How to become an Australian citizen

Applying for citizenship

If you wish to become an Australian citizen the first step is to contact the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship on their Information Line 131 880 or website, www.citizenship.gov.au 

Important information

On 17 September 2007, the Australian Parliament passed the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Act 2007.

This means from 1 October 2007 people who satisfy the general eligibility criteria are required to pass a test before applying for Australian citizenship. People covered by the other situations are not required to sit a test.

The ceremony

Council holds regular Australian citizenship ceremonies for residents who wish to become Australian citizens. Citizenship ceremonies have an important symbolic role because they formally welcome new citizens from many cultures into Australian society.

The ceremony is a formal part of the citizenship process. A person becomes an Australian citizen on the date he or she attends the citizenship ceremony and makes the pledge of commitment to Australia.

The main elements of the ceremony are:

• Official welcome
• An address by the Mayor or a special guest
• Pledge of commitment to Australia
• Presentation of certificates of Australian citizenship
• Presentation of a gift to all new citizens
• Singing of the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair

Becoming an Australian citizen

An Australian citizen has the right to:

• Vote and elect Australia’s government.
• Stand for public office or nominate for election to Parliament.
• Apply for an Australian passport and leave and re-enter the country without a resident return visa.
• Seek consular assistance from Australia’s diplomatic representatives while overseas.
• Apply to enlist in the armed forces and for Government jobs.
• Register children as Australian citizens by descent.