Australia

Permanent residency visa

An Australian permanent resident and an Australian citizen are not the same thing. Get to know the key differences here as well as the privileges and responsibilities of being an Australian citizen. Any adult who became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. This includes:

1 . 12 months as a permanent resident
2 . absences from Australia of no more than 12 months
3 . absences from Australia of no more than three months in the 12 months before applying.

HOW TO APPLY

Applying for a permanent residency visa

“If you want to apply for permanent residency, there are a number of requirements you need to meet. You can make an application on humanitarian grounds, as a migrant, or part of a family unit. For more information about how to become a permanent resident, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. If a permanent resident chooses to travel internationally they need to ensure they have a permanent visa with a valid travel authority if they wish to return to Australia as a permanent resident.

Australian citizenship

Being an Australian citizen means you can say, ‘I am Australian.’ Making Australia a permanent home is the goal of many of Melbourne’s migrants and comes with many privileges and responsibilities. Becoming an Australian citizen means you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and everything Australia stands for.

General eligibility criteria for citizenship

Generally, those over the age of 18 who apply for Australian citizenship must:
1 . have passed a citizenship test (unless over the age of 60)
2 . be a permanent resident at the time of application, and also, at time of decision
3 . satisfy the residence requirement
4 . be likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain close and continuing association with Australia
5 . be of good character.

Children may also apply for Australian Citizenship, although different requirements apply. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Residence requirement

Any adult who became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. This includes:
1 . 12 months as a permanent resident
2 . absences from Australia of no more than 12 months
3 . absences from Australia of no more than three months in the 12 months before applying.

A Citizenship Wizard is available on the Department of Home Affairs website to help you determine if you meet the residence requirement.

Citizenship test

If you satisfy the general eligibility criteria, you will need to pass a test before applying for Australian citizenship. Those covered by other situations (such as those aged under 18 or over age 60, or people who suffer from a substantial impairment or loss of hearing, speech or sight) are not required to sit a test.

The Australian citizenship test has been designed to help future Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia’s:
1 . values
2 . traditions
3 . history
4 . national symbols.

Privileges of Australian citizens

Being an Australian citizen entitles you to the right to:
1 . live in Australia
2 . apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa
3 . seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas
4 . work in the public service
5 . serve in the armed forces
6 . register as Australian citizens by descent any of your children born overseas after you become an Australian citizen
7 . stand for Parliament
8 . vote to elect members of Parliament.

AUSTRALIA