Step-by-step guide to the Australian citizenship application process

Whether you're lodging your application soon or just starting to plan, understanding the full process helps you prepare each stage properly — and avoid the delays that come from being caught off guard.

Official starting point: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen

Choose the right citizenship pathway

Different citizenship pathways have different procedures. This guide focuses on citizenship by conferral, which is the usual pathway for permanent residents applying after living in Australia.

Pathway	Who it's for	Test required?	Ceremony required?
By conferral	Permanent residents who meet the residence and character requirements	Yes, for most applicants aged 18-59	Yes
By descent	People born overseas to an Australian citizen parent	No	No
Evidence of citizenship	Existing citizens who need documentary proof	No	No

If you are not applying by conferral, start with citizenship by conferral vs descent before using this process guide.

Before you apply

Check your eligibility

Don't open the application form until you've confirmed all of these:

Requirement	What to check
Permanent residency	Do you currently hold a valid permanent visa?
4-year lawful residence	Have you lived in Australia lawfully for 4 years immediately before applying?
12 months as PR	Was at least 1 of those years on a permanent visa?
Absence limit	Were you outside Australia for no more than 12 months over those 4 years?
Recent absences	Were you outside Australia for no more than 90 days in the final 12 months?
Good character	No significant criminal history, no pending legal matters, honest immigration dealings?

See requirements for Australian citizenship for the full detail. Lodging when you don't yet meet the requirements is one of the most common mistakes.

If you fall short on residence days, permanent-resident time, or absence limits, wait until you meet the requirement before lodging. Submitting too early can waste the fee and slow down the process.

Start preparing for the test

If you're aged 18–59 and not exempt, you'll sit the citizenship test at your appointment. Start studying now — not after you receive your appointment letter. Read Our Common Bond, the official study booklet:

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond

See how to prepare for the Australian citizenship test for a practical study plan.

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Step 1: gather your documents

Collect your supporting documents before starting the online form:

• Passport — current and previous passports covering the 4-year residence period
• Birth certificate — full certificate showing parents' names (not a short-form extract)
• Visa grant notice — evidence of your permanent residency
• Travel records — passport stamps or travel history showing time in and out of Australia
• Name change documents — marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order if your name has changed

Documents not in English must include certified translations from a NAATI-certified translator.

For the complete checklist, see Australian citizenship documents checklist.

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Step 2: lodge your application online

Submit through ImmiAccount: online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

Complete the correct application form, upload clear scans of your documents, and pay the application fee. You'll receive an acknowledgement and reference number once lodged.

Tips:

• Fill in the form accurately — errors in travel dates or personal details cause delays
• Upload complete, legible scans — cropped or blurry images prompt requests for resubmission
• Save your progress as you go — you don't need to finish in one session

Check current fees before applying: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/citizenship-fees

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Step 3: attend your citizenship appointment

After your application is assessed, you'll receive an appointment invitation through ImmiAccount. At the appointment:

• Your identity and documents are verified by Department staff
• You sit the citizenship test (if you're aged 18–59 and not exempt)

Bring original documents — not photocopies. Arrive 15–20 minutes early. See what to expect at your Australian citizenship appointment for the full picture.

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Step 4: sit the citizenship test

The test is 20 multiple-choice questions on a computer in 45 minutes. To pass:

• At least 15 correct answers overall (75%)
• All five Australian values questions answered correctly — this is a separate, non-negotiable requirement

Exemptions apply for applicants over 60 and those with a permanent incapacity. See Australian citizenship test exemptions.

For test preparation, use the practice test series on this site: Practice Test 1

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Step 5: wait for the decision

After your appointment, your application enters final assessment. The Department checks identity, character, and residency records. Processing times vary — from a few months to over a year depending on your circumstances.

Current processing times: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times

Check ImmiAccount regularly — the Department sends all correspondence through the inbox, not always by email. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents.

Watch-outs during this stage:

• Check travel history figures carefully before lodging; many applicants undercount overseas absences
• Do not upload extra documents just because you have them; follow the form and request list
• Keep checking ImmiAccount after lodgement, because requests can appear there before you notice an email

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Step 6: receive approval and your ceremony invitation

Once approved, you'll be notified through ImmiAccount. Your local council will then contact you with an invitation to a citizenship ceremony. Approval means your application has been accepted — but you're not yet a citizen.

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Step 7: attend your citizenship ceremony

The ceremony is organised by your local council. At the ceremony:

• You make the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment — this is the legal moment you become a citizen
• You receive your citizenship certificate
• Family and friends are usually welcome to attend

Children under 16 who were included in your application don't make the pledge separately — the parent's pledge covers them.

See important things about the Australian citizenship ceremony for what to bring and what to expect.

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After the ceremony

From this point, you're an Australian citizen. Next steps:

• Apply for an Australian passport — through the Australian Passport Office
• Enrol to vote — compulsory for citizens 18 and over; enrol at the Australian Electoral Commission

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take? The overall journey from lodgement to ceremony regularly takes over a year. Check current processing times at the Department's website — they vary based on application volumes and individual circumstances.

What if I fail the test? Your application stays active. The Department will arrange another test opportunity. See what happens if you fail the citizenship test.

Can I track my application? Yes — through your ImmiAccount dashboard. Check it regularly, as the Department communicates through the ImmiAccount inbox.

Related guides

• Requirements for Australian citizenship
• Australian citizenship documents checklist
• How to apply for Australian citizenship online
• What to expect at your citizenship appointment
• Australian citizenship test exemptions
• How long does Australian citizenship take
• Important things about the Australian citizenship ceremony

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Always verify current procedures with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging your application.