Applying for Australian Citizenship

Applying for Australian citizenship is perhaps the most important milestone of your entire stay in Australia. The most common pathway for immigrants to obtain citizenship is through permanent residency.

You may also be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent or conferral depending on the immigration status of your parents and your age. 

At MJ Legal, we have helped immigrants from across the globe become Australian citizens!

You are only one application away from realising your Australian dream!

Currently a permanent resident?

Are you a permanent resident 60 years or older?

Are you a permanent resident 60 years or older? 

You are eligible for Australian citizenship. 

Citizenship by conferral is a scheme for permanent residents who are 60 years or older. We will assess your circumstances and guide you through your citizenship application process. 

Are you an Australian citizen?

Are you an Australian citizen? 

Your child may be eligible for Australian citizenship. 

If your child is born overseas, they may be eligible for Australian citizenship. We guide you on how to register their birth in Australia and proceed to obtain citizenship for them. 

Making your citizenship application with us

Arrange your documents

Submit your application

Step 2

Submit your application 

After assessing your eligibility and obtaining all your required documents, we will submit a complete citizenship application. 

We will also follow up with the department for any further requests.

Citizenship test

Step 3

Citizenship test

After the department has considered your application, you will be called for a citizenship test or interview.

At this stage, you will be asked to provide your original documents to prove your identity.

Take your pledge

Step 4

Take your pledge 

After your citizenship test, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take your pledge as an Australian citizen.

At this stage, you need to make sure that you understand your rights and obligations as an Australian.

Let an expert guide you on your pathway to Australian citizenship. 

Talk to us today!

Pathways to Australian citizenship

Depending on your or your parents' immigration status, you will have several pathways to Australian citizenship. 

Eligible permanent residents

Citizenship by conferral

If you are a permanent resident who is 60 years or older, you will be eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral if you are able to meet the residency, character and language requirements.

In addition, you need to effectively establish your close links to and knowledge of Australia. 

Citizenship by descent

If you were born overseas and at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you will be eligible for citizenship.

This scheme is also available for children born outside Australia through International Surrogacy Agreements (ISA). 

Australian Citizenship Test

  • All Applicants who apply for Australian citizenship will sit for a citizenship interview and test. 
  • The interview is conducted to assess your identity and confirm whether you are eligible for the citizenship test. 
  • The test will evaluate your understanding of Australia, including its culture, society, values and history. 
  • At the citizenship test, you should demonstrate that you have an understanding of your rights and obligations as an Australian citizen.
  • It is only upon passing your citizenship test that you will be eligible to proceed with your citizenship application. 
  • If you pass your citizenship test, you will then be invited to attend the citizenship ceremony. 
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Citizenship

Australian citizenship cost and processing times

  • The cost of your citizenship application may differ according to the type of citizenship you're applying for. 
  • Generally, an application for citizenship may range from AUD300 - AUD500.
  • The processing times for Australian citizenship applications are published periodically by the department. 
  • The general processing times are as below:
    • Citizenship by Conferral: 16 months
    • Citizenship by Descent: 4 months 
  • The Department also publishes the time frames for citizenship ceremonies. 
  • Citizenship applications are evaluated on a case by case basis and submitting a complete application will help you to become a citizen without delay. 
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Client Reviews

Latest from Google

Uththara Deshamani

Uththara Deshamani

I’m incredibly grateful to team of MJ Legal for their outstanding support in securing our Employer Sponsored (SC 482) visa. We were under a very limited timeframe, and at one point, we genuinely thought it would be impossible to get everything done in time. But thanks to the dedication and expertise of Mr. Jayantha, Keith, and Thamasha, our visa was granted successfully — well before the deadline! The team was highly professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process. They guided us clearly through each step, ensuring everything was completed accurately and efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment made a stressful situation so much more manageable. I highly recommend MJ Legal to anyone needing trustworthy and experienced immigration assistance. Thank you once again for your excellent service — we truly appreciate your help and look forward to working with you again in the future

2 weeks ago

Adelina Lawrence

Adelina Lawrence

I had a fantastic experience working with Keith and the team at MJ Legal, including the exceptional admin staff. I am extremely grateful for all the support and guidance they provided throughout my permanent residency process. Their responsiveness, honesty and professionalism set them apart from other migration agencies I have dealt with. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and genuine migration assistance.

2 months ago

Hasith Subasinghe

Hasith Subasinghe

MJ Legal has all my trust and confidence with their responsibility towards their clients. From the first time I contacted them I was given a very accurate breakdown of the costs and processes and expected timeframes. I was also given updates along the way that greatly helped with understanding what went on with my application. Great standard of communication! Very grateful for all the help from Keith and the team at MJ Legal!

2 months ago

sadharu Lakthraka

sadharu Lakthraka

I’m incredibly grateful to Keith James and his team for their outstanding support throughout my tss 482 visa application process. From the very beginning, they were professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about every detail involved. Thanks to their guidance and attention to detail, my visa was granted smoothly and without any complications. They took away so much of the stress and uncertainty that comes with such an important process.

3 months ago

David O'Meara

David O'Meara

Huge thanks to Keith James and the team at MJ Legal for helping me secure my 482 visa. They were professional, efficient, and kept me informed every step of the way. The whole process was smooth and stress-free thanks to their expertise. Highly recommend!

4 months ago

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