Who is Eligible for Citizenship by Conferral?
To be eligible to apply, you must generally meet all of the following:
Some applicants may be eligible for discretionary consideration where strict requirements cannot be met including, for example, in cases involving extended absences for work or family reasons.
The residency requirements are among the most carefully assessed aspects of any conferral application. Small miscalculations can result in delays or refusal.
The four-year rule You must have been lawfully present in Australia on any valid visa for the four years immediately before the date you apply. This includes time on temporary visas, provided you held a permanent visa for at least the final 12 months.
The one-year permanent residency rule Within that four-year period, you must have held a permanent visa for at least 12 continuous months immediately before applying.
Absence limits No more than 12 months total absent during the four-year period, and no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months immediately before applying.
What counts as an absence? Any day or part of a day spent outside Australia counts, including short trips.
Can absences be waived? In limited circumstances, the Minister may waive absence requirements. For example, if you were working overseas in the national interest. This is not automatic and requires supporting evidence.
If you are unsure whether your travel history meets the requirements, an eligibility assessment before lodging is strongly recommended.
Most applicants aged 18 to 59 are required to pass the citizenship test before their application can proceed.
What does the test cover?
How is it assessed? You must achieve a score of at least 75% overall, and correctly answer all five values-based questions. The test is conducted in English.
Who is exempt?
What if I don't pass? You may re-sit the test. There is no limit on attempts, but your application cannot be finalised until the test is passed.
Applying for Citizenship by Conferral
Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs' application portal.
Permanent resident status — you must hold a valid permanent visa (or a Special Category Visa subclass 444 if you are a New Zealand citizen) at the time of application
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Citizenship by conferral applications are more complex than they may appear. Residency calculations, absence records, character assessments, and supporting documentation all require careful attention. Errors at the application stage can result in delays or refusal.
At Australian Citizenship, we can review your full migration history, calculate your residency period precisely, identify any potential issues early, and prepare a complete application on your behalf. Where complications exist, such as extended periods abroad, prior visa issues, or a complex travel history, we provide clear guidance on how to address them before lodgement.
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your eligibility.