Beautiful landscapes, amazing biodiversity, abundant natural resources and a robust economy are the key reasons why many Indians seek Australia citizenship. The country’s per capita GDP is more than USD 64,000 currently. And major growth contributors include sectors like service and mining. So, are you keen to move to the land of scenic beaches (25,760 km-long coastline), cute kangaroos and koalas and famous wineries? This guide will help with all Australian citizenship details.
Who is eligible to get Australian citizenship?
Check if you meet any of the following Australian citizenship eligibility criteria:
- By birth: Were you born in Australia? Also, back then, was one parent or both permanent residents or citizens? Becoming an Australian citizen will be easy then.
- By descent: Even if you were born outside Australia, it is possible to obtain citizenship. That is, if at least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth.
- By conferral: When it comes to acquiring Australia citizenship for Indians, this way is extremely common. It applies if you have been living in Australia as a permanent resident and hold a permanent or special category visa.
Here’s what you need to mind when taking the conferral route:
- You must be 16 years old or above. Younger individuals must be assisted by a responsible guardian or parent during the application.
- Before aspiring to be a citizen, make sure you reside in the country for four years.
- You must be a permanent resident for 12 months minimum out of these four years.
- During the four years, you must not be away from Australia for over 12 months. Also, during the 12 months before your Australia citizenship application, avoid staying out of the country for over 90 days.
- You must satisfy the country’s moral character and conduct requirements. Relevant authorities will check if you were convicted of any crimes in the past.
- You have to demonstrate your English skills (both speech and comprehension) during the interview for citizenship.
- To fulfil Australian citizenship requirements, you must appear for a computer-based test (those above 60 years are exempt).
- You must prove your intention to live in the country long-term by purchasing a property, paying taxes, etc.
Australia citizenship application process
After meeting the citizenship requirements in Australia, apply by following these steps:
- Head to the Australian Government’s official site and navigate to the Department of Home Affairs. This is where your Australian citizenship application process starts.
- Are you somewhere between 18 and 59 years old? Then go for the application form 1300t. If you are 17 or younger, 60 or older or have a physical disability, go for Form 1290.
- Read the requirements closely, fill in the form and upload essential documents. Also, make the payment as asked for.
- The Home Affairs department will check if you meet all the Australia citizenship requirements and share the date on which you have to visit for verification of documents.
- If the document verification goes alright, you need to appear for the citizenship test and interview.
- You will be informed whether your application was approved or rejected. If approved, you will attend a special ceremony that confers Australian citizenship
Documents required to apply for Australian citizenship
Keep the following Australia citizenship documents handy for a smooth application process:
- Valid documents that prove your identity, such as a passport, a national identity card or a driver’s license
- Passport-size photograph
- Documents that indicate your permanent residency status, like bank statements, utility bills, insurance, etc.
- Certificate of birth
- Certificate of marriage (if applicable)
- Police certificates (original ones)
Processing fee to apply for Australian citizenship as Indians
If you are applying through form 1300t, the general processing fee is AUD 560, and any concession involved is AUD 80. For Form 1290 applicants, the general fee is AUD 345 and any concession is worth AUD 40.
Does Australia allow dual citizenship?
When it comes to dual citizenship, Australia allows the same, but it also depends on the other countries involved. For instance, the Indian Constitution doesn’t allow you to simultaneously hold the citizenship of India and a foreign country. Hence, embracing Australia’s citizenship requires you to sacrifice India’s. You might be granted Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) in some cases, but this doesn’t include political rights.
Rejection of Australian citizenship: Reasons and ways to avoid
Here are the key reasons why your Australia citizenship application might face rejection and how to avoid them:
- Document-related issues: Authorities might reject your application if they find errors or discrepancies while performing background checks, validating documents or checking the application form.
- Absence of a proper citizenship purpose: Rejection can happen if you don’t have a powerful reason behind applying for citizenship. So, convince the officials interviewing you.
- Failing the citizenship test: Not passing the Australia citizenship exam with the required scores can lead to rejection. Hence, prepare in advance.
- History of criminal acts: In case of any past criminal convictions, your application might face rejection. So, always follow the laws in Australia carefully.
- Consecutive applications within a short period: If your first application gets rejected and you apply for the second time too quickly, it might get rejected. So, wait for some time.
Conclusion
From the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House, Australia has much to offer for Indians seeking citizenship. Just keep this guide handy for a seamless experience. And remember that you must respect the laws, rights and democratic beliefs of the country while enjoying its beauty, bounty and opportunities. Also, prepare for uncertainties. Even if you are visiting Australia for a vacation, get travel insurance to stay financially protected against missed flights, lost bags or medical emergencies. With comprehensive travel insurance for Australia, you can wander without worries and enjoy round-the-clock assistance.
FAQs
- How much time does it take to obtain Australia citizenship for Indians via conferral?
It takes around 12 months to process most applications. Post approval, you might have to wait for 6 months for the citizenship ceremony.
- For how many years should I reside in Australia before applying for citizenship?
To apply for Australia citizenship, you must spend four years (at least 12 months with permanent residency) in the country and abide by its laws.
- What Australia citizenship documents are required for the application process?
Apart from documents that prove your identity and permanent residency status, provide passport-size photos and certificates for birth, police clearance and marriage (if applicable).
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