How to apply for citizenship

Who can apply to be an Australian citizen

There are different ways to become an Australian citizen. The most common ways to becoming a citizen are when you:

• are a permanent resident living in Australia
• were born overseas to a parent who is an Australian citizen
• were born overseas and adopted by an Australian citizen outside Australia
• lost your Australian citizenship and would like to resume your citizenship.

Depending on your circumstances when you apply for citizenship, there may be a cost.

Find out how to become an Australian citizen and how much it costs on the Department of Home Affairs website.

New Zealanders who live in Australia

New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for 4 years or more can apply for Australian citizenship.

Find out about New Zealand citizens becoming Australian citizens on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Processing times

The time it takes to process your application to become a citizen will depend on your circumstances. You can find more information about processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Test and interview

Once you have applied for Australian citizenship, you may get an invitation to attend an interview and sit the citizenship test.

There is no extra cost to complete the citizenship test. If you fail the test, you can sit it again up to 3 times.

Find out more about the citizenship test and interview and how to prepare on the Department of Home Affairs website.