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How to become an Australian citizen

Citizenship by conferral, in 8 steps, with the official link for each

1. Check you are eligible

   Most people need 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, with limited time away. Home Affairs has a tool that checks your dates.

   Home Affairs: become a citizen

2. Apply in ImmiAccount

   Apply for citizenship by conferral online through ImmiAccount, upload your identity documents and pay the application fee.

   Open ImmiAccount

3. Study Our Common Bond

   Every test question comes from Parts 1 to 4 of the official booklet. Practise until your predicted score is well above 75% and your values are solid.

   Home Affairs: Our Common Bond

4. Attend your appointment

   Home Affairs invites you to confirm your identity, have an interview and sit the test: 20 questions in 45 minutes, in English, with text-to-speech if you want it. Pass with 75% and all 5 values questions right.

   Home Affairs: the citizenship test

5. Get your decision

   If you pass, Home Affairs keeps processing your application. If you don't, you can sit the test again.

   Home Affairs: processing times

6. Go to your ceremony

   Once approved, you get a letter inviting you to a citizenship ceremony, generally within six months. Many are held on Australia Day.

   Home Affairs: citizenship ceremonies

7. Make the pledge

   You become an Australian citizen when you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. Then you receive your certificate and everyone sings 'Advance Australia Fair'.

8. Enrol to vote and get your passport

   As a citizen aged 18 or over, enrol to vote with the Australian Electoral Commission, then apply for your Australian passport.

   AEC: enrol to vote

Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. Check the linked official pages before you apply. CitizenOz is not affiliated with the Australian Government.