Australian Citizenship Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway), you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Permanent Resident Status You must hold a permanent visa at the time of application and at the time of the citizenship decision. This includes Subclass 186, 189, 190, 801, 143, and other permanent visas.

2. Residence Requirement You must have been living in Australia on a valid visa for at least 4 years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. Within those 4 years, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.

3. Good Character You must be of good character. The Department will check your criminal history both in Australia and overseas. Serious criminal convictions can disqualify you.

4. Intention to Live in Australia You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.

5. Citizenship Test Applicants aged 18–59 must pass the Australian citizenship test. Those aged 60+ or under 18 are exempt.

The citizenship test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test with 20 questions. You need to get at least 75% correct (15 out of 20) to pass. The test covers:

• - Australian values — democracy, rule of law, equality, freedom of speech
• - Australian history — Indigenous heritage, European settlement, Federation
• - Australian government — Parliament, voting, levels of government
• - Australian symbols — flag, coat of arms, national anthem
• - Australian society — multiculturalism, community participation

You must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly to pass, regardless of your overall score.

### Study Resources The official resource is the booklet *Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond*, available free on the Department of Home Affairs website. There are also official practice tests available online.

### Test Day - Bring your passport and another form of photo ID - The test is conducted at a Department office - You get your result immediately - If you fail, you can re-sit the test (usually after a short waiting period) - There's no limit to the number of attempts

Step 1: Check Eligibility Use the Department of Home Affairs' online eligibility tool to confirm you meet all requirements, particularly the residence calculation.

Step 2: Lodge Application Online Apply via your ImmiAccount. You'll need: - Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate) - Travel history for the past 4 years - Evidence of any name changes - Two passport-sized photos - Statements from referees (Australian citizens who have known you for 12+ months)

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee The citizenship application fee is approximately $490 as of 2026. There are no additional charges for family members included in the same application if they are under 16.

Step 4: Attend the Test and Interview You'll be invited to sit the citizenship test. This may also involve a brief identity verification interview.

Step 5: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony Once approved, you'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you take the Australian Citizenship Pledge. You officially become a citizen at this ceremony.

As of early 2026, citizenship application processing times are approximately:

• - Standard applications: 5–10 months from lodgement to ceremony invitation
• - Complex cases: 12–18 months (criminal history, extended absences, identity concerns)

Processing times have improved compared to the peak delays of 2020–2023, but backlogs remain for complex cases. Once approved, you'll typically wait 1–3 months for a ceremony.

Citizenship applications can be refused for:

• - Not meeting the residence requirement — particularly the absence calculations. This is the most common reason.
• - Failing the citizenship test three or more times
• - Character issues — criminal convictions, security concerns
• - Identity concerns — inconsistent identity documents
• - Providing false or misleading information

If your application is refused, you can apply for review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice.

Most straightforward citizenship applications don't require a migration agent. However, you should consider professional help if:

• - You have a complex travel history and are unsure about the residence calculation
• - You have criminal convictions or character concerns
• - You've had a previous citizenship application refused
• - You have identity document complications

Migration agent fees for citizenship applications typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.