How to Prepare for Your Citizenship Application

Do you want to become an Australian Citizen in 2026?

Becoming an Australian Citizen is a dream for many people, offering a range of benefits to their life in Australia. This can be the final step in your journey to living in Australia.

However, the process can be confusing, and understanding eligibility requirements and how to prepare for it can be difficult. Missing or incorrect documentation can delay, and in some cases, your application can be refused, costing you time and a significant amount of money.

In this article, our migration lawyers outline how best to prepare for your application and when you should seek help with it.

Australian Citizenship Requirements

In most cases, unless an exemption applies, you must have all the required identity documentation, meet character requirements, pass the citizenship test, meet the residency requirements, and provide an accurate record of your travel history.

Identity Documentation

The Department of Home Affairs must confirm who you are, starting from your birth identity and linking it to your current identity.

What to provide

Three supporting documents that show your:

• Birth name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Photograph
• Signature
• Current residential address

Examples: a birth certificate, passport, national identity card, Australian driver’s licence, a utility bill, or a bank statement.

Proof of your arrival in Australia

• Examples include: a passport with an entry stamp, or travel documents used to enter Australia

Name change evidence

• If your name has changed since birth, you must provide proof.
• Examples include: a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate, or a legal change of name document.

If you cannot access identity documents from your home country, or if you have used different names, dates of birth, citizenships, or have other identity issues, you should get legal advice.

Character Requirements

To be approved for Australian citizenship, you must be considered of good character. The Department may consider:

• criminal convictions and charges
• current court matters
• domestic violence allegations or orders
• associations of concern
• whether you have been honest in past visa or citizenship applications, including any false or misleading information.

If you have a criminal record or any other character concerns, it is important to get legal advice before making the application.

Citizenship Test

The Australian citizenship test is in English and has 20 multiple choice questions about Australia. To pass, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly. You also need to get all 5 questions about Australian values right.

If you pass the citizenship test, the Department will keep processing your application. If you fail, the Department will usually book up to two more test appointments before they may refuse your application.

Residency Requirements

The residency requirement checks two things: how long you have legally lived in Australia and how much time you have spent overseas in the lead up to your application.

In most cases, you must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least four years right before you apply. This means you must have held a valid visa the whole time, whether it was temporary or permanent.

Within that four-year period, you also need to have been a permanent resident for at least the last 12 months before you apply. These 12 months must be continuous and still current on the day you lodge your application.

There are exemptions to this where ‘Ministerial Discretion’ can be applied if you do not meet the above criteria due to your specific circumstances. It is recommended that you seek legal advice to determine if any of these descriptions of meeting the residency requirement apply to you.

Travel History and Time Spent Outside Australia

Your travel history is an important part of deciding if you can apply for Australian citizenship. In general, there are limits on how long you can be outside Australia before you apply.

You usually need to have spent most of the last four years in Australia. During the four years right before your application, your time overseas must add up to no more than 12 months in total. In the 12 months right before you apply, you normally must not be away for more than 90 days in total.

Every trip outside Australia counts, no matter why you travelled, including holidays or work. The time is added together across all trips. This means each day you are outside Australia is counted toward your total time away.

When to Get Help

Consider getting advice before lodging if:

• You have gaps or inconsistencies in identity documents
• You have character issues or prior visa refusals
• You have a complex residency or travel history
• You are unsure if you meet the permanent residence period.

All Access Migration – How We Can Assist You

Preparing a citizenship application requires more than the completion of a simple form. Understanding and correctly applying the requirements are necessary in order to achieve a successful outcome.

If you are preparing an Australian citizenship application and want to confirm your eligibility, our migration lawyers can review your circumstances, identify risks early, and guide you through the documents and legal requirements that apply to you.

Book your initial consultation to learn more about your options and next steps.

The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance on the subject matter and must not be relied on as legal advice.  Specific advice should be sought about your circumstances.