Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship.

The status of Australian citizenship (nationality) was created by the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948, which came into force on 26 January 1949.  Prior to that date a person born in Australia was automatically a British subject.

A person that was born in Australia between 26th January 1949 and 19th August 1986, automatically became an Australian citizen by the fact of their birth in Australia.

This changed on the 20th August 1986, when ‘jus soli’ was abolished in Australia.
(‘jus soli’ is Latin for ‘right of soil’ and gives the the right of that country’s  Citizenship to anyone born in that country).

To become an Australian citizen after that date, when ‘Jus sanguinis‘ was used instead of ‘jus soli’, the child had to have at least one parent that was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the birth.
(‘Jus sanguinis’ is Latin for ‘right of blood’, and is a law by which citizenship is determined only by the nationality of one or both parents).

How do I become a citizen of Australia?.

To become eligible to apply for Australian Citizenship, you need to have legally lived in Australia for 4 years, with a minimum of 3 years actually in the country during that 4 years, and at least 9 months in the country in the year immediately before applying. You must also have held a Permanent resident visa for at least 12 months.

You also need to pass the Australian citizenship test. That is actually quite easy as the majority do pass, although not always on the 1st attempt.

Out of 73,692 applicants in 2017–18, 1,437 failed, (about 2%). Most of these were from humanitarian or refugee visas (English language abilities often let them down). The pass rate for skilled or partner visa holders was much greater, with about 99 out of each 100 passing.

Route to becoming an Australian Citizen.

  1. Complete the current Residence Requirements.
  2. Apply for Citizenship.
  3. Pass the Citizenship Test.
  4. Attend a Citizenship Ceremony. (At that point you have become a citizen).

Australian Citizenship Page Listings.