Step 10: Get an Australian citizenship

Australian citizenship allows people to live, study and work freely in any region of Australia. Being an Australian citizen, you get the right to vote for Australian Government elections. Australia becomes your permanent home once you get citizenship in Australia.  

Seeking advice on how to apply for citizenship after your Permanent Residence? At SOL Edu, we can assist you with the application process and guide you through the necessary steps and requirements.   

If you are a permanent resident you can apply for Australian citizenship after having lived in Australia for four years in total while holding any kind of visa legally, and after having lived in Australia for 12 months as a permanent resident.  

Other requirements include:  

• Be in Australia when the decision on the citizenship application is made  
• Have good knowledge about Australia  
• Intend to live in Australia or willing to maintain a close connection with Australia even while being overseas  

Speak to us at SOL Edu so we can assist you with citizenship application.  

You can apply if you meet the age criteria and have fulfilled the criteria regarding being a permanent resident of Australia.   

The requirements are:  

• You should have stayed in the country legally for four years and been a permanent resident for 12 months.   
• You should have stayed for at least nine out of the last twelve months until the application date.  
• You should demonstrate good character while showing sufficient knowledge of your rights, privileges and responsibilities as an Australian citizen, this can be proved through citizenship test.  

There is some flexibility in the periods of living in Australia. You can be cumulatively outside Australia for up to only 12 months in the 4-year period and can be outside Australia for up to 90 days in the 12-month period before applying.  

A discussion with our migration agent is always a good idea before you start your application.  

Step 1: Ensure your eligibility  

Make sure that all the eligibility requirements are met before going ahead with the next step.  

Step 2: Keep your documents ready for submission  

The documents required to apply for citizenship include:  

• Original police certificates  
• ID proof  
• Character requirements proof  
• Residency requirements proof  
• Scanned copies of original documents in case you are lodging an application online  

Please attach all documents requested further for lodging your application  

Step 3: Lodge your citizenship application 

An application can be lodged within Australia or from overseas. Complete the application form online correctly and factually and submit the required documents.  

Step 4: Attend the interview  

Most individuals aged between 18 and 59 years are called in for an interview as well as a citizenship test. An appointment is fixed for the same and informed to the candidates.  

Step 5: Await the decision on the application  

As you wait for the application result, you may be asked to submit additional documents. Also, if there are any changes in your circumstances, they must be updated to the Australian authorities.  

Step 6: Get the outcome  

Written notification of the result will be sent to you.  

Step 7: Take part in the citizenship ceremony  

Most approved applicants are invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. Here, they will have to make the Australian Citizenship Pledge.  

Important note: Check your email regularly after submitting your application. Processing times may vary to get your citizenship application approved. Let us help in the final step of achieving your ultimate Australian dream.  

Obtaining an Australian passport opens up a world of travel opportunities and grants you the privilege of exploring different corners of the globe. If you are ready to embark on international adventures, here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Australian passport: 

Step 1: Gather the required documents 

Before initiating your passport application, ensure you have the following documents ready: 

• Proof of Australian citizenship (e.g., Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate) 
• Proof of identity (e.g., current Australian driver’s license, Australian photo identification card, previous Australian passport) 
• Two recent and identical passport photos that meet the specific guidelines provided by the Australian Passport Office. 

Step 2:  Ask someone to be your referee or guarantor 

Your referee or guarantor must: 

• be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for more than one year, and 
• cannot be any kind of relative, in a de facto relationship with you, or living at the same address as you. 

Your application will require the details of your referee or guarantor’s: 

• Full name, and 
• Telephone number, and 
• Either Australian Passport details, or 
• Address as recorded on the electoral roll for the past 12 months (or professional details for overseas guarantors). 

If you’re applying online and you are in Australia, you’ll need a referee. A referee doesn’t need to sign anything but must be willing to confirm your identity if we contact them. 

If you are not applying online and you are in Australia, you’ll need a guarantor who must sign section 11 of your application form.  Your guarantor must also endorse the back of a passport photo by writing ‘This is a true photo of [your full name]’ and signing in black pen. 

Step 3: Complete the application form 

You can obtain the application form either online or from selected Australia Post outlets. Fill out the form accurately and legibly, providing all the necessary information. Be prepared to provide details such as your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information. 

Step 4: Lodge your application 

Submit your completed application form, supporting documents, and passport photos in person at an Australia Post passport office or an Australian diplomatic or consular mission if you are overseas. Pay the applicable passport fee at the time of lodgement. Remember to keep the receipt provided to track the progress of your application. 

Urgent applications: If you are in a hurry and need your Australian passport ASAP, you can use the urgent application services, then you can get the passport within 2-3 working days. However, you are required to pay additional $237 on the top of normal passport fee.  

Step 5: Await processing and receive your passport 

After lodgement, your passport application will undergo processing by the Australian Passport Office. The processing times may vary, so it is advisable to check the official website for updates. Once your application is approved, you will be notified, and your passport will be issued. You can choose to collect your passport in person or have it delivered to your nominated address.