Immigration Law
Australian Citizenship & Naturalisation — Know Your Rights
Australian citizenship is the most valuable immigration outcome available — but applications can be refused, delayed, or complicated by character issues, residence gaps, or complex family circumstances. A migration lawyer ensures you navigate the process correctly the first time.
⚠ Citizenship application errors can trigger long delays or permanent refusal — submit your request now.
Does This Sound Like You?
Common situations we help with.
Met Residence Requirements — Ready to Apply
You have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least four years and believe you meet the residence requirements. Before lodging, a migration lawyer can confirm your absences do not jeopardise your application and that your travel history is calculated correctly under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
Citizenship Application Refused or Significantly Delayed
If your citizenship application has been refused or has been pending far beyond standard processing times without explanation, you have legal options. A migration lawyer can review the decision, identify whether the refusal grounds are valid, and either challenge the decision through the AAT or compel the Department to make a decision.
Failed the Citizenship Test
Failing the citizenship test does not automatically end your application, but repeated failures can. Understanding what the test requires, accessing preparation materials, and knowing your rights to resit the test are important steps a migration adviser can walk you through before your next attempt.
Character Issues Affecting Your Application
Prior criminal convictions, pending charges, or adverse ASIO assessments can lead to a citizenship refusal on character grounds. These situations require careful legal management — an early submission addressing the character concerns with supporting references and rehabilitation evidence can make the difference between approval and refusal.
Citizenship by Descent for a Child Born Overseas
Children born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent may be entitled to citizenship by descent under section 16 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The process involves proving the parent's citizenship status at the time of the child's birth and meeting documentation requirements that vary depending on the country of birth.
Renouncing or Resuming Australian Citizenship
Some applicants need to renounce Australian citizenship to obtain another nationality, while others seek to resume citizenship previously renounced. Both processes have specific legal requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and can have lasting consequences — legal advice is strongly recommended before taking either step.
How It Works
Your Path to Australian Citizenship
Whether you are applying for the first time, responding to a refusal, or helping a family member obtain citizenship, we connect you with a migration lawyer who will assess your eligibility and guide you through every step.
Submit Your Citizenship RequestSubmit your request
Tell us about your residence history, permanent resident status, and any complications such as criminal history or extended absences. We match you with a migration lawyer experienced in citizenship applications.
Eligibility assessment
Your lawyer reviews your travel history and calculates your absences under the Act. They identify any potential issues — including character concerns — and advise on the strongest way to present your application.
Application preparation and lodgement
Your lawyer prepares your citizenship application, supporting statements, and any character submissions — and remains available to respond to any Departmental requests for further information.
4 Years PR
General residence requirement — including at least 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before applying
All 8 States
Requests matched to specialist lawyers across every state and territory in Australia
Free
Initial consultation — understand your rights and options before committing to any action
AAT Review
Most citizenship refusals are reviewable — legal representation improves your prospects at the Tribunal
Before You Apply
Practical questions about Australian citizenship.
What are the residence requirements for Australian citizenship by conferral? +
Under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, you must have been lawfully present in Australia for four years immediately before applying, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. You must not have been absent for more than 12 months total across the four years, with no more than 90 days absence in the final 12 months as a permanent resident. Absence calculations are strictly applied — even brief periods unlawfully in Australia can affect eligibility.
What does the citizenship test involve, and can I resit it if I fail? +
The citizenship test is a 20-question multiple-choice test drawn from the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond study resource. You need to answer at least 75% of questions correctly and answer all three questions about the pledge, voting, and the Constitution correctly. If you fail, you may resit — however, the Department has discretion to refuse an application if the test is failed multiple times. There is no fixed limit on resits, but ongoing failure raises character and commitment concerns for decision-makers.
What are the character and good conduct requirements for citizenship? What are the character and good conduct requirements for citizenship? +
Applicants must be of good character — a broader assessment than the criminal record check alone. The Department considers convictions, pending charges, adverse security assessments, and the applicant's overall conduct in Australia. A conviction does not automatically bar citizenship, but it will be weighed against the seriousness of the offence, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Proactively addressing character concerns with a well-prepared submission is the most effective strategy.
How does citizenship by descent work for children born overseas? +
Under section 16 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, a person born outside Australia is an Australian citizen by descent if at least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. The parent must have been a citizen otherwise than by descent themselves (with limited exceptions). Applications require proof of the parent's citizenship status at the relevant time, birth certificates, and identity documents. There is no age limit on applying for citizenship by descent.
Does Australia allow dual citizenship? +
Australia permits dual citizenship — there is no requirement to renounce your existing nationality when becoming an Australian citizen. However, whether you can hold both citizenships depends on the laws of your other country of nationality. Some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you acquire another nationality. A migration lawyer can advise on the dual citizenship implications for your specific situation before you proceed.
How long does a citizenship application take, and what causes delays? +
Standard processing times vary — the Department of Home Affairs publishes current indicative timeframes on its website, which have historically ranged from several months to over a year depending on case complexity. Common causes of delay include security and character checks, incomplete applications, travel history issues, and high application volumes. If your application has been pending significantly beyond the published timeframe, a migration lawyer can contact the Department on your behalf or consider mandamus proceedings to compel a decision.
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