While applying for Australian citizenship can be a lengthy process, the benefits of taking this next step will far outweigh the hardships. At this time, thousands of people apply for Australian citizenship. There are several compelling reasons to seek Australian citizenship. Before we go into how to apply for Australian citizenship, let’s have a look at some compelling reasons why you should get citizenship in that country.
Some of the reasons are as follows:
- Citizenship enables you to live in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents have unrestricted access to Australia. You can’t vote in state or federal elections without citizenship, and even as a permanent resident, you don’t have the same sense of security that citizens do. Once you become a citizen, you have the right to participate actively in Australian society.
- You can apply for an Australian passport if you have become a permanent resident of Australia. It also allows you to enter 171 countries without asking for a visa or automatically getting a visa when you arrive. People must know that the Australian passport ranks seventh in the world for favorability.
- Citizenship in Australia may provide you with available career opportunities. It introduces a new visitor to the federal government’s career prospects. Furthermore, as an Australian Citizen, you will be entitled to serve in the Australian Defence Force.
- Many of you might not have the idea that your children can also become citizens. Even if your children got born outside of Australia, they are entitled to become Australian citizens by inheritance if you are an Australian citizen. It gives them the same rights and advantages similar to other Australian kids.
I hope the mentioned reasons will let you know what facilities you will be availing of with Australian citizenship. Now, let’s come to the primary concern that you might have. How to apply? Follow the below passage.
There are three methods to become a citizen of Australia:
By birth: If you were born in Australia, you are an Australian citizen. Furthermore, if one or both of your parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you will naturally become an Australian citizen.
By inheritance: If you are the child of an Australian citizen but were born outside of Australia, you will very certainly be given citizenship to Australia.
By approval of the Australian Govt: The third option is the most common approach for someone who does not fall into the previous two categories to become a citizen. They must be permanent residents who have lived in Australia for at least a year. Only then they can apply for citizenship.
People who are reading this article might fall into the third category. Thus, they want to know more about the application process, isn’t it! So, the following passage is all about it.
The procedure for applying:
These are some of the main criteria you must meet before applying for Australian citizenship.
- At the time of application, you must be a permanent resident.
- You must be 16 years old.
- You must have spent at least four years in Australia.
- You must have been a permanent resident for at least one year.
- You must have a good reputation. It simply indicates you haven’t violated the law, such as- committing a crime.
When you believe you fit the above conditions, complete an application form, pay the application fee, and send it to the Department of Home Affairs. Following the approval of your original application, you will be contacted and requested to take the citizenship exam.
What is the Citizenship exam for Australia?
The Govt authority will evaluate whether you pass all such mentioned criteria or not. Once you fit the requirements, the next step is a citizenship exam. The exam will assess your command of the English language. Also, the test will evaluate your knowledge of Australian culture, values, and history.
You will get invited to a formal citizenship ceremony with other new citizens if all goes well.
While reading this blog, many people might wonder about dual citizenship. It is okay. It is evident that if you are willing to apply for the citizenship of Australia, it means you are currently a citizen of another country. And, what will happen to that citizenship if you get Australian nationality? Scroll below to learn more.
Some facts concerning dual citizenship
When you become an Australian citizen, you can keep your citizenship to your birth nation. It implies that you can preserve your birth country’s citizenship while still obtaining new Australian citizenship. However, not all countries comply with the same thing. It means that if you become an Australian citizen, your present citizenship in your birth country may be revoked. It’s because your native country’s government doesn’t allow dual citizenship.
Furthermore, the government of your home nation has no bearing on Australian government regulations. It is an essential factor to consider when applying for citizenship in Australia. So, the decision is solely yours.
Is it necessary to get translation services during the Citizenship application process?
Now, it is one of the frequently asked questions among the people willing to apply for Australian citizenship. Of course, the translation services might come at your need during the processing.
We all know that documentation is one of the significant parts of any official processing. When you are applying for citizenship, the Govt authorities will ask for the documents such as a birth certificate, driver licence, education certificate, etc. If all those certificates are written in a native language (besides English), it will be hard for the authorities to understand. In such cases, people might need AustralianTranslationServices for renowned NAATI translators.
I hope this blog will help you clear all your queries regarding the process of applying to Australia Citizenship.
