Starting the application process for Australian citizenship requires an understanding of eligibility, timing, and costs before taking any formal steps.Once these elements are clear, applicants can apply for Australian citizenship by starting the process with a clear understanding of the official requirements and online application steps administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

Australian citizenship is not granted automatically. It is a separate legal process that begins only after eligibility requirements are met and an application is correctly lodged.

What Australian citizenship means before you apply

Australian citizenship is the highest legal status a person can hold in Australia. It establishes full membership in the Australian community and creates a permanent legal relationship between the individual and the country. Unlike permanent residency, citizenship is not linked to visa conditions and does not depend on ongoing visa compliance.

Citizenship provides defined legal rights, including the right to vote, the ability to apply for an Australian passport, and access to Australian consular assistance overseas. It also carries responsibilities, such as obeying Australian laws and respecting democratic values.

Citizenship is formally granted only after an application is approved and the applicant attends a citizenship ceremony. This makes citizenship a distinct legal status from permanent residency.

Identify the correct citizenship pathway to start properly

The first practical step in starting the application process is identifying the correct citizenship pathway. Australian law recognises several pathways, and the applicable pathway determines eligibility requirements, documentation, and the application process.

For most migrants, the relevant pathway is citizenship by conferral. This applies to people who are not Australian citizens by birth, descent, adoption, or resumption and who have lawfully lived in Australia and met the required conditions.

Other pathways, such as citizenship by descent, adoption, or resumption of citizenship, apply in specific circumstances and follow different legal criteria. Starting the process without confirming the correct pathway can result in delays or the use of an incorrect application form.

Check the residence requirements before you lodge an application

Before lodging an application, most applicants under the conferral pathway must meet the general residence requirement. This requirement determines the earliest point at which an application can be validly made.

To meet the residence requirement, an applicant must:

  • have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before lodging the application


  • have held a permanent visa or an eligible Special Category (subclass 444) visa for at least 12 months


  • not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four-year period


  • not have been absent from Australia for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying


These conditions establish the legal starting point of the citizenship process. An application cannot proceed unless all residence criteria are satisfied.

Where can I find official forms to apply for Australian citizenship online?

The Australian citizenship application process is managed online through systems provided by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants begin by accessing their online account and lodging the relevant citizenship application electronically.

To apply online, applicants must:

  • create or sign in to an ImmiAccount


  • complete the citizenship application online, where available


  • upload all required documents for their application type


  • pay the applicable citizenship application fee online


Applying online and submitting all required documents at lodgement helps applications progress more efficiently. Applications can be lodged from inside or outside Australia, and the same system is used to track progress and receive updates.

What are the fees involved in applying for Australian citizenship?

The cost of applying for Australian citizenship depends on the type of application being lodged. Citizenship application fees are set under the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016 and are administered by the Department of Home Affairs. Fees are payable in Australian dollars and may change over time.

Based on the official fee schedule, the main application fees include:

  • application for Australian citizenship by conferral (general eligibility): AUD 575


  • application for Australian citizenship in other situations: AUD 350


  • application for Australian citizenship by descent: AUD 370


  • application to resume Australian citizenship: AUD 245


  • application for evidence of Australian citizenship: AUD 280


The Department publishes detailed and updated information covering all fee-related scenarios. Reviewing the official website before lodging ensures applicants understand the full Australian citizenship cost that applies to their circumstances.

How long does it usually take to get Australian citizenship after applying?

The total timeframe for Australian citizenship involves more than just application processing. It includes eligibility, assessment, and the formal grant of citizenship.

After an application is lodged:

  • 90% of citizenship by conferral applications are processed within approximately 9 months


  • processing time is measured from lodgement to decision


  • processing time does not include the citizenship ceremony


Applicants should also allow time for:

  • meeting residence requirements before applying


  • responding to requests for additional information


  • waiting for a citizenship ceremony after approval


Because citizenship is granted only after attending a ceremony, the overall timeframe is often longer than the processing period alone.

Can I hire a professional service to assist with my citizenship application?

Applying for Australian citizenship is a legal process assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. While applications are lodged through official online systems, some applicants choose to seek professional assistance during preparation.

Professional assistance may help with:

  • understanding eligibility and residence requirements


  • preparing and organising documents


  • ensuring information is complete and consistent


  • responding to requests during processing


Using professional assistance does not alter legal requirements or processing timeframes. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy of all information provided.

Starting the application process step by step

Once eligibility, residence history, expected timeframe, and costs are clear, applicants can begin the formal process through the official online system.

The process generally involves:

  • confirming the correct citizenship pathway


  • meeting residence and eligibility requirements


  • preparing required documents


  • accessing ImmiAccount


  • completing and submitting the application


  • paying the applicable fee


  • monitoring requests and outcomes online


After submission, applicants continue to use the same system to receive notifications, attend appointments if required, and receive the final decision on their application.