Australian citizenship application: the steps from start to pledge

Who applies this way

Most people apply for citizenship by conferral. This is the path for permanent residents who are willing to make the pledge. A New Zealand citizen on a Special Category (subclass 444) visa counts as a permanent resident for this purpose. Read more on citizenship by conferral.

You use form 1300t, "Application for Australian citizenship", general eligibility. You can read the paper form on the Home Affairs forms page.

The nine steps

The form sets out nine steps. They run in this order.

1. Check you are eligible. Look at the rules on age, permanent residence, good character and plans to live in Australia. See the requirements.
2. Check your residence. You need four years of lawful living in Australia before the day you apply, with limits on time away.
3. Gather your documents. Collect what the form asks for before you start.
4. Complete the form and pay. Pay when you submit. See what citizenship costs.
5. Lodge your application.
6. Prepare for the test. Learn the booklet. Start with our free 20-question mock.
7. Attend your test appointment. Take photo ID.
8. Wait for the decision. Home Affairs tells you in writing.
9. Attend a ceremony and make the pledge. See the ceremony.

Online or on paper

You can apply online in ImmiAccount if you are aged 18 to 59 and not eligible for a concession.

You must post a paper application if any of these apply to you:

• You are aged 16 or 17.
• You are eligible for the fee concession.
• You are in the Australian Defence Force.
• You are stateless.
• You have no passport.
• You have not travelled in or out of Australia since July 1990.

The Home Affairs page for permanent residents lists the current rules.

The declaration you sign

Applicants aged 18 or over sign a declaration at the end of the form. It covers where you plan to live and your agreement to Australian values. Our page on the Australian values statement explains it in plain words.

The test appointment

Most applicants aged 18 to 59 sit a citizenship test. Home Affairs books it. A letter gives you the date, time and place. Allow up to an hour for the appointment.

You do not pay extra for the test. If you fail, Home Affairs books another appointment at no cost. You can have up to three appointments, and after three fails the application may be refused. A fail does not affect your permanent visa.

The test has 20 questions and takes 45 minutes. You need 15 right, and all five values questions must be right. Every question comes from the booklet Our Common Bond.

If you are 60 or over, or in another special group, you may not sit the test. You may be asked to an interview to confirm your identity instead.

After the decision

You get the decision in writing. If your application is refused, you may ask the Administrative Review Tribunal to review the decision.

If it is approved, you will get an invitation to a ceremony. You are not a citizen until you make the pledge. In most cases you must be in Australia when Home Affairs decides on your application.

Independent help

We are independent. We are not the Department of Home Affairs, and we do not lodge applications. We help you practise for the test.