How Long Does it Take to Get Australian Citizenship?

No doubt, obtaining permanent residency in Australia is a noteworthy achievement for individuals with Australian visas. However, many aspire to go further and obtain Australian citizenship, as citizenship provides access to a plethora of opportunities and a sense of belonging. 

But the major concern of these individuals is the processing time for Australian citizenship applications. You may have seen people often searching for the answer to the question, “How long does it take to get Australian citizenship?”?

Well, it depends on several factors, including the type of citizenship and individual circumstances. Read this article to find out all about the processing times for Australian citizenship applications.

How Long Does It Take to Get Australian Citizenship After Applying?

The answer to the question of how long it takes to get Australian citizenship after submitting an application depends on the type of citizenship. Here is a detailed overview of the processing times for Australian citizenship applications. 

• In the case of Australian citizenship by conferral, 90% of applications are processed within ten months.
• In the case of Australian citizenship by descent, 90% of applications are processed in less than five months.
• In the case of Evidence of Australian citizenship, 90% of applications are processed in 17 days or less.

Have a look at the following table to learn more about the processing times for Australian citizenship after applying for it.

Source: Citizenship Processing Times

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after marriage?

There is no direct route to getting Australian citizenship by marriage, even if your partner is an Australian citizen. To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must meet the set eligibility requirements, such as the residence requirements and good character. 

If you are not an Australian citizen but have married someone who is, follow these steps to get Australian citizenship:

• First, if you are on a temporary partner visa, apply for a permanent partner visa.
• Under a permanent partner visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia for an indefinite period of time.
• Then, after spending four years as a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after the test?

Usually, it takes seven months to get Australian citizenship after the test. Approximately 90% of the applications are processed during this time period.

Once you attempt the citizenship test, your results are transferred to your citizenship application file. Under certain circumstances, you may be asked to appear in an interview. The Department of Home Affairs will send you a letter of approval if your application is approved. After that, you will be granted Australian citizenship. 

Source: Citizenship Processing Times

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after permanent residency?

Generally, permanent residents are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after spending four years in Australia under any visa. This time period (four years) includes:

• At least one year as a permanent resident.
• Must not be absent from Australia for more than 12 months. 
• Must not have spent more than three months outside of Australia in the year prior to applying.

Factors Affecting the Processing Time of Australian Citizenship Applications

Below are some of the important factors that can affect the processing of your citizenship application in Australia:

• Not providing the complete documents.
• Not providing complete information.
• Failure to respond on time when the Department of Home Affairs asks for more information.
• Time taken by the Department to verify the information you have provided.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, the processing of Australian citizenship applications doesn’t take more than ten months. However, under certain circumstances, it can take longer than expected due to several factors that I’ve mentioned above. Therefore, provide complete information and submit all the required documents with your citizenship application for faster processing.

If you have any queries or concerns, contact us at The Migration now to discuss your case with our MARA-certified agent Nasir Nawaz in Australia.

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FAQs

What is an Australian citizenship test?

The Australian Government uses a test-based system to assess an applicant’s abilities and knowledge about Australia. It is used to assess a candidate’s English language proficiency, understanding of the rights and obligations of citizenship, and knowledge about Australian values such as freedom, respect, and equality.

What happens if I fail the Australian citizenship test?

You can continue to live in Australia with your permanent visa even if you fail the citizenship test. You will be scheduled for another session by the Department of Home Affairs. There are no extra costs associated with retaking the exam. While you wait for your next visit, it is imperative that you study for the test. If you fail the exam after three attempts, your citizenship application will be denied.