. Citizenship by Conferral is open to permanent residents, including New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa. This route applies to individuals aged 18 to 59, those over 60, and children applying with a parent. It also includes refugees, Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants, and people with impairments that prevent them from completing the standard citizenship test.
There are also separate categories for children aged 15 or under applying on their own, young people aged 16 or 17, individuals born to former Australian citizens, and those born in Papua before independence in 1975 who have Australian parentage.
2. Citizenship by Descent is available to people born outside Australia who have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. Parents can also register a child born overseas under this provision.
Children adopted overseas through arrangements under the Hague Adoption Convention or bilateral agreements may also be eligible for citizenship.
People who have previously held Australian citizenship may apply to regain it through a separate process.
Key responsibilities and benefits
Australian citizens take on new responsibilities. These include obeying the nation’s laws, voting in federal, state and territory elections, serving on juries when called upon, and defending the country if required.
In exchange, citizens receive several entitlements. These include the right to vote and run for public office, apply for an Australian passport, re-enter the country freely, seek consular support abroad, and work in government roles such as the Australian Public Service or the Defence Force. Parents who are citizens can also apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent.
A formal citizenship ceremony is required before these rights take effect. During this event, new citizens make a public pledge, affirming their loyalty to Australia, its people, and its democratic system.
Updated application fees
From 1 July 2025, new citizenship application fees will come into effect. While the department has not released a detailed fee schedule, applicants are advised to check official sources closer to the date.
As per the Department of Home Affairs, Australia, a scheduled systems maintenance is also set to affect online services. The department has notified users that ImmiAccount and other platforms may be unavailable between 7:00 PM AEST on 30 June and 8:00 AM AEST on 1 July.
Australia has long positioned citizenship as a cornerstone of national life. It marks both a legal transition and a personal declaration of belonging. While the process to obtain citizenship is rigorous, officials continue to emphasise its value as a key part of national identity. New applicants are regularly advised to review eligibility criteria and prepare ahead of the changes coming into force in July.
“Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and our shared values,” the department states in its guidance.
As Australia prepares to update its citizenship application fees from 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has reiterated the responsibilities, privileges and pathways associated with becoming an Australian citizen.
Who can apply for Australian citizenship
The most common routes to citizenship are through conferral and descent.
1. Citizenship by Conferral is open to permanent residents, including New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa. This route applies to individuals aged 18 to 59, those over 60, and children applying with a parent. It also includes refugees, Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme migrants, and people with impairments that prevent them from completing the standard citizenship test.
There are also separate categories for children aged 15 or under applying on their own, young people aged 16 or 17, individuals born to former Australian citizens, and those born in Papua before independence in 1975 who have Australian parentage.
2. Citizenship by Descent is available to people born outside Australia who have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. Parents can also register a child born overseas under this provision.
Children adopted overseas through arrangements under the Hague Adoption Convention or bilateral agreements may also be eligible for citizenship.
People who have previously held Australian citizenship may apply to regain it through a separate process.
Key responsibilities and benefits
Australian citizens take on new responsibilities. These include obeying the nation’s laws, voting in federal, state and territory elections, serving on juries when called upon, and defending the country if required.
In exchange, citizens receive several entitlements. These include the right to vote and run for public office, apply for an Australian passport, re-enter the country freely, seek consular support abroad, and work in government roles such as the Australian Public Service or the Defence Force. Parents who are citizens can also apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent.
A formal citizenship ceremony is required before these rights take effect. During this event, new citizens make a public pledge, affirming their loyalty to Australia, its people, and its democratic system.
Updated application fees
From 1 July 2025, new citizenship application fees will come into effect. While the department has not released a detailed fee schedule, applicants are advised to check official sources closer to the date.
As per the Department of Home Affairs, Australia, a scheduled systems maintenance is also set to affect online services. The department has notified users that ImmiAccount and other platforms may be unavailable between 7:00 PM AEST on 30 June and 8:00 AM AEST on 1 July.
Australia has long positioned citizenship as a cornerstone of national life. It marks both a legal transition and a personal declaration of belonging. While the process to obtain citizenship is rigorous, officials continue to emphasise its value as a key part of national identity. New applicants are regularly advised to review eligibility criteria and prepare ahead of the changes coming into force in July.
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