When and where are Australian Citizenship Ceremonies held?
Usually held once a month at the Cairns Regional Council Civic Reception Rooms. The Mayor officiates at these ceremonies. As part of the Council ceremony, new citizens receive a tree as a reminder of new life and a photographic memento.
For information on dates of ceremonies, or to make a booking, please contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) on 131 880.
How do I know if I am eligible for Australian Citizenship?
Foreign Nationals who are permanent residents of Australia can apply for Australian Citizenship by Grant (or Naturalisation) if:
Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
What are the Residence Requirements?
To be eligible for Australian citizenship, you must have been present in Australia (do not count any period spent overseas) as a permanent resident for a total of two years in the previous five years, including a total of 12 months in the two years immediately before the date you lodge your application. You must also intend to continue to live permanently in Australia, or to maintain a close and continuing relationship with Australia. For these purposes, a 'permanent resident' of Australia is a foreign national who has permission to live in Australia without any time limits
The following are exempted from normal residence requirements:
The Minister also has discretion under the Australian Citizenship Act to waive the residential requirements for certain groups. The Minister expects most Candidates to meet normal requirements and would exercise the discretion only in exceptional cases. Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
How Do I Prove That I Am Of Good Character?
You must satisfy the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs that you are of good character. You cannot be granted Australian citizenship:
What knowledge of English is Required?
You must be able to speak and understand Basic English for citizenship, but you do not need to be able to read and write English.
Exemption from the need to speak Basic English is granted to the spouses of Australian citizens or people who have permanent difficulties with speech, hearing or sight, or those over 50 years of age. When a husband and wife apply for citizenship together, only one needs to have a basic knowledge of English. Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
If I need help in learning English, where can I go?
Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
What are the Responsibilities of Citizens?
To become an Australian citizen you must make a Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia (commonly known as the "Australian Citizenship Pledge") This pledge has two alternatives - an oath or an affirmation. The words of the oath are:
"From this time forward, under God*
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
Whose democratic beliefs I share,
Whose rights and liberties I respect, and
Whose laws I will uphold and obey."
(*If you choose to take an affirmation, the words "under God" in the above oath will not be used)
As an Australian citizen, you will be required to:
(**This is the case in Queensland but may vary in other States or Territories)
Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
What are the Privileges of Citizens?
As an Australian, you will benefit from:
Contact DIMA on 131 880. Top of Page
