Applying for Australian citizenship

Last checked: 1 November 2026

The short answer

Most permanent residents aged 18 to 59 can apply for citizenship once they meet the residence requirement. You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident, and not been away for more than 12 months in total in those 4 years or more than 90 days in the last year. Most people then sit a citizenship test and, if approved, make the pledge at a ceremony. If you are refused, you can usually ask the ART for review within 28 days.

Key dates and time limits

• Residence: 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa right before you apply, with the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
• Absences: no more than 12 months in total in the 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months right before you apply.
• Test: you need 75% or more, and you must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly.
• ART review of a citizenship refusal: usually 28 days after you are notified. You can ask the ART in writing for more time, with reasons.

Step by step

1. 1

   Check you are eligible

   You must be a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen on a Special Category visa, when you apply and when the decision is made. Use the Home Affairs residence calculator to check your dates. Different rules apply if you are 60 or over, under 18, or have an incapacity.

2. 2

   Check the character requirement

   If you are 18 or over, you must be of good character. The Department may look at criminal convictions, court obligations and reported domestic violence, and at whether you have been honest with the government. If you have a criminal record or charges, get advice before you apply.

3. 3

   Apply and pay

   Most people aged 18 to 59 apply online in ImmiAccount. Some people must use a paper form, for example if you are 16 or 17 or eligible for a fee concession. Check the fee on Form 1298i on the day you apply. Children aged 15 or under can be included on a parent's application at no extra cost.

4. 4

   Prepare for the test

   Read 'Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond' and do the free practice test on the Home Affairs website. The test is in English and covers Australia and its people, democracy, government and law, and Australian values. Home Affairs says it does not endorse paid test courses or apps.

5. 5

   Wait for a decision

   As at November 2026, Home Affairs says 75% of applications are processed in 13 months and 90% in 16 months. You cannot use a bridging visa while you wait for a citizenship decision, so keep your permanent visa valid. If you travel, make sure you have a valid Resident Return visa if you need one.

6. 6

   Ceremony or review

   If you are approved, you usually become a citizen when you make the pledge at a ceremony. If you are refused, the letter gives the reasons and the time limit. You can ask the ART to review it, and the ART fee is $1,195, or $100 in special circumstances (as at November 2026).

Who can help

Forms and the law