How to apply for Australian citizenship

The steps

1. Make sure you are eligible. See eligibility.
2. Prepare your documents. Give original police certificates, scans of original documents if applying online, and each document only once. For identity you need 3 documents together showing your birth name, date of birth and sex, your photograph, your signature and your current address. A full birth certificate is expected, with other documents accepted if you cannot get one. Include a photo for you and each child in the application.
3. Apply and pay online in ImmiAccount. You can apply from in or outside Australia. Pay the fee when you lodge. See fees.
4. Attend your appointment. You will get a letter. The time to your appointment varies and can take several months. See the test and interview.
5. Wait for the decision. Send any extra documents requested, and tell Home Affairs if your name, contact details or children's details change.
6. Outcome. You will be told in writing. If you are refused you can ask the Administrative Review Tribunal for a review, within the time limits in your letter. See ART appeals.
7. Ceremony. Most applicants make the pledge at a citizenship ceremony and receive their certificate there.

Paper applications

You apply on paper only if you have no current or expired passport or travel document, have not travelled in or out of Australia since July 1990, are eligible for a fee exemption, are claiming the Australian Defence Service residence exemption, or were born outside Australia and are stateless. Use Form 1300t, pre-pay the fee online and post certified copies of your documents.

Travelling while you wait

Tell Home Affairs if you plan to travel. In most cases an application cannot be approved while you are outside Australia, and you must make the pledge within 12 months of approval or the approval may be cancelled. Make sure your visa allows you back in; if your travel facility has expired, you need a Resident Return visa.