Australia is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. If you are interested in becoming a citizen, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we will outline the various processes for acquiring citizenship and the benefits of being a citizen of Australia.
Here are 5 ways you can use to get Australian citizenship.
1. Citizenship by Birth
Anyone who has been born in Australia is automatically a citizen of the country. If your parents were permanent residents or citizens, you will also receive citizenship. In some cases, people are born overseas but their parents are Australian citizens and the baby automatically receives citizenship.
2. Citizenship by Conferral
If you were born outside of Australia but one of your parents is an Australian citizen, you can still get citizenship by conferral. You must have at least one parent who was born in Australia or a parent with Australian citizenship by descent.
3. Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent means that you can gain citizenship if you are a child of an Australian citizen regardless of where or when they were born. For example, if your parents were traveling abroad when you were born and become a citizen, you have the right to receive citizenship.
4. Citizenship by adoption
If you are adopted outside of Australia, you will have to meet the residency requirement for citizenship. However, when you move to Australia and live here for a continuous period of four years, you can apply for a grant of Australian citizenship by descent.
5. Resume citizenship
If you were born overseas and one of your parents is an Australian citizen, you can still become a citizen. You will have to complete a conversion process to become an Australian citizen.
Benefits of being a citizen of Australia.
1. Hassle-free travel and re-entry
Australian citizens enjoy visa-free entry into many countries. This means you can travel to other countries without a visa, especially countries that have signed the Australia-based Pacific Agreement on Transnational Migration. Australian citizens can also come back to the country without any issues.
2. Excellent consular support while overseas
Australian citizens can use the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Consular Services, which include travel health, passport, and citizenship applications. You can access the services by calling the DFAT toll-free hotline on 1800 555 135.
3. Federal government and defense jobs
Australian citizens are eligible to apply for the federal government and defense jobs. Australian citizens can also get citizenship-restricted jobs. Citizens can access the Federal Government Register of Citizen and Persons Resident in Australia at gazette.gov.au and applications for citizenship-restricted roles can be sought at the Department of Immigration website.
4. Financial assistance for education
Australian citizens who have studied overseas and have completed a qualification will receive financial assistance to resume their studies at an Australian university. The Commonwealth Government Grant Scheme (CGSS) will provide up to $10,000 for study in Australia.
5. Voting rights
Australian citizens are eligible to vote in the Federal elections and at state and territory elections. They have the right to elect a representative to their state or territory parliaments, known as members of the House of Representatives or the Legislative Assembly. Australian citizens also have the right to vote at all local government elections within Australia.
Bottom line
Gaining citizenship in Australia is not an easy task, and so any person interested in becoming a citizen should understand the benefits and obligations of citizenship. Authorized persons may apply for citizenship in either way outlined above.