Citizenship — 10 Year Lawful Residence
Citizenship by 10 Year Lawful Residence
A person born in Australia who was not automatically an Australian citizen at birth may be eligible for citizenship after being ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the first 10 years of their life. This pathway is available regardless of the visa status of the person's parents at the time of their birth.
Who this pathway applies to
Since 20 August 1986, a child born in Australia is only automatically an Australian citizen at birth if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the birth. A child born to two temporary visa holders, or to parents with no lawful status, is not automatically a citizen.
Such a child may nonetheless become eligible for citizenship after having been ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the first ten years of their life. This does not require continuous residence without any absences, but the person must have been ordinarily resident — meaning Australia must have been their primary place of residence — throughout that period.
The application must be made after the person has been ordinarily resident in Australia for the required 10-year period. At the time of application, the person does not need to hold any particular visa type. The pathway reflects Australia's commitment to granting citizenship to those with a genuine and long-standing connection to the country from birth.
Eligibility requirements
Born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986
The pathway applies to people born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 who were not automatically citizens at birth because neither parent was a citizen or permanent resident at the time.
Ordinarily resident in Australia for first 10 years
The person must have been ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period from birth to their 10th birthday. Ordinary residence means Australia was the primary place of residence. Short absences do not necessarily break the period.
No citizenship test required
The citizenship test does not apply to this pathway. The connection to Australia is established through the 10-year residence period, not through a knowledge test.
Application can be made at any age
There is no upper age limit for applying under this pathway. A person who spent their first 10 years in Australia may apply as an adult, including long after the qualifying period has been completed.
20 Aug 1986
Earliest eligible birth date
10 years
Ordinary residence required
No test
Citizenship test not required
Any age
Can apply as adult
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Ordinary residence assessment
Whether a person was "ordinarily resident" in Australia for their first 10 years requires careful assessment of their residence history including any periods spent overseas. We advise on whether the threshold is met before any application is prepared.
Evidence of childhood residence
Proving 10 years of ordinary residence from birth requires historical documentation including school records, medical records, government correspondence, and travel history. We advise on the documentary package required and help source evidence from relevant periods.
Parents' visa status at birth
Confirming that neither parent held Australian citizenship or permanent residence at the time of birth is central to establishing eligibility. We assess the parents' visa status history and advise on the evidence required to support this element of the application.
10-year lawful residence citizenship information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and is current as at 13 May 2026. Eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.