Eligibility Requirements

Who is Eligible for Citizenship by Descent?
‍
To be eligible to apply, you must generally meet all of the following:

Australian citizen parent — at least one of your parents must have been an Australian citizen at the time of your birth

Proof of parentage — you must provide legal evidence confirming your relationship to your Australian citizen parent

Identity — you must be able to verify your identity with appropriate documentation

Good character — applicants aged 18 and over must satisfy the good character requirement

Citizenship by descent limitations — if your Australian citizen parent also acquired citizenship by descent or by birth outside Australia, additional requirements may apply

In some cases, eligibility may depend on whether your parent spent time lawfully in Australia before your birth

Understanding Citizenship by Descent Requirements

Citizenship by descent applications are primarily document-based and rely on establishing a clear legal and evidentiary link between you and your Australian citizen parent.

How to Apply

Applying for Citizenship by Descent

Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs' application portal.

Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility
Ensure your parent was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth and that you meet all criteria

Step 2 — Gather your documents
Including identity documents, your birth certificate, and evidence of your parent’s Australian citizenship

Step 3 — Lodge your application
Submit your citizenship by descent application online and pay the applicable fee

Step 4 — Provide biometrics (if requested)
Some applicants may be required to provide biometrics or attend an appointment

Step 5 — Wait for a decision
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of your application

Step 6 — Receive your citizenship certificate
If approved, you will be issued an Australian citizenship certificate

Note: A citizenship ceremony is not required for citizenship by descent.

Understanding Citizenship by Descent Requirements

Citizenship by descent applications are primarily document-based and rely on establishing a clear legal and evidentiary link between you and your Australian citizen parent.

Eligibility Requirements

Who is Eligible for the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa?

To be eligible to apply, you must generally meet all of the following:

Offshore at time of application — you must be outside Australia when you apply

Genuine relationship — you must be engaged to, or genuinely intending to marry, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is available to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, reflecting Australia’s recognition of diverse relationships

Met in person — you must have met your prospective spouse in person at least once prior to applying

Intention to marry — you must genuinely intend to marry your partner within the visa period granted

Intention to live together — you and your prospective spouse must intend to live together as a married couple

Age requirement — you must be aged 18 or over (limited exemptions may apply in exceptional circumstances)

Health and character requirements — you must meet Australia's health and character standards

If you are in an arranged marriage and have not yet met your prospective spouse in person, you will not meet the requirements. Australia recognises cultural differences but maintains the in-person meeting requirement without exception.