Citizenship by Birth Eligibility Criteria

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You automatically become an Australian citizen, if:

• You were born in Australia; and

• At least, one of your parents was a Permanent Resident of Australia or an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.

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Citizenship by Descent - Eligibility Criteria

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You may apply for Australian Citizenship by Descent, if:

• You were born outside Australia; and

• At least, one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.

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Consider This

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All applicants for Australian Citizenship must be persons of ‘good character’ (under section 21 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007). That means your Citizenship application may be refused if you have any criminal record or convictions recorded against your name. Criminal Records may include anything ranging from traffic offences (e.g., drink-driving) to domestic violence, and so on and so forth.

 

If you believe any offences may be recorded against your name, you must better confirm by applying, for at least, an Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate. Similarly, becoming unlawful at any time within the last four years of making your citizenship application may also prove fatal to your Citizenship application. 'Unlawfulness' resets the clock and makes it difficult to satisfy the residency requirements. If any of these circumstances apply to you, you may want to consider seeking professional assistance with your Citizenship application to reduce the chances of refusal of your Australian Citizenship application. Remember, getting it right from the beginning is easier than fixing the complications after they arise.

 

Practical Tips For Australian Citizenship Applications

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• Satisfying a Case Officer that you meet the eligibility criteria for Australian Citizenship requires a careful assessment of your circumstances. You must collect all the information and evidence that may support your claims of lawful residence in Australia for the required duration, etc.

• When completing a Citizenship application, you must think about why you are expected to make a particular statement.  (Remember: most of the statements and questions in the application forms are for a purpose).

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Cost of Citizenship Application

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• From AUD$ 35 (with certain concession cards)

• Citizenship by Conferral application fee - AUD 490

• Citizenship by Descent application fee - AUD 315 (with an additional AUD 130 for each subsequent sibling who applies at the same time)

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Australian Citizenship And Dual Nationality

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A dual citizen is an individual who is a citizen of two or more countries. Australia allows individuals to hold dual citizenship. However, you must check with the consulate or embassy of the other country to find out if that other country also allows dual citizenship. If the other country does not allow dual citizenship, then you will need to decide which country you want to become a citizen of.

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Search Our Blog(s) On This Topic To Learn More

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• Search 'Australian Citizenship' or 'Citizenship Australia' or 'Australian Citizenship Application' on our Blogs page. 

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• If you wish to challenge your Australian Citizenship refusal or cancellation decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ('AAT') then Click Here to learn more.

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Please contact us if you need our help with your Australian Citizenship Application.

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Warning! Please note that Australian immigration laws and policies are highly complex and dynamic. Therefore, no information provided on this website in relation to Australian immigration laws and policies (or on any other matter) is intended to be legal advice. Please read our Terms and Conditions.

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