Australian citizenship... extras you need to know

Australian Citizenship

How you can become a Citizen:

1. By Conferral.  This means that you must meet requirements and apply to become a citizen.  More information about this process is available on our dedicate Citizenship page.
   
   
2. By Descent.  You are born overseas to an Australian citizen, but this does not automatically make you Australian.  You need to apply to the Australian Government to confirm this fact and issue you with a certificate.  You can do this overseas, in which case you will then need an Australian Passport to come to Australia.  Or you can travel to Australia on another type of visa and then make you application onshore.  If you take this route, you must ensure you remain on a valid visa whilst you await the outcome and you must also abide by the conditions of that visa.  So for example, if you come to Australia on a visitor visa, this means no work.  Once your citizenship is approved, yes you are now permitted to work and seek all the benefits available to Australian citizens.
   
   
3. By Birth (subject to location, parent status, your age).  Again, just by being born in Australia does not automatically mean you are a citizen.  Your citizenship relies on the status of your parents at the time of your birth.  To become a citizen by birth in Australia, you must be born onshore and at least one of your parents must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.  If you are born overseas, you will need to meet the criteria for “Citizenship by Descent”.  A parent who is a PR only will not qualify.
   
   ​There is also special provision for children not born to a qualifying parent.  A child will automatically qualify for citizenship on their 10th birthday provided they have lived, studied and resided in Australia as their primary residence during that time.  If this is the case, they will apply for “Evidence of Citizenship” – see more about this process below.​

​Citizenship Certificate:

Why is this document so important and how to obtain one?

1. Ceremony presentation.
   The certificate is given to you at your ceremony after you apply and have been approved for citizenship by conferral.  Adult applicants will be given their own certificate and it will have your name on the front.  If you have conferred children with you as part of your application, they will be listed on the back.
   
   
2. Evidence of Citizenship.
   This is the process of obtaining your own certificate through application.
   You may need to do this because you have lost your certificate; maybe it was damaged or destroyed due to flood or fire; you may need a certificate to prove your status to obtain a passport; you were born in Australia to non-qualifying parents and you are now 10 years of age; or you are listed on your parents certificate and now you want your own. 
   
   

Important information about your Certificate:

• Once you are issued with your own certificate, you are no longer deemed listed on your parents’ certificate and you can’t use the original certificate in the future.
• Do not alter your certificate – e.g. laminate, frame with glue; write on your certificate; amend a misspelling or date. 
• If you have lost or destroyed your certificate, you should make a statutory declaration as soon as you are aware and your statement should note about how/when you became aware that it was lost/damaged, and in which manner (eg moving house, fire, flood, etc).
• This certificate is THE MOST important document you hold, even more than your passport – so keep this new certificate SAFE.
• If there is an error on your certificate such as your name is misspelt, or the date of birth is wrong you must inform the Department as soon as possible.  Depending on when the error is noted, you may not need to formally make another application or pay for a new certificate.  If you have changed your name and also want your Citizenship certificate to reflect this, you will need to apply for another certificate. 
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​Overseas travel:

• If you are waiting on your Citizenship approval or ceremony, you will need to ensure you travel on a current overseas passport and ensure you have a valid visa.
• Once you are conferred as a Citizen, you will need to travel on an Australian passport.  You should wait at least 10 days before applying for the passport to allow the Department time to notify the Passports office of your citizenship details.
• Try to limit your travel plans as you must undertake your citizenship ceremony within 12 months of being approved.  Travel overseas can delay you attending your allocated ceremony and there is generally a substantial wait for another.
• If you do plan to travel outside Australia before your ceremony, you should advise the Department at the time of your citizenship appointment if possible, or if you have already had your appointment and approval, your local council as they will be conducting your ceremony.

 
For all your Citizenship needs, please look to Great Australian Migration.  We are ready to help you!