After you have applied for Australian citizenship

Citizenship ceremony

Most people who apply to become an Australian citizen, and are approved, must attend a citizenship ceremony. The final legal requirement in the ceremony is stating the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment out loud. You will become an Australian citizen after you make the pledge.

Generally, you will need to attend a ceremony unless you either:

• are a child under 16 years
• have a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity.
  

If you do not attend a citizenship ceremony within 12 months, your citizenship approval may be cancelled. Find out more about the citizenship ceremony on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Citizenship certificate

You will get a citizenship certificate at the ceremony. This is an important legal document. You may need this to get an Australian passport or to apply for some jobs.

If you have lost your citizenship certificate, you can apply to get a new one.

Find out how to get a citizenship certificate on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Citizenship applications that are denied

If your application was denied, you can ask the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review this decision.

Find more information and help to review a decision about citizenship on the Administrative Appeals Tribunal website.

Responsibilities and privileges

When you become an Australian citizen, you will have extra responsibilities and privileges. This includes activities like voting in elections and in a referendum.

Find out more about the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship on the Department of Home Affairs website.