Citizenship
Several pathways lead to obtaining or resuming Australian citizenship. The Australian Parliament strengthened the integrity of Australian citizenship through the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Bill 2017) in April 2017. Within the same year (in October 2017), the government proposed amendments to Bill 2017. These new amendments will take effect on 1 July 2018.
Eligibility
You are eligible for Australian citizenship if you:
- are a child adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen
- are a child under 15 years or under, or an unaccompanied minor, who is a permanent resident
- are a child aged 16 or 17 who is a permanent resident
- are a child born outside Australia to an Australian citizen
- are a child of a former Australian citizen
- arrived in Australia between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme
- a migrant with permanent residence
- are a New Zealand citizen living in Australia
- were born in Papua before the 16 September 1975 independence
- want to resume your Australian citizenship
- the spouse or partner of an Australian citizen
- a refugee and/or a humanitarian entrant.
New Requirements
These amendments will take effect on 1 July 2018:
- General residence requirement: A minimum of 4 years permanent residence prior to application.
- English language test: Modest-level listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
- Australian values statement: With reference to allegiance, integration, and contribution to the Australian community.
- Australian citizenship test: About the privileges and responsibilities of Australian Citizenship.
- Integration into the Australian community.
- Pledge of allegiance to Australia for all streams of citizenship, including citizenship by descent, adoption, and resumption.
Member
