Citizenship By Descent
Australian citizenship can be obtained either through citizenship by descent or citizenship by conferral, depending on your circumstances. This guide provides a clear overview of both pathways, helping you understand eligibility, requirements, and the application process.
Citizenship by Descent Who is Eligible?
Citizenship by descent is for individuals born outside Australia whose parent(s) were Australian citizens at the time of their birth.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Born on or after 26 January 1949 with at least one parent being an Australian citizen at your birth.
- Provide legal proof of parentage, such as birth certificates or citizenship documents.
- Applicants aged 18 or older must meet the character requirements.
Australian Citizenship by Conferral
Who Can Apply?
Citizenship by conferral is available to:
- Australian permanent residents aged 18–59.
- Children under 16 applying with a parent or guardian.
- Eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Partners or spouses of Australian citizens.
- Refugees or humanitarian migrants.
Notes:
- Children under 16 must be permanent residents but are exempt from general residency requirements.
- Children aged 16 or 17 must apply independently, and exemptions may apply if meeting residency requirements is difficult.
Citizenship by Conferral Residency
Exemptions from Residency Requirements:
- Under 16 years old.
- Born to a former Australian citizen who lost citizenship before 4 April 2002.
- Born in Papua before 16 September 1975 with an Australian citizen parent.
Exemptions from Residency Requirements
- Have lived in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years.
- Be a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen for at least 12 months.
- Have spent no more than 12 months outside Australia in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
Other Requirements for Citizenship
Character Requirement
Applicants aged 18+ must demonstrate good character by:
- Having no significant criminal convictions.
- Upholding Australian laws and commitments in the citizenship pledge.
Knowledge of Australia
Applicants aged 18–59 must:
- Understand Australia’s culture, democratic values, and laws.
- Pass the citizenship test with at least a 75% score.
Close and Continuing Link to Australia
Applicants must demonstrate an intention to live in Australia or maintain strong ties, such as:
- Owning property or being employed in Australia.
- Paying taxes in Australia.
Costs and Processing Times
| Type of Application | Cost (AUD) | 75% Processed | 90% Processed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Conferral | 285 | 15 months | 21 months |
| Citizenship by Descent | 230 (95/sibling) | 4 months | 7 months |
| Evidence of Citizenship | 180 (20 conc.) | 6 days | 19 days |
Reasons for Disapproval
- Inadequate proof of identity.
- Criminal records or national security risks.
- Being outside Australia when the decision is made.
How YZ Migration Consultants Can Help
Navigating citizenship applications can be complex. At YZ Migration Consultants, we provide expert guidance at every step—from assessing eligibility to preparing documents and submitting your application. Our goal is to make the process smooth, accurate, and stress-free.
Contact us today to check your eligibility and take the next step toward becoming an Australian citizen.