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Australian citizenship

To become an Australian citizen by conferral you need permanent residence, 4 years of living in Australia on a valid visa, good character and, if you are aged 18 to 59, a pass in the citizenship test, which also checks basic English. The last step for most people is the Australian citizenship pledge at a ceremony.

The path to Australian citizenship

  1. Hold permanent residence

    You must be a permanent resident when you apply. New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa count as permanent residents for citizenship.

    Official source

  2. Meet the residence requirement

    You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years right before you apply, holding a permanent visa for the last 12 months. Absences may total no more than 12 months in those 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last year.

    Official source

  3. Be of good character

    From age 18 you must be of good character. Home Affairs looks at criminal convictions, court obligations, reported domestic violence and whether you have been honest in visa and citizenship matters.

    Official source

  4. Apply and pay the fee

    The fee is $285 AUD for applicants aged 18 to 59 who must sit the test; some concession card holders pay less. There is no extra cost for the test itself.

    Official source

  5. Pass the citizenship test

    Applicants aged 18 to 59 sit a computer test of 20 questions in 45 minutes, in English, at a Home Affairs appointment. You need 75% overall and all 5 questions on Australian values right.

    Official source

    The citizenship test: format, pass mark and free practice

  6. Or attend an interview

    If you do not need to sit the test, for example because you are 60 or over or have a permanent incapacity, you may have an interview instead to confirm your identity and discuss your application.

    Official source

  7. Make the citizenship pledge

    Once your application is approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, usually about 4 weeks ahead. You become a citizen when you make the pledge of commitment, choosing the version with or without the words "under God".

    Official source

Official sources (6) · last checked 19 October 2026