Becoming an Australian citizen is more than a legal milestone – it’s a commitment to a new chapter filled with opportunity, security, and a sense of belonging. At Emerson Migration Law, we understand the journey of starting fresh in a new country because we’ve been there, too. Our dedicated team will handle your Australian citizenship application with care and precision, guiding you every step of the way to give you the best chance of success. Let’s make Australia not just where you live, but where you truly belong.
Your Path to Belonging in Australia.
Permanent Residency
Securing Australian citizenship is a significant legal milestone that affords you the complete spectrum of privileges and duties inherent to being a member of the Australian community. Our team of seasoned citizenship solicitors is at your disposal to navigate the complexities of the application process with precision and expert counsel.
Dual Citizenship
Australia recognises dual citizenship, permitting you to retain your original nationality while embracing Australian citizenship. However, it’s crucial to consult the citizenship laws of your home country, as policies differ greatly across nations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Australian Citizenship
How long does the Australian citizenship process take?
The process of preparing and lodging the Australian Citizenship Application will be dependent on the client. Once engaged, our team will provide you with a checklist of the required documents. We will then be able to progress with the application following your own pace of providing us with the information and documents required.
Once the application has been lodged, it is up to the Department’s processing team as to the length of the processing time. This will also be dependent on the type of citizenship application lodged. It could take months for the application to be finalised from the date of lodging the application.
To ensure there are no further delays in the processing time of your application, our team will ensure that all required information and supporting documents are provided and that all Department correspondence is responded to in a timely manner.
How do periods of extended absence from Australia impact my eligibility for Australian citizenship?
One of the general criteria for an Australian citizenship application is the “residence requirement”. This requires you to:
- have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply
- hold a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months immediately before the day you apply and
- not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying.
If you have had extended periods of absence in Australia, you may not satisfy the general residence requirement unless exemptions or special circumstances apply.
Contact our office to discuss your eligibility and possible exemptions with an experienced migration lawyer in Brisbane.
Do I need to renounce my existing citizenship to get Australian citizenship?
Australia allows for people to hold dual citizenship. Whether you need to renounce your existing citizenship will depend on if the country of which you hold citizenship also allows for you to hold dual citizenship. We recommend that you check with your relevant embassy or consulate.
Can my family also apply for Australian citizenship?
Your family members will need to apply for their citizenship separately and meet the eligibility requirements themselves. To assess your family’s eligibility, contact our office to talk to one of our migration lawyers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must:
– Have lived lawfully in Australia for at least four years; and
– Have lived in Australia for at least 12 months of said 4-year period as a Permanent Resident.
Note that if you have spent more than 12 months in the last four years outside Australia or three months in the last 12 months outside Australia, you will no longer meet the residence requirements for Citizenship.
For example, if you have spent several years in Australia on a student visa or 457 visa, this can be counted towards the 4-year residence requirement. Note that you do not automatically qualify for Australian citizenship in this way. You must make an application for citizenship.
Our Legal Services Include:
– Assessing your eligibility based on residency and character criteria.
– Gathering and organizing all required documentation.
– Assisting with the completion and submission of your Australian citizenship application.
– Preparing you for the citizenship examination.
– Acting on your behalf throughout the evaluation process.
Upon successful approval, you will be endowed with all the rights of an Australian citizen.
If any of these apply to you
- ⤷ You’re seeking clarity on your Australian Citizenship matter through a smooth process.
- ⤷ You want to eliminate costly errors and ensure all requirements are accurately met.
- ⤷ You need to complete your registration easily, quickly, and stress-free.
- ⤷ You’re looking for expert legal guidance and access to a network of Australian specialists.
Request Your Initial Consultation Here
Our obligation-free consultation for Australian citizenship matters is priced at AU$385.00, inclusive of tax. This fee covers a comprehensive service — whether we meet in person, by phone, or via Microsoft Teams — and includes any follow-up written advice on your Australian citizenship matter at no additional cost.
