Australian Citizenship
Should you be contemplating an application for Australian citizenship or seeking clarification on the process, here are comprehensive answers by Visa Plan Migration Lawyers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: How long does it take to get Australian citizenship?
The Department Home Affairs does not provide the status of your citizenship application updates. If you have applied online, you could check the progress of your application through ImmiAccount.
Australian citizenship is granted only to those who meet all the legal requirements, which includes a thorough assessment of integrity, identity, character, and national security. As a consequence of this thorough approach, it becomes unfeasible to provide a precise timeframe for the processing of individual applications.
Q: Can I fast track my Australian citizenship process?
Citizenship applications are processed in the order they were lodged. Due to the current high volume of applications, requests for expedited processing will generally not be considered.
However, if you have submitted an application and believe you have exceptional or compelling reasons that require urgent attention, please provide detailed information and supporting evidence to the Department. Urgent cases can be reviewed and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How is my application for ‘evidence of Australian citizenship’ progressing?
In the event that you have submitted a Form 119 for ‘Evidence of Australian Citizenship’ and the processing duration has exceeded 40 days, you may reach out to the Department via email at evidence.citizenship@homeaffairs.gov.au.
Q: How do I attach documents to my application after submission?
After submitting your online application, you have the option to attach documents through ImmiAccount until the application is completed and processed. All documents should be scanned in colour under 500kb in size. There should be only one document on each scan.
If you have submitted a paper application, you will be given contact information and asked to include your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or Client Identification Number (CID). Please note that you will not receive written confirmation of document receipt.
Q: How do I ask for more time to provide a document or information?
The Department takes into account the processing time required by each country to issue the character clearances. If there are unexpected delays, you may need to request an extension of time to submit it.
To request an extension, please include the following information in your request:
- Explanation of the reason for the delay, supported by any relevant evidence.
- Expected date of when you will be able to provide the required information.
- Evidence indicating the date when you applied for the police clearance.
It is essential to provide evidence that you have already applied for the clearance before the original timeframe for submission expires. You will be informed if an extension is granted.
Q: How do I update my contact details or personal details?
In the event of any changes to your contact details (e.g., address, phone number, email) or personal information like your name or passport details, it is essential to inform the Department.
If you have applied online, you could easily update your details in real time through your ImmiAccount
For applicants who did not use ImmiAccount for their application, kindly complete ‘Form 929 – Change of address and/or passport details‘ and send the completed form to 929@homeaffairs.gov.au via email.
Q: Can I travel overseas while my citizenship application is being processed?
If you plan to travel abroad before obtaining Australian citizenship, it is crucial to maintain your residential status in Australia.
Before your travel, you must take the following steps:
- Obtain or renew your passport from your current country of citizenship.
- Ensure you have a valid Resident Return visa if the travel facility in your previous visa has ceased or will expire before your return to Australia. This requirement also applies to children.
Q: How do I request an urgent ceremony?
If you are eligible for an Australian citizenship ceremony and have a valid reason for needing an urgent ceremony, you can make a request to the Department of Home Affairs. To request an urgent ceremony please prove by email: Adelaide.Citizenship@homeaffairs.gov.au
- Written statement outlining your genuinely compelling urgent circumstances
- Documentary evidence supporting your claims, including contact telephone number
- Official translations of any documents in another language
Even if you meet the criteria, you are not guaranteed the urgent scheduling of ceremony.
| Reason | Details |
| I have been offered employment with the Federal Government | You will need to provide evidence of your employment offer and the contact details for someone in the organisation offering you a role. |
I am representing Australia in the:
| You will need to provide documentary evidence including a letter stating your circumstances and the contact details of someone from the relevant organisation, limited to:
|
| I have a seriously ill family member overseas and need to visit them | You will need to provide us with a reason as to why you are unable to travel as a citizen of your current country of citizenship. If your passport has expired, you will be asked to avail yourself of the urgent passport issuance service of your country of citizenship If your travel facility for travel in and out of Australia has expired, you should immediately apply for this to be renewed at http://www.border.gov.au If you are unable to obtain a travel document from your stated country of origin, please familiarise yourself with travel documents which may be available to you as a non-Australian citizen from the Australian Passports Office. This information can be found at: https://www.passports.gov.au/web/travelrelateddocuments.aspx If you are denied a travel document from the Australian Passports Office, please provide documentary evidence of this. In all cases where travel is stated to be required to visit a seriously ill family member you must provide an official letter (translated by a NAATI accredited translator if the letter is not in English) from the overseas treating doctor that states the condition, effects, and prognosis of the family member. You must also provide contact details for the treating doctor as we will contact them in most instances to verify the documentation. |
| I am travelling overseas for employment, holidays, a family reunion, or a wedding | Your request for an urgent ceremony will be refused – consideration will not be given to whether you have pre-paid accommodation/flights etc. |
| My passport issued by my country of citizenship has expired The travel facility on my Australian issued visa has expired | If your passport has expired, you will be asked to avail yourself of the urgent passport issuance service of your country of citizenship If your travel facility for travel in and out of Australia has expired, you should immediately apply for this to be renewed at http://www.border.gov.au |
Q: How do I change my details on my Citizenship Certificate?
If you have recently changed your details and wish to update it on your Citizenship certificate, you must apply for a new certificate. The application can be completed online through your Immi-Account, or you can fill out the form and follow the provided instructions to proceed.
Q: What can I do if I have lost or damaged my Citizenship Certificate and need it replaced?
If you have recently lost or damaged your Citizenship Certificate, you can apply for a new certificate. The application can be completed online through your Immi-Account, or you can fill out the form and follow the provided instructions to proceed.