Citizenship by Conferral is a popular way to become an Australian citizen. Citizenship conferral happens when you are granted Australian citizenship by meeting the specified eligibility requirements and once you have completed and passed the citizenship test. You need to be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) when you apply. You must also be in Australia when the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) decides on your application.
This visa is for those that are 59 years or younger. A parent can include a dependant child aged 15 years or younger in their application. If a parent is not applying to become an Australian citizen, a child 15 years or younger can apply on their own.
If you are aged 60 years and over, the same criteria applies however you do not have to take the citizenship test.
If you are a New Zealand citizen and have been living in Australia for four years or more, you can apply directly for Australian citizenship. You will need to meet requirements and provide evidence to the Department. This includes New Zealand citizens who are holding a SCV.
Becoming an Australian citizen means you have the same rights as an Australian. You have the right to vote, leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want and to obtain and use an Australian passport.
Becoming a citizen of Australia is the final legal step in your migration story. It is a process in which a non-Australian citizen voluntarily becomes an Australian citizen. Australian citizens pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people and are then entitled to its protection and to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
