Australian Citizenship Forms 118 and 119 Explained

When applying for Australian citizenship, not all applicants complete the same paperwork. In particular, Form 118 and Form 119 are two important forms that serve very different purposes in the citizenship process. Knowing exactly what these forms are and when they’re needed will help ensure your application goes smoothly and on time.

This comprehensive blog post explains both forms in clear and practical terms, helping you understand which one applies to your situation and why it matters.

What Is Form 118?

Form 118 is the Application for Australian Citizenship by Descent. You must use this form if:

• You were born outside Australia, and
• At least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.

This form does not apply to people seeking citizenship by conferral (i.e., through permanent residence and meeting general eligibility criteria). It is specifically for claiming citizenship because of parentage.

Key Points About Form 118

• There is no age limit — if you meet the parentage requirement, you can apply as a child or an adult.
• You’ll need to show evidence of your birth and your parent’s Australian citizenship.
• Good character requirements may apply if you are an adult applicant.
• You can lodge Form 118 online through the official immigration portal.

The essence of Form 118 is to establish that you already have the right to Australian citizenship by descent and to register that status officially.

What Is Form 119?

Form 119 is the Application for Evidence of Australian Citizenship. You use this form when you already are an Australian citizen (by birth, by descent, or by conferral) but need official documentation to prove it.

This evidence typically takes the form of a citizenship certificate, which is required for:

• Applying for an Australian passport;
• Replacing a lost, destroyed, or damaged citizenship certificate;
• Providing formal proof of citizenship to employers, government agencies, or courts.

Unlike Form 118, Form 119 isn’t about becoming a citizen — it’s about proving that you already are one.

Who Needs Which Form?

Here’s a simple way to know which form applies to you:

• Use Form 118 if you are applying for Australian citizenship by descent because you were born overseas to an Australian parent.
• Use Form 119 if you are already an Australian citizen and need official evidence of that citizenship.

In other words, Form 118 is for establishing citizenship rights, while Form 119 is for documenting those rights officially.

Identity and Supporting Documents

Both forms require clear identity documents and supporting evidence:

• For Form 118, you will need evidence of your birth, your parent’s citizenship, and identity documentation such as passports or birth certificates.
• For Form 119, you’ll need identity documents and any available proof of your existing citizenship — such as a previous citizenship certificate or current Australian passport.

Most applications are now lodged online, with documents uploaded digitally rather than submitted by post.

Fees and Costs

Australian citizenship forms attract official application charges. The fees are indexed annually, usually on 1 July. For the relevant forms:

• Form 118 (Citizenship by Descent) has a standard application fee.
• Form 119 (Evidence of Citizenship) also carries a standard fee.

In some cases, replacement certificates for documents lost, destroyed, or damaged due to natural disasters may attract a reduced fee or be exempt.

It’s important to check the most current fee schedule before you apply, as amounts can change with each indexation update.

Practical Tips for Applicants

Here are some tips to make the application process easier:

• Start by checking your eligibility carefully; using the wrong form can delay your application.
• Prepare clear, certified documents for identity, parent citizenship, and birth evidence.
• Use the official online portal to complete and lodge your application unless a paper submission is absolutely required.
• Keep scanned copies of all documents before uploading them so you can easily re-submit if needed.
• Plan ahead for fees and possible changes in charges if your application spans late June/early July.

Australian citizenship Forms 118 and 119 are essential parts of the citizenship landscape, but they serve very different purposes:

• Form 118 confirms your entitlement to citizenship by descent.
• Form 119 provides proof of that citizenship.

Understanding the distinction and knowing when to use each form helps you avoid delays, ensures correct documentation, and gives you greater confidence in progressing through your Australian citizenship journey.

Good preparation and attention to detail will make the process smoother and get you closer to the outcome you’re seeking — whether that’s becoming a citizen or simply having formal proof of your status.