Dive into our FAQ for more details
To be eligible for Australian citizenship, you generally need to have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. During this period, you must not have been outside of Australia for more than 12 months in total, with no more than 90 days spent abroad in the year immediately before your application. Exceptions and variations to these requirements may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
The Australian Citizenship Test assesses your knowledge of Australia’s history, values, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of being an Australian citizen. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75% to pass. We recommend using the official study resource, the "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond" booklet, and practicing with sample questions. Our Citizenship Application Assistance service provides additional guidance and preparation materials to help you feel confident and ready for the test.
The main types of child visas are the Child (subclass 101) visa for children outside Australia and the Child (subclass 802) visa for children already in Australia. These visas are available for children under 18 years of age, full-time students between 18 and 25 who are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent, or children with a disability who are dependent on the parent. Other options include the Adoption (subclass 102) visa and the Orphan Relative (subclass 117) visa for specific situations.
To be eligible for a child visa, the child must be under 18 (or under 25 if financially dependent), single, and sponsored by a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must meet health and character requirements, and if only one parent is applying, they need written consent from the other parent or legal evidence of sole custody. Additionally, the sponsoring parent must be able to demonstrate the ability to support the child financially and provide adequate care in Australia.
The primary parent visa options are the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) and the Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103). The Contributory Parent Visa requires a higher application fee but generally has a shorter processing time. The Non-Contributory Parent Visa has a lower fee but much longer processing times, often exceeding 20 years. The Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870) also allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years without a long-term commitment to permanent residency.
The balance of family test is a key eligibility requirement for most parent visas. It ensures that at least half of the parent’s children live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country. This test helps demonstrate the parent’s significant family ties to Australia. Meeting this requirement is crucial for a successful parent visa application.