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Top 5 Requirements to Apply for an Australian Citizenship

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Want to give it your best and properly apply for Australian Citizenship? By doing that you are allowed to work in Australia freely and you won’t face any setbacks or issues.

If this is the country of your dreams or if you have some other reasons for permanently moving this article will help you out. You can become a citizen of Australia in different ways. You must meet the right criteria, and you have to be prepared for your test while having the right information and level of knowledge. Keep on reading down below and discover all there’s to it.

What are the top 5 ways how you can gain Australian citizenship?

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  1. Australian citizenship by birth

If you are born between the period 26 January 1949 and 20 August 1986 you are an Australian by birth. People born after that period will have to take a close look at their parent’s nationality or residency. Nowadays, only if you are a child of a parent who is an Australian citizen or has a permanent residency, you do get a citizenship title.

  1. Australian citizenship by conferral

For starters, you’ll need to reside in Australia on a permanent visa. Australian citizenship can be granted to you after four years pass. You will fall under this category if you are a partner of an Australian citizen or a parent of an Australian citizen.

  1. Australian citizenship by adoption

If you were born outside of Australia but were adopted by an Australian citizen you can qualify for citizenship by adoption. There are several requirements that you have to fulfill to get approved. One of them is that at least one of your adoptive parents is an Australian citizen at the time of your adoption.

  1. Resume citizenship

If you are a former Australian citizen, you might be able to resume your Australian citizenship. This depends a lot on you and what you did to lose the status. For instance, if you renounced your citizenship to avoid and evade considerable hardship or harm you could try getting your title back.

  1. Citizenship by grant

If you are a non-citizen of Australia you can apply to become an Australian citizen. Your eligibility for Australian citizenship depends on your date of arrival in Australia. You also have to collect proper documents, which we will talk about down below.

What are the Citizenship requirements?

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You will have to be 16 years and above while holding a permanent residency. Also, if you have lived in Australia for a period of four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, you are a step closer to having your permission granted. A person who is of good character and has no violent history will easily pass the test. If you are granted a citizen status, you are looking at a ton of privileges and perks, such as:

  • Voting during elections and in a referendum
  • You can apply for work in the defense force and public service
  • Seek election to parliament
  • Getting help from Australian officials while overseas

You have to pass the citizenship test

To become an Australian citizen, you must pass the Australian citizenship test. Everything is done and administered in the English language. You will know your exact date months in advance so you can prepare for the test. This exam has been described as tricky and hard by a lot of people, but it all comes down to your preparation and studying for it. Some of the most important things to focus on while studying for it is:

  • The history of indigenous Australians
  • Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights, and liberties
  • Government and politics

If you know someone who has passed it before ask them about their experience. If not don’t worry since we have a solution for you as well at the end of the article.

FAQ about citizenships

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  1. How long does it take to become a citizen?

After filing your citizenship application, the DHA aims to process your application within 10 to 14 months. This can vary based on the form that you have gone for, as well as the urgency of your case.

  1. How much do you have to pay for fees or citizenship costs?

The DHA government fees range from $300 – $490 depending on which DHA form you use to file your citizenship application. Also, in case of immigration cases, Immigration Direct charges a service fee of $195 for access to specific software and server.

  1. What form should you fill out?

If you file using Form 1300t you are looking at a $490 government fee. People between 18 and 59 usually have to go for this form.

If you file using Form 1290 your fee is $300. Mostly used by mature people and those who have mental or physical inabilities, usually over the age of 60.

Form 118 is $315, filed by those who have one parent as a permanent resident.

  1. How many questions are there in the test?

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass you have to get 75% correct and right. You will have to do both the interview portion and the quiz.

  1. What if you fail your test?

If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will redo the test within 2-3 months after your first interviewing date.

How can you get prepared for your test?

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You shouldn’t be worried, panicking, and you shouldn’t come unprepared for your ACT. Have the right approach and tactic when it comes to learning, and also check out CitizenshipTestAustralia.

Their practice tests and questions are structured just like the real Citizenship Test + they are accessible online with unlimited practice attempts. You can finally learn what it’s like on that big day with their set of practice options! Check it out and see for yourself! With a bit of preparation, you will pass it and ace it with ease.

Written by Georgina Mancula