Australian citizenship by conferral
For permanent residents who meet the residence, character and test requirements.
In force
Who it is for
Permanent residents (and New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa) aged 18 to 59 under general eligibility. Other forms apply for children, people 60 and over and some others.
Main requirements
- General residence requirement: 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa immediately before applying, including 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months away in total and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator.
- Good character if 18 or over.
- Most applicants sit the citizenship test: pass mark 75% and all five Australian values questions correct.
- A close and continuing link with Australia.
Where you apply from
Usually in Australia.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Check your dates
Use the Residence Calculator and your travel records.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent calculates residence accurately. - Apply online
Lodge Form 1300t and pay the fee. Children 15 and under are included free.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent reviews character risks. - Appointment and test
Identity check, original documents and the test.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains what to bring. - Decision and ceremony
Citizenship starts when you make the pledge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent helps with review if refused. - After
Australian passport and voting.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent
Government fees
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| General eligibility | A$595 |
| Pensioner Concession Card holders | A$85 |
| Children under 16 on a parent's application | Nil |
| Other situations | A$365 |
These are fees, not visa application charges. The amounts are shown in the table. Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs citizenship processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Application to decision | 50% in 42 days, 90% in 5 months |
|---|---|
| Application to ceremony | 50% in 7 months, 90% in 11 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Residence not met, often from miscounted absences.
- Character, including false information in earlier visa applications.
- Failing the test three times.
- Identity issues.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2026
The general eligibility fee is A$595.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.