Frequently asked questions

When and where are Australian Citizenship ceremonies held?
Once a month at the Cairns Regional Council Civic Reception Rooms (119-145 Spence St). The Mayor officiates and 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:
  • They meet the residential requirements of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
  • Are of good character.
  • Have a basic knowledge of English.
  • Understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
  • Are likely to reside permanently in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing relationship with Australia. You must apply for Australian citizenship. You cannot acquire Australian Citizenship automatically by having lived in Australia for a certain time or by marrying an Australian citizen - you must make a formal application.
What are the resident's 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.  This includes 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:

  • Children under 16 years of age who are permanent residents in Australia can be included on one of their parents' applications and become citizens with their parents.
  • People who have at least three months' service in the permanent defense forces of Australia.
  • Former Australian citizens who have a total of 12 month permanent residence in the five years preceding the date they lodged their application. They cannot, however, be granted citizenship within 12 months of losing it.
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.  
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:
  • Within two years of completing a prison sentence of 12 months or more.
  • While you are serving a prison sentence, or have been released from a sentence on parole licence or some form of security.
  • Or, if you have been released from serving part of a sentence and placed on a bond, until bond has expired. 

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. 
If I need help in learning English, where can I go?
  • You can attend English language classes held in Australian cities and larger country towns.
  • Details of classes and courses are available from Adult Migrant English Centres.
  • Offices of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
  • Migrant Resource Centres.
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:
  • Enrol on the Electoral Register and vote at Federal, State and Local Government** elections and referendums.
  • Serve on a jury, if called on.
  • Defend Australia, should the need arise (subject to the same rights and exemptions as Australian-born citizens).
(**This is the case in Queensland but may vary in other States or Territories)
What are the privileges of citizens?
As an Australian, you will benefit from:
  • Entitlement, under Australian law, to the same rights as all Australian citizens.
  • The right to apply for appointment to any public office or to nominate for election as a member of parliament.
  • The right as a voter to help elect Australia's governments.
  • The right to apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa.
  • The right to claim protection from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas.
  • Eligibility to apply to enlist in the defense forces and for government jobs for which Australian citizenship is required.
  • The right to register your child under 18 years of age born overseas as an Australian citizen by descent.