The general eligibility fee is A$595.
Visa file / Citizenship, residence and bridging visas
Australian citizenship by conferral
For permanent residents who meet the residence, character and test requirements.
In force
File: Australian citizenship by conferral
Main chargeCheck the Visa Pricing Estimator
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
Permanent residents (and New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa) aged 18 to 59 under general eligibility. Other forms apply for children, people 60 and over and some others.
Published eligibility
- General residence requirement: 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa immediately before applying, including 12 months as a permanent resident, with no more than 12 months away in total and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator.
- Good character if 18 or over.
- Most applicants sit the citizenship test: pass mark 75% and all five Australian values questions correct.
- A close and continuing link with Australia.
Where you apply from
Usually in Australia.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Check your dates
Use the Residence Calculator and your travel records.
Where a registered migration agent can helpCalculates residence accurately.
- 02
Apply online
Lodge Form 1300t and pay the fee. Children 15 and under are included free.
Where a registered migration agent can helpReviews character risks.
- 03
Appointment and test
Identity check, original documents and the test.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains what to bring.
- 04
Decision and ceremony
Citizenship starts when you make the pledge.
Where a registered migration agent can helpHelps with review if refused.
- 05
After
Australian passport and voting.
Where a registered migration agent can help
Charges and processing times.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| General eligibility | A$595 |
| Pensioner Concession Card holders | A$85 |
| Children under 16 on a parent's application | Nil |
| Other situations | A$365 |
These are fees, not visa application charges. The amounts are shown in the table. Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Application to decision | 42 days | 5 months |
| Application to ceremony | 7 months | 11 months |
Home Affairs citizenship processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Residence not met, often from miscounted absences.
- Character, including false information in earlier visa applications.
- Failing the test three times.
- Identity issues.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Application
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.