What does Australian citizenship require?
You can have many benefits as an Australian citizen, such as the right to vote, apply for a passport and enjoy government benefits. However, there are some standards set by the Department of Home Affairs that you should meet in order to make your dream come true. Let’s review some of them.
Permanent residency
When you apply for citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of the country as per the Australian Government. This is an opportunity for citizens of New Zealand residing in Australia to be eligible for a pathway through permanent residency.
General residence requirement
It’s essential for the person to have lived for at least four years in Australia and have received permanent residency twelve months before applying for citizenship. If you have travelled to another country, ensuring that the stay was not for more than twelve months is important.
Moral standards
The Australian Government checks the record if the person has not been engaged in any criminal activities, so it’s extremely advantageous for you to make certain that you maintain a good character and background. If the person has been connected with any offences, such as drug trafficking or fraud, there is a high chance that the application could be rejected. The factors that contribute to the clarity of good character are police clarification certificate, immigration visa history and court records.
Must pass the test
You need to apply for an Australian citizenship test, which costs AUD 9,795 for the main applicants, whereas AUD 4,890 is for those who don’t have functional English. The language used in the test is English, and you need at least 75% overall to pass the examination, which tests your knowledge of the values, history, laws and regulations of the country.
Long term commitment
You will have to show that you have an interest in living in Australia permanently. If your family or spouse is staying with you in the country, that increases the chance of acceptance, as this shows a long-term commitment to having important connections.
Step by Step procedure to apply for the citizenship
- You will need to first assemble documents like a passport, birth certificate, and proof of permanent residency. There is also a police clearance certificate to show that your record has been totally clear.
- You can apply online by yourself, but trusting experts for the process is highly beneficial as this is their day-to-day job, and they are well aware of the whole process. When submitting the documents, also be sure to pay the application fee of $300. There are many Australian immigration companies that can take care of the entire procedure effectively.
- The next step after submitting the application is to perform the test, and the results for the same are shared immediately after completion. If the user does not pass the test, they can retake the examination after 14 days. The interview also takes place, which is crucial in determining whether the candidate’s application is accepted or rejected.
How Migration Doctors Can Be Helpful
Our services provide a wide range of solutions, including a partner visa in Australia and guidance on the Australian immigration skills list. Whether you are looking to reunite with a loved one or want to get citizenship in hand, let us help you every step of the way. Contact Migration Doctors today!
