How to Apply for Australian Citizenship?

Every Indian student or migrant living in Australia with permanent residence dreams of obtaining Australian citizenship. The perks that native gets encourage them to secure citizenship anyhow. However, achieving citizenship in Australia is not that easy; longer citizenship application processing time, a complex immigration system, and many more can be a reason for frustration.

You don’t have to be worried about all those obstacles if you file your Australian citizenship application correctly with all the supporting documents. However, to ensure the correct lodgement of your application, you must be aware of the latest rules, guidelines and eligibility requirements.

To determine the eligibility criteria, the latest rules and regulations, and the steps to apply for Australian citizenship, give our exclusive blog a read!

01. Australian Citizenship Eligibility & Requirements :

An individual can become a citizen of Australia with three methods; one gets citizenship automatically if born in Australia or if born outside Australia but has one parent with Australian citizenship, or lastly, one can gain citizenship through naturalisation, and it is essential to meet the following eligibility criteria via this method.

• Good character is a must
• Individuals 16 years of age or above are accepted
• Must know the responsibilities and privileges of an Australian citizen
• Overall, our years of stay in Australia, out of which 12 months must have been spent in Australia as a permanent resident.

02. Documents Required for Australian Citizenship :

To apply for and obtain citizenship as an Indian in Australia, an individual needs some documents, including: –

• Passport-size photographs
• Valid copy of the birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Permanent residency proof, such as bank statements, utility bills, etc.
• Valid photo ID, such as national identity card, driver’s license, etc.

You can only apply for citizenship in Australia with all these documents; otherwise, your application may not get considered at all.

03. 5 Steps to Apply for Australian Citizenship :

Now, you must be excited to know the exact process for applying for Australian citizenship. So, here are the steps that you can follow to obtain citizenship: –

• First, you have to determine whether you are eligible for citizenship and if you find yourself eligible, visit the official website of Immigration Direct of Australia. Once the website loads, find the Australian citizenship application and click on it.
• Then, you have to click the “Start your application”. An online form will open consisting of questions regarding the applicant, children, education, parents and employment, etc. Fill out this form with the correct details carefully.
• Now, you have to submit all the required documents and pay the application fee online.
• DHA will inform you about your scheduled appointment; visit their office for verification, appear for an interview, and take the test.
• Once your Australian citizenship application gets approved, make your Australian citizen pledge when invited by the authorities.

By following the steps mentioned above, individuals with permanent residence visas can apply for Australian citizenship accurately and become a citizen of Australia to enjoy all the perks natives have got!

04. Australian Citizenship Test: What You Must Know About It? :

To obtain Australian citizenship, one has to take the citizenship test. However, those with loss of sight/speech/hearing as well as individuals above 60 or under 18, are exempted from this test. The citizenship test has been designed to help future citizens learn about the country’s traditions, national symbols, values, and history.

One must be a permanent resident of Australia to appear for the test. In addition, an individual must provide the authority with all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria in order to appear in the Australian citizenship test, qualify for this test, and become an Australian citizen.

05. Benefits of Australian Citizenship in 2023 :

So, why should you put in so efforts to get Australian citizenship? Because of the benefits offered! The perks you get after becoming a citizen of Australia are numerous; some are as follows: –

• Right to stand for Parliament elections and vote in them.
• Get an opportunity to work in Australia’s Public sector or armed forces.
• One can get diplomatic assistance from Australian representatives while travelling abroad.
• You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia and travel as much as you want without any restrictions.
• An Australian citizen can apply for an Australian passport and leave and re-enter the country as many times as one desires.

If you want to leverage all the benefits offered by Australian citizenship, apply for it now; however, in case you have no clue about the immigration system of Australia, you may also get professional assistance for correct application lodgement.

FINAL VERDICT

Most of the individuals living in Australia with permanent residence think that obtaining permanent residence in Australia is challenging. Indeed, it is hard, but not with the proper guidance and professional assistance. You can secure Australian citizenship by filing an application accurately, providing all supporting documents to the authority, and responding promptly.

All the other information regarding Australian citizenship has been mentioned in this blog; read it carefully and then file your application to increase your chances of approval. Getting professional assistance from migration experts can also help you make the process of obtaining citizenship process smoother and easier!

FAQ’s :

Q. How long does it take to get Australian citizenship as an Indian?

A. The citizenship processing time in Australia depends on various factors, including the method you are using to get citizenship and individual circumstances. However, most applications get processed within 24 months, out of which 90% are approved.

Q. Is it difficult to qualify for the Australian citizenship test?

A. You can easily pass the test by looking at the questions provided in the booklet for the citizenship test. You can also read up on the country’s history, national symbols, rights and responsibilities of citizens as it will help you qualify for the test.

Q. Can an Australian citizen hold dual citizenship?

A. An Australian citizen can hold up to three citizenship; that’s a piece of good news, and it means you don’t have to renounce your Indian citizenship to get Australian citizenship.

Q. How to avoid rejection for Australian citizenship?

A. Most Australian citizenship applications are rejected due to inaccurate information, incomplete forms, failed citizenship tests and two consecutive applications. Also, authorities reject applications from individuals with criminal convictions. So, ensure to fill in all the details correctly while applying for citizenship, as it will help you avoid rejection.