Australian citizenship by conferral meaning includes a significant milestone for immigrants who intend to be part of the country to gain great opportunities and benefits of Australian citizens and to feel a sense of belongingness and security. It allows you to vote, work in the public sector, and obtain an Australian passport, among other benefits like any other Australian citizen or New Zealand citizens.
There are three ways to get Australian citizenship: by birth, descent, and conferral. Australian citizenship by conferral is a voluntary process by which a non-Australian citizen becomes an Australian citizen through compliance with eligibility requirements and other essential legal documents.
Meet the Eligibility Criteria for Australian Citizenship by Conferral Meaning
To be qualified for Australian citizenship by conferral, the following are the requirements:
- Must be an Australian permanent resident for at least four years or an eligible New Zealand citizen for the past 12 months;
- Must not have left Australia for more than 12 months in the last four years;
- Must not have spent more than 90 days outside of Australia in the last 12 months;
- Must be of good character;
- Must not have committed any serious crimes in the last ten years; and
- Must not have a prison sentence for any period in the last ten years.
The Application Process: Overview
To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, the following is the process of the application:
- You must meet the eligibility criteria enumerated above.
- Once you have established that you are eligible, you must take the citizenship test and score at least 75% to pass the test.
- Upon acceptance of your application, you must attend the citizenship ceremony to complete the entire process.
- The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for processing citizenship applications. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applications processed at the time.
Citizenship Test and Ceremony Requirements
Australian citizenship by conferral meaning will also require the applicant to complete a test and attend a ceremony to complete the whole application process.
- Citizenship test. You will be requested to make an appointment to take the test after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has processed your application and determined that you meet the requirements.
This test includes inquiries about Australian citizenship’s obligations and rights, as well as inquiries about living in Australia and what it means to be an Australian citizen. This examination is required of every eligible adult applicant. The Australian citizenship test resource book, which you can read before your test, contains testable knowledge on which the questions are based.
- Citizenship ceremony. You must show up for a ceremony after you have completed your citizenship test and had your application accepted. In most cases, the ceremony will occur three months after your application is approved, though waiting periods range amongst local authorities.
The Australian Citizenship Pledge must be taken during the citizenship ceremony to complete the citizenship process. There are relatively few exceptions, but all eligible adult applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony.
Rights and Benefits
Living abroad allows you to create a better quality of life for yourself and your family. Together with New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, Australia is regarded as one of the significant “immigration nations” in the world. Australian citizenship allows access to the rights and benefits of those who successfully acquire it.
Some of the rights and benefits are the following:
- You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia. Upon being granted Australian citizenship, you can invite your loved ones to the country to reunite with them and provide them with the same opportunities you have. By doing so, you can build a strong support network and contribute to the growth of your community.
- You can travel without restrictions. As an Australian citizen, you can visit many countries without obtaining a visa in advance. This makes travel more accessible and more convenient, allowing you to explore the world without the hassle of getting travel documents.
- You participate in the democratic process. Your citizenship allows you to vote in federal, state, and local elections and have your say in the country’s future. Participating in the process is a fundamental right that allows every Australian citizen to shape the policies and laws of the country based on their beliefs and values.
- You have access to free and subsidized health care benefits. An Australian citizens, permanent resident of Australia, and other qualified individuals can have access to Australia’s best healthcare systems in the world by offering free or heavily discounted care.
- The Australian economy is powerful. It is incredibly robust, and its currency is strong and well-known worldwide. Australia’s minimum salary is higher than the average for other nations.
- You can vote in Federal and State or territory elections and in a referendum.
- You can apply for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force.
Refusal of Applications
There is no guarantee, however, that the Department will grant all applications for Australian citizenship by conferral meaning. After sufficient evaluation of your application, they may grant or refuse it.
You will get a written notice from the Department. When they decide on your application, they will send you a letter. The letter shall state the grounds for their rejection of your application. You can ask the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review the decision. The notification letter will inform you of the rationale behind their choice, the location to submit a request for a review, and the deadlines for doing so.
Overall, obtaining Australian citizenship by conferral is an outstanding achievement that offers many benefits. It is a symbol of your commitment to Australia and your desire to be a part of this great country. However, it is essential to note that the process can be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional advice and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying for citizenship.
So, if you are an immigrant living in Australia and thinking of becoming an Australian citizen, take the first step today. In addition to giving you a sense of safety and community, it will create numerous opportunities and advantages that come with being an Australian citizen.
If you require legal advice for this, do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced migration lawyers today. Contact our firm.
