On 12 September 2007, the Australian Parliament passed the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Bill 2007. This means from Monday 1 October 2007, most people are required to pass a test before they apply for Australian citizenship by conferral.
The most common ways in which a person may become an Australian Citizen are by:
being born in Australia to an Australian citizen parent or permanent resident parent;
applying for grant of Australian citizenship (previously called naturalisation);
being born overseas to an Australian citizen parent and registered as an Australian citizen; or
being legally adopted in Australia by an Australian Citizen.
How to become an Australian Citizen
When you are ready to make the commitment, you may wish to apply for the grant of Australian Citizenship.
You may be eligible for Australian citizenship if:
you are a permanent resident of Australia;
you have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for a total of at least 2 years in the last five years, including a total of at least twelve months in the last two years;
you are able to speak and understand basic English;
you are of good character;
you have a basic knowledge of English (this requirement won't apply if you are aged 50 or over);
you have an adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian Citizen;
you intend to live in, or maintain a close continuing association with Australia.
Get an application kit
Most people applying for citizenship will need to pass the citizenship test before they lodge their citizenship application.
Application kits can be received at the Council Administration Offices, local Post Office or online at www.citizenship.gov.au/
Once you have completed your application it needs to be sent to the Department of Immigration with the $240 application fee.
*concession fee available
All applicants for Australian citizenship are interviewed prior to grant of citizenship.
Citizenship Ceremonies
Once you have been interviewed and your application has been approved by the Department of Immigration Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, you will be asked to attend a Citizenship Ceremony at the Town of Kwinana.
Town of Kwinana citizenships are public events to celebrate your acceptance as a formal member of the Australian community. Should it be necessary a private ceremony can be arranged.
On 12 September 2007, the Australian Parliament passed the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Bill 2007. This means from Monday 1 October 2007, most people are required to pass a test before they apply for Australian citizenship by conferral.