travel outside australia after applying for citizenship

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Can we travel overseas after applying for Australian Citizenship ? (and before a decision is made)

travel outside australia after applying for citizenship

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hi all, I'm supposed to apply for citizenship by Mid-November. I'm currently on PR Just checking, are we allowed to travel overseas for 2-3 months after this application? any time limits on how long we can stay overseas ? is the 90 days cap for last year applicable on time of appication or until the citizenship is granted ? what if the PR expires while I'm overseas waiting for the citizenship decision, do i have to apply for an exemption or extension ? any suggestions on how this should be handled ? Thanks in advance

When the travel bans are lifted, the fully vaccinated Permanent Residents will be able to travel internationally without seeking an exemption first. If I read correctly un-vaccinated will still require an exemption to travel. Once those travel restrictions are lifted, you should be able to travel outside Australia while application is being processed, or after it has been approved and while you are waiting for your ceremony. The general residence requirements are at the time you apply, so technically there is no issue with being out of the country for more than 90 days Do bear in mind that under ordinary circumstances your application cannot be approved if you are not in the country and your ceremony must occur within 12 months of your application being approved. So that does limit the time you can be out of the country. Your PR doesn't really "expire" only the travel authority granted with it... but you should ensure that you will have the right to return before you depart by applying for an RRV before you leave.

You are allowed to travel after you've applied for citizenship, before your application is completed. I have. Check on when your PR visa expires; you may need to get a RRV (resident return visa)

Hi, if you dont mind. How long were you away while your citizenship application was in progress? I am currently overseas and an hoping to get the invitation soon.

The Dept won't approve your application while you are outside Australia unless you satisfy one of the special residence requirements or discretion is applied.

I was away for a few weeks while my application was being processed.

Hi There We intens to apply citizenship (we are PR holders) thru conferral. Is it possible for my kid to be away while it is processed? Does he need to be in Australia while the application is processed and while the approval is granted? He is younger than 15

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Can I leave the country just after applying for Citizenship by conferral?

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Hello everybody, Just a bit of background: I understand that eligibility for citizenship by conferral requires the applicant to be in Australia at the moment of the application, four years of continuos residency in Australia (with a maximum of three months per year spent overseas) and one full year of PR. I will be eligible for applying for the citizenship by conferral from the 24th of February 2022 (that is, one year from the day I received my PR). Unfortunately, I have to start a 2-years fellowship in UK on the 1st of March 2022. The fellowship will require me to go back to UK and spend most of my time during the next two years there. I will be extremely flexible in terms of travelling abroad, and I expect to be able to spend in Australia a few months without any problem, but the centre of my operations will be UK. The start can not be delayed beyond the end of March. This implies that I will have to apply for the citizenship and then leave Australia. I will nonetheless book a return ticket, ideally for June/July 2022 and plan to periodically return to Australia every 3-4 months. My question: since all the residency requirements apply to residency up to the day of application for the citizenship, is it ok to leave the country after applying for it? I plan to come back to Australia and settle here at the end of the fellowship, but given the nature of my job (I have to travel and stay abroad long times every year), it would be much harder for me to fulfil the residency requirements if I miss this application window. I read somewhere that the Immigration office will contact me in case they find I am abroad at the time they handle my application. Is that true? What would the best course of action be? thanks

Once you meet the onshore requirements, and you have applied for citizenship, Home Affairs understands that you may need to travel overseas, for a valid reason. If this is your situation, just communicate to Home Affairs your travel plans, dates and when you will return. They are actually cool people.

Except in limited (specified) circumstances citizenship applications will not proceed if the applicant is not in Australia.

Hi Wes, will they notify you so you can come back onshore for it to be granted? We are going to be in the UK for a few years but will be coming back to Aus to resettle permanently, so we dont want my husbands current residency requirement to go down the drain for his citizenship application

those aged under 18 at time of application
those who satisfy the special residence requirement
those who satisfy the Ministerial discretion to the residence requirement for applicants who are the spouse, de facto partner or surviving spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen at the time of lodgement
those who satisfy the Ministerial discretion to the residence requirement for applicants who are in an interdependent relationship with an Australian citizen at the time of lodgement
Australian citizen spouse or de facto partner
Australian citizen children
length of relationship with Australian citizen spouse or de facto partner
extended family in Australia
return visits to Australia
periods of residence in Australia
intention to reside in Australia
employment in Australia
ownership of property in Australia and
evidence of income tax payment in Australia

Thanks, you may able to advice on following current similar situation I have. Applied for a Citizenship : 4th May 2022 My and my Australian Business Partner have setup a IT Service company in Australia having branches in Singapore and India. Me and my family will be travelling to Singapore and India for setting up the companies and running the business till we build local leaderships. It may take anywhere between 6 to 9 months. Query : How should I go about explaining this situation to Immigration Department, any specific documents I need to provide to support my situation. I may able to provide all the Company formation documents of Australia along with Bank account details. Thanks in advance.

arkhos said: Hello everybody, Just a bit of background: I understand that eligibility for citizenship by conferral requires the applicant to be in Australia at the moment of the application, four years of continuos residency in Australia (with a maximum of three months per year spent overseas) and one full year of PR. I will be eligible for applying for the citizenship by conferral from the 24th of February 2022 (that is, one year from the day I received my PR). Unfortunately, I have to start a 2-years fellowship in UK on the 1st of March 2022. The fellowship will require me to go back to UK and spend most of my time during the next two years there. I will be extremely flexible in terms of travelling abroad, and I expect to be able to spend in Australia a few months without any problem, but the centre of my operations will be UK. The start can not be delayed beyond the end of March. This implies that I will have to apply for the citizenship and then leave Australia. I will nonetheless book a return ticket, ideally for June/July 2022 and plan to periodically return to Australia every 3-4 months. My question: since all the residency requirements apply to residency up to the day of application for the citizenship, is it ok to leave the country after applying for it? I plan to come back to Australia and settle here at the end of the fellowship, but given the nature of my job (I have to travel and stay abroad long times every year), it would be much harder for me to fulfil the residency requirements if I miss this application window. I read somewhere that the Immigration office will contact me in case they find I am abroad at the time they handle my application. Is that true? What would the best course of action be? thanks Click to expand...

I am wondering if anyone can answer me. My family is residing in the US. My son is Australian dual citizen. They have submitted and waiting for the children’s citizenship application. But wanting to migrate back and remain in Oz while waiting for application. Can they? The children will travel with visitors visa. Does this work? Thank you!

As a rule citizenship applications are not processed if the applicant is offshore.

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How to apply for citizenship

Who can apply to be an australian citizen.

There are different ways to become an Australian citizen. The most common ways to becoming a citizen are when you:

are a permanent resident living in Australia
were born overseas to a parent who is an Australian citizen
were born overseas and adopted by an Australian citizen outside Australia
lost your Australian citizenship and would like to resume your citizenship.

Depending on your circumstances when you apply for citizenship, there may be a cost.

Find out how to become an Australian citizen and how much it costs on the Department of Home Affairs website.

New Zealanders who live in Australia

New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for 4 years or more can apply for Australian citizenship. \r\n

Find out about New Zealand citizens becoming Australian citizens on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Processing times

The time it takes to process your application to become a citizen will depend on your circumstances. You can find more information about processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Test and interview

Once you have applied for Australian citizenship, you may get an invitation to attend an interview and sit the citizenship test.

There is no extra cost to complete the citizenship test. If you fail the test, you can sit it again up to 3 times.

Find out more about the citizenship test and interview and how to prepare on the Department of Home Affairs website.

New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for 4 years or more can apply for Australian citizenship.

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Australian permanent residency and citizenship

An Australian permanent resident and an Australian citizen are not the same thing. Get to know the key differences here as well as the privileges and responsibilities of being an Australian citizen.

Permanent residency visa

An Australian permanent resident is someone who holds a permanent visa but is not a citizen.

A permanent resident can live, work and study without restriction in Australia.

Differences in rights and entitlements

A permanent resident has most of the rights and entitlements of a citizen, but there are some differences:

On this page:

Australian citizenship

Citizenship test, privileges of australian citizens, responsibilities of australian citizens, applying for a permanent residency visa.

If you want to apply for permanent residency, there are a number of requirements you need to meet. You can make an application on humanitarian grounds, as a migrant, or part of a family unit.

For more information about how to become a permanent resident, visit the Department of Home Affairs website .

Being an Australian citizen means you can say, ‘I am Australian.’ Making Australia a permanent home is the goal of many of Melbourne’s migrants and comes with many privileges and responsibilities.

Becoming an Australian citizen means you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and everything Australia stands for.

General eligibility criteria for citizenship

Generally, those over the age of 18 who apply for Australian citizenship must:

have passed a citizenship test (unless over the age of 60)
be a permanent resident at the time of application, and also, at time of decision
satisfy the residence requirement
be likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
be of good character.

Children may also apply for Australian Citizenship, although different requirements apply. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Residence requirement

Any adult who became a permanent resident on or after 1 July 2007 must have been lawfully residing in Australia for four years immediately before applying for Australian citizenship. This includes:

12 months as a permanent resident
absences from Australia of no more than 12 months
absences from Australia of no more than three months in the 12 months before applying.

A Citizenship Wizard is available on the Department of Home Affairs website to help you determine if you meet the residence requirement.

If you satisfy the general eligibility criteria, you will need to pass a test before applying for Australian citizenship. Those covered by other situations (such as those aged under 18 or over age 60, or people who suffer from a substantial impairment or loss of hearing, speech or sight) are not required to sit a test.

The Australian citizenship test has been designed to help future Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia's:

national symbols.

The test is an important part of ensuring you have the capacity to fully participate in the Australian community as a citizen and maximise the opportunities available to you in Australia. It promotes social cohesion and successful integration into the community.

To sit the test you must:

be an Australian permanent resident
satisfy the department of your identity during the process of registering for the test
allow the department to take a photograph of you or provide one yourself.

Being an Australian citizen entitles you to the right to:

live in Australia
apply for an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa
seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas
work in the public service
serve in the armed forces
register as Australian citizens by descent any of your children born overseas after you become an Australian citizen
stand for Parliament
vote to elect members of Parliament.

Citizenship also brings with it responsibilities. For example, citizens are required to:

obey Australian laws
defend Australia should the need arise
serve on a jury if called to do so
enrol on federal and state/territory electoral registers
vote in elections.

More information about the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website .

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How to Meet the Australian Citizenship Requirements

By Francis Manuel Lawyer

Updated on June 19, 2024 Reading time: 5 minutes

This article meets our strict editorial principles. Our lawyers, experienced writers and legally trained editorial team put every effort into ensuring the information published on our website is accurate. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Learn more .

Australian Citizenship by Birth

Australian citizenship by descent, australian citizenship by grant, character requirements, residency requirements, citizenship test, close and continuing link to australia, citizenship ceremony, key takeaways, frequently asked questions.

Becoming an Australian citizen is often the end goal for many people migrating to Australia. It indicates your desire to call Australia home and comes with many benefits. For example, these include the ability to:

vote and seek election;
work in the federal government and defence jobs;
receive financial assistance for higher education;
obtain Australian consular help while overseas;
freely travel in and out of the country, as Australian citizens can remain outside Australia for an unlimited time and return without applying for a visa; and
hold an Australian passport. An Australian passport is one of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports for travelling to other countries and allows you to access priority processing at Australian airports.

Whatever your motivator, becoming an Australian citizen can be an exciting event. However, the process is often long and draining. This article will discuss the requirements for becoming an Australian citizen.

If you are born in Australia, and one or both of your parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia, you most likely acquired Australian citizenship.

There is no particular application requirement for this pathway. As you are born in Australia to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident, you most likely would have been issued a birth certificate showing this information.

If you are born overseas to at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent, this could be a citizenship pathway for you. However, there are two general requirements:

you must have at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident parent; and
you must be of good character if you are 18 years or above. The character requirement is discussed further below.

Please note that there could be an additional requirement if you claim that you were born overseas to at least one permanent resident parent who subsequently became an Australian citizen. We recommend speaking to one of our immigration lawyers for more tailored legal advice.

If you are a non-citizen of Australia, you can apply to become an Australian citizen. The most important requirements of obtaining Australian citizenship by grant or conferral are that you must:

be aged over 16;
be the holder of a valid permanent resident permit;
obtain a police check;
meet the residency requirements;
pass the Australian citizenship test and demonstrate sufficient English language skills;
demonstrate integration into the Australian community and an intention to continue living in Australia or to maintain a close relationship with Australia; and
currently live in Australia.

Children under 16 do not need to meet the residency requirements and may be included in the parents’ application, provided the child is a permanent resident.

Applicants over 18 must be of good character. This generally refers to the ‘enduring moral qualities of a person’. Suppose a person is found to be of good character. In that case, the Department of Home Affairs considers that they are likely to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and other commitments made during the citizenship pledge. For example, in determining whether you are a person of good character, the Department will likely consider:

any criminal convictions;
obligations you may have to a court in Australia or overseas;
your association with people of concern;
incidents of reported domestic violence; and
whether you have been honest in your dealings with the Australian community, including providing false or misleading information concerning a visa or citizenship application.

Criminal convictions in Australia or overseas may prevent you from applying for Australian citizenship by conferral.

Sponsoring overseas workers as an Australian business is complicated. Let us simplify it for you with this free employer guide.

To become an Australian citizen, you must have continuously and legally lived in Australia for at least the last 4 years. In those 4 years, you must have been a permanent resident for the 12 months immediately preceding your citizenship application. In addition, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months during those 4 years. Further to this, you must not have been absent from Australia for more than 90 days in the last year.

For instance, suppose you moved to Australia on January 2019 with a 482 visa. You were then granted a 189 visa on January 2022. Assuming that you were not absent from Australia for more than 12 months from January 2019 to January 2023 and not absent for more than 90 days from January 2022 to January 2023, you will meet the residence requirement by January 2023 and can submit your citizenship application.

Interestingly, there are certain exemptions around the general residence requirement. However, they only apply to a select few, such as:

ship crew members;
high-ranking officials of an ASX All Australian 200 listed companies; or
a holder of a Distinguished Talent visa or Global Talent visa.

In these instances, you are only required to have been in Australia for 480 days in the last four years and be present for at least 120 days for the 12 months immediately preceding your citizenship application.

Suppose you were absent for several months and wonder how that will affect your citizenship application, or you think the special residence requirement applies to you. In that case, we recommend speaking to one of our immigration lawyers.

Significantly, suppose you are a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category visa and meet the four-year residence and other eligibility requirements. In that case, you may be able to apply directly for citizenship without becoming a permanent resident. This new direct pathway is available from 1 July 2023.

To be eligible for Australian citizenship, you must demonstrate that you understand what it means to be an Australian citizen. Therefore, you must take a citizenship test. During the test, you must show that you have the following:

a basic knowledge of the English language;
an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen;
adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and
an understanding and commitment to Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality.

You must score at least 75% on the test and correctly answer all five questions on Australian values to meet the knowledge requirements for gaining citizenship. In addition to the citizenship test, you must also meet the English language requirement.

Tips for Success

Prepare for the Test: Utilise study materials and practice tests available online to prepare for the citizenship test.
Seek Support: Engage with community groups or legal advisors for assistance and support throughout the process.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes in immigration laws or citizenship test requirements by regularly checking official government resources.

As part of the application process, you must also demonstrate that you intend to make a long-term commitment to Australia and maintain a close and continuing link to the country while overseas. The Department of Home Affairs may consider the following when determining whether you have a close and continuing link to Australia:

a child who is an Australian citizen;
a partner who is an Australian citizen and the length of your relationship;
whether or not you are present in Australia while the citizenship application is being processed;
extended family in Australia;
a bank account in Australia;
a job in Australia;
paid income tax in Australia; and
property in Australia.

If you meet the requirements of Australian citizenship and your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony within 12 months. You are not an Australian citizen until you have attended your ceremony. Local authorities organise these ceremonies. Your citizenship ceremony will generally be within six months of your application approval. During the citizenship ceremony, you must make the Australian Citizenship pledge. The pledge is a public commitment to Australia and shows that you accept the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Becoming an Australian citizen is a lengthy but rewarding process. Therefore, there are many requirements you must meet to be eligible for citizenship. For example, these include being of good character, meeting residency requirements, passing a citizenship test, and having a close and continuing link to Australia.

If you need assistance seeking Australian citizenship, our experienced immigration lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page .

Among other things, Australian citizenship allows you access to an Australian passport, the ability to vote and run for candidacy, and free travel in and out of the country.

You must have lived in Australia for the past four years before applying for citizenship. Additionally, you must not have been absent for more than 12 months in those four years. Furthermore, you must not have been absent for more than 90 days in the last year of those four years.

You must score at least 75% on the test and correctly answer all five questions on Australian values to pass the Australian citizenship test.

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Direct pathway to citizenship FAQs

27 June 2023

What has changed?

Non-protected Special Category Visa-holders (SCVs) who have resided in Australia for at least the last four years can apply for citizenship from the 1 July 2023 , without needing to apply for a permanent visa.

From 1 July 2023 New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. If their SCV was granted:

before 1 July 2022, their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes will be backdated to 1 July 2022 .
for the first time on or after 1 July 2022, they will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes from their date of arrival.

Children born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to a Special Category Visa-holder will automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth.

protected SCVs remain eligible to apply for citizenship .
a citizenship certificate is an official document. Keep it in a safe place and in good condition. DO NOT laminate the certificate.

Eligibility criteria for new citizenship pathway

You must be a New Zealand citizen holding a non-protected Special Category Visa (SCV) and:

have arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001
have resided in Australia for the four years immediately prior to applying
meet the usual good character test
attend an interview to confirm your identity and understanding of Australian citizenship
have basic English language knowledge to pass the citizenship test (18 to 59 years)
pay the application fee.

There is no income threshold or health check required.

Watch a video explainer

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has recorded a video explaining the new direct citizenship pathway.

Applying for citizenship cheatsheet

The Department of Home Affairs has provided us with some advice for citizenship applicants .

Frequently Asked Questions

Special category visa, residency requirement, applying for citizenship, children applying, supporting documents, police checks, resident return visa, 461 visa-holders, social security payments, other questions, technical help, additional help.

What visa do I have?

New Zealand citizens entering Australia are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) unless they hold a permanent visa such as the Resident Return Visa or NZ Stream 189 visa. The direct pathway to citizenship is only for post 26 February 2001 arrivals, referred to as non-protected Special Category Visa-holders (NPSCV).

Protected SCVs can already apply for citizenship, subject to meeting the usual eligibility criteria.

Can I look up my visa status or visa number?

Check your visa details using the Department of Home Affairs VEVO system . Call 131 881 and ask for a VEVO password. You will need your passport details.

Will the Special Category Visa be a permanent resident visa for new arrivals post 1 July 2023?

The SCV is a temporary visa allowing New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia subject to meeting health and character requirements. It will remain a temporary visa under the Migration Act 1958.

From 1 July 2023 SCV-holders will be deemed permanent residents for citizenship purposes only. They can apply for citizenship if they have usually resided for four years immediately prior to applying.

Will the Special Category Visa still exist for short term residents and holiday makers?

Yes, the SCV will continue to be granted automatically to New Zealand citizens on arrival in Australia. Citizenship applicants will remain an SCV until attending their citizenship ceremony.

Do I need to apply for permanent residency before I can get citizenship?

No, the SCV will be considered PR for citizenship purposes from 1 July 2023. You are eligible for citizenship provided you have resided for the four years immediately prior to applying. See the Department of Home Affairs website for the eligibility criteria and application process

How long do I have to reside in Australia before I can apply for citizenship?

Citizenship applicants must reside for four years immediately prior to applying. You can be outside of Australia for up to 365 days within that four-year period, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator to see if you meet the residency requirement.

Am I eligible for the direct citizenship pathway if I was not in Australia on 1 July 2023?

New Zealand citizens who were overseas on 1 July 2023, who held an SCV or special purpose visa as an airline crew member or airline positioning crew member immediately before last leaving Australia, are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. They must be granted an SCV and meet the general residence requirement when they return to Australia.

I went overseas and could not return to Australia due to the Covid-19 closure. Is there a residency exemption for this?

There is no residency exemption for the Covid-related border closure. Overseas absences must be no more than 365 days in the four years prior to applying, and no more than 90 days total in the period of 12 months as a permanent resident. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator to see if you meet the residency requirement.

Due to the nature of my employment I spend most of the year offshore. How can I apply for citizenship?

There is a special residence requirement for people who work in certain occupations, or who are engaged in activities to benefit Australia. Usually people who hold a Distinguished Talent or Global Talent visa, or athletes seeking to represent Australia at Commonwealth or Olympic Games. They will need to have spent the specified minimum amount of time in Australia. Refer to Exemptions and special circumstances under the Residence requirement information on the Home Affairs website.

Does time previously spent living in Australia count towards the four years residency?

Citizenship applicants must reside in Australia for the four years immediately prior to applying for citizenship. If you are outside of Australia for 12 months or more, you must re-start the four years residency. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator to see if you meet the residency requirement.

Does an overseas holiday mean I have to reside for another four years?

No, provided you are not outside of Australia for more than 365 days within the four years prior to applying for citizenship, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying. Use the Home Affairs Residence Calculator to see if you meet the residency requirement.

Will the direct citizenship pathway be open to new arrivals post 1 July 2023?

Yes, SCVs who first arrive after 1 July 2023 are considered permanent residents from their date of arrival. They are eligible for Australian citizenship after residing for four years, provided they meet the usual citizenship criteria.

Will new arrivals be able to apply for an Australian residency visa / permanent resident (PR) visa?

There is no need to apply for PR as from 1 July 2023 non-protected SCVs will be considered PRs under the Citizenship Act. New Zealanders holding a non-protected SCV can apply for citizenship after residing in Australia for the four years immediately prior to applying.

How do I apply for citizenship?

Apply online, if you can, to avoid paying the $80 non-internet application fee.

The Home Affairs website provides the eligibility criteria, application process, and required supporting documents.

Familiarise yourself with the Become an Australian citizen information on the Home Affairs website, especially the Step-by-step tab, before starting your application.

Can I use a paper application form?

From 23 March 2024, applicants who are eligible for a fee concession can apply online through ImmiAccount. To get the fee concession, you must attach a scanned copy of both sides of your concession card with your citizenship application.

Only use the paper application if you:

do not have a current or expired passport, or
have not travelled in or out of Australia since July 1990.

Paper applications are not given priority processing. There is an additional $80 non-internet fee to submit a paper application when you are eligible to apply online.

Note: Check the Design date at the bottom of each page to ensure you are using the latest version of the paper application before submitting it. Old forms will not be processed.

The form is on the Step-by-step tab:

Scroll to Step 3 - Apply for citizenship.
Click the Show Steps button.
Click the See how button beside Paper application.

Can someone help me with my citizenship application?

Only a registered migration agent can assist you with a visa or citizenship application.

It isn't necessary to use a migration agent when applying for citizenship. They are expensive and you still have to provide all the required information and supporting documents.

Before you apply, we recommend reading our citizenship FAQs and the information on the Home Affairs website, especially the Step-by-step tab . Make notes and gather your supporting documents before starting the online application.

Note: paper applications are not prioritised and incur an additional $80 fee if you are able to apply online.

See our Cheatsheet or use the Ask a Question function on Home Affairs website for further assistance.

How much is the citizenship application fee?

The fee structure is the same as for other citizenship applicants. At July 2023 applicants aged 18 to 59 $540, aged 16, 17 or 60 and over $330. Children aged 15 and under can make their own application for $330 or be included on a parent’s application at no cost. There are also some fee concessions for pension card holders. See Home Affairs website for details of the application fees .

Do I need a valid passport to apply for Australian citizenship?

No, provided you have sufficient documents that collectively show your photograph, signature, current residential address, birth name, date of birth and gender. An expired passport may also be provided as a form of identity when applying for citizenship by conferral.

If you have already requested your travel records you can upload them as proof of your arrival date. Note: Home Affairs are receiving a higher than usual number of requests for international travel movement records. If you are applying for citizenship estimated travel dates, dates of first arrival or visa grant dates, will be accepted and the processing officer will confirm the exact dates using their systems after you lodge your application.

What if I do not have a passport?

Home Affairs need to be satisfied of your identity. Provide photo ID such as a driver's licence or school ID, an official letter, utility bill or other document with your address. You could ask someone working in an occupation on the Identity Declaration form 1195, who has known you for 2 years, to sign a statutory declaration stating how they know you, how long etc.

With a child you can ask their school Principal, doctor etc to complete a statutory declaration stating how long they have known the child. Ideally, not the same person who endorses their photo and signs the Identity Declaration.

If they do not hold an SCV they are not eligible to apply for Australian citizenship under the direct pathway from 1 July 2023.

Can I travel overseas after applying for citizenship?

Yes. Notify Home Affairs of your travel dates via your ImmiAccount if you are planning to travel outside Australia while your application is being processed, or while you are waiting for your ceremony. Your application cannot be approved while you are outside Australia. You must also make the Australian Citizenship pledge within 12 months of your application being approved, or the approval may be cancelled.

Can I travel on my New Zealand passport after attending my citizenship ceremony?

Australian citizens should use an Australian passport to enter and leave Australia .

A passport is the best way to show that you are an Australian citizen. You might still be able to enter Australia if you are an Australian citizen without an Australian passport, but it will be more difficult.

If you have a New Zealand passport, you can use that after you leave Australia.

How long does citizenship processing take?

In 2023 Home Affairs recruited 100's of additional staff to process citizenship applications, and they have the lowest number of applications on hand in six years. You can look up current citizenship processing times on the Home Affairs website.

How long will it take to be invited to my citizenship ceremony?

Citizenship ceremonies are usually organised by local government councils. You will receive a letter of invitation to attend your ceremony about four weeks before the event. Find out the number of approved applicants and ceremony wait times for your local council .

Can my citizenship application be fast-tracked?

The Department of Affairs regularly receives requests from citizenship applicants seeking to expedite their application. Due to the high volume of applications received, and the need to maintain a fair and consistent process, the Department does not offer priority processing. However, if you believe you have exceptional or compelling circumstances requiring urgent finalisation of your application, provide details and upload supporting evidence to your ImmiAccount for consideration. The Department will invite you to an interview.

Please note, overseas holidays, visiting sick relatives, business trips, working overseas, access to first home-owner grants or home builder grants, access to HECS-HELP study loans, and general employment opportunities are not considered exceptional or compelling circumstances.

Do I need to attend an interview?

Most Australian citizenship by conferral applicants will have an interview to confirm their identity and understanding of Australian citizenship.

If you have a hearing, speech or sight impairment, you may be required to show you understand the nature of your application.

Do I need to sit the citizenship test?

Applicants aged between 18 and 59 are required to sit the citizenship test at their interview. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You need to get 15 of the 20 questions correct and are given 45 minutes to complete the test. You will need to select your nearest Department of Home Affairs test centre .

Prepare for the test by downloading the Australian Citizenship - Our Common Bond PDF, listening to the Our Common Bond podcast, or trying some practice questions.

If you have a disability, poor computer skills, or need assistance to sit the test, refer to the Citizenship test rules .

Can a child apply for citizenship online?

Children aged 15 years or younger and applying on their own, or aged 16 or 17 need to use the paper application form. Provide certified copies of supporting documents.

Identity documents for children under the age of 16

Parents including children aged under 16 on their citizenship application form need to provide the following documents for each child:

a full birth certificate or family register containing parent's details.
passport or travel documents
evidence of links between birth name and current name, if applicable
one passport-sized photograph and identity declaration signed by an Australian citizen with the correct authority

If you cannot provide a birth certificate provide evidence you have attempted to apply for one, such as a letter from Births Deaths & Marriages. Also complete Form 1195 Identity declaration and provide endorsed photos.

Is a child born in Australia to Special Category Visa-holder parents an Australian citizen?

Children born in Australia to an SCV parent on or after 1 July 2022 will be an Australian citizen from birth. They can apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship . Once you have the certificate you can apply for your child's Australian passport.

Children born in Australia before 1 July 2022 who are aged 10 or older are nominally an Australian citizen if they have usually resided in Australia until at least the age of 10 . They are not eligible for citizenship under the new pathway, they need to apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship . Applications only take a few days to be processed and cost $265.

Children born in Australia who are not eligible for Evidence of Australian citizenship can be added to their parent's citizenship application at no cost or make their own application for $300 if their parent is already a citizen. Note: if they turn 10 before the application is processed the application will be declined if they are eligible for Evidence of Australian citizenship .

Does my child need to reside in Australia for four years before applying for citizenship?

Children aged under 18 at the time of application do not need to meet the general residency criteria but must be a permanent resident. If aged 15 and under they can be included on their parent’s citizenship application at no cost.

Note: Children born in Australia before 1 July 2022 who are aged 10 or older are nominally an Australian citizen if they have usually resided in Australia until at least the age of 10 . They are not eligible for citizenship under the new pathway, they need to apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship ($265). If the child has not usually lived in Australia until age 10, or they have not yet turned 10, they can be added to their parent's citizenship application at no cost or make their own application for $300 if their parent is already a citizen.

If they turn 10 before the application is processed the application will be declined if they are eligible for Evidence of Australian citizenship.

Can I include my child who was born in Australia on my citizenship application after 1 July 2023?

A parent can include a dependent child aged 15 years or younger in their application for citizenship by conferral at no cost.

Note: Children born in Australia before 1 July 2022 who have not entered Australia on a New Zealand passport must apply for New Zealand citizenship by descent and a passport (up to 50 days processing time), then apply for an SCV online . If they do not hold an SCV they are not eligible to apply for Australian citizenship the direct pathway from 1 July 2023.

Children born in Australia who are aged 10 or older are nominally an Australian citizen if they have usually resided in Australia until at least the age of 10. They can apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship , as they are not eligible for the new citizenship pathway.

Can someone aged under 18 years of age apply for citizenship by themselves?

Children aged 16 or 17 must make their own application for $330. Children aged 15 and under can also make their own application for $330, however, there is no cost if they are included on their parent’s citizenship application.

Children require a valid passport and full birth certificate.

What happens if an applicant turns 16 or 18 while their citizenship application is being processed?

Their citizenship application will be assessed according to their age at the time the application was submitted. However, applicants who have turned 16 to 18 years of age since lodgement of the application will be requested to provide an Australian police check.

What supporting documents are required when applying for citizenship?

Expand Step 2 Prepare your documents on the Home Affairs website for full details of the required supporting documents for your citizenship application. You can upload additional documents after submitting the application.

Some of the supporting documents required are:

birth name, date of birth and gender, such as a full birth certificate
photograph, such as a driver's licence or passport
current residential address, utility bill or bank statement. Note: A valid passport isn't required, but Oz Kiwi recommends you keep your passport valid .
proof of legal name change, if applicable.
your travel records if you have already requested them, recommended if not providing your passport details. Note: Home Affairs are receiving a higher than usual number of requests for international travel movement records. A processing officer can confirm your travel dates in their system when processing your application.
Form 1195 Identity Declaration .
a passport-sized photo.
police certificates from any country in which you have spent 90 days or more, since turning 18. Note: The Department of Home Affairs will obtain your Australian National police check and New Zealand police check.
a copy of your discharge papers if you have completed military service.

What can I do if I do not know anyone working in a profession or occupation listed on the Identity Declaration form?

You only need to know the person signing the Identity Declaration form 1195 in a professional capacity. If you have children in school, have used the same bank, or been registered with a medical or legal professional, dentist, vet, or accountant etc for more than a year they can vouch for your identity. Show your photo ID, birth certificate, and a utility bill with your current address when they sign your passport photo and form 1195.

What can I do if I do not have Identity documents?

You may be invited to an interview to establish your life history if identity documents are not available.

Where appropriate, you may be asked for written consent for a Home Affairs representative to speak to other family members or long-term acquaintances to establish your life history and support your identity.

What if I am unable to provide supporting documents or information?

If you do not have current photographic identification, or are unable to obtain supporting documents such as birth, marriage, or divorce certificates; change of name documents; or a correctly endorsed photograph; upload a statement or statutory declaration outlining the reasons why the information is unable to be provided. You can also provide evidence that you have attempted to obtain the required document or information.

It is important that you respond to the Department if you receive a request for documents or information, even if you are unable to provide what has been requested.

Do my supporting documents need to be certified?

Only if you have to use the paper application form. You will need to take the original documents to your citizenship interview.

Do I need to complete Personal Particulars Form 80?

No, only if Home Affairs request it.

Do I need to provide a New Zealand or Australian criminal record check?

The Department of Home Affairs will request your New Zealand police check from the NZ Ministry of Justice Home Affairs. You must give consent for them to do so in the citizenship application form. They will also obtain an Australian National Police check.

Do I need to provide a criminal record check from any other country?

Regardless of how long you have lived in Australia, if you have spent 90 or more days in any country other than Australia since you turned 18, you will need a criminal record check from that country. Other migrants are required to provide police checks before coming to Australia. SCVs haven't had to, therefore it is reasonable to provide them when applying for citizenship.

Some countries will only provide a criminal record check to residents or citizens. Contact Home Affairs of you are unable to obtain a criminal record from a country other than New Zealand or Australia. You can also provide evidence that you have attempted to obtain one.

You can upload additional supporting documents after submitting your application.

Do I have to declare historical offending?

You must tell Home Affairs about any convictions resulting in jail time, suspended sentencing, a fine or good behaviour bond. On the spot speeding or parking fines are not considered a conviction. You may be asked to provide information about spent convictions.

Do I have to wait 12 months after being granted a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

If you have an RRV you are already a permanent resident (PR) and cannot access the new pathway. You will have to wait 12 months from the date you were granted PR before applying for citizenship. Note, you will have to reside in Australia for four years immediately prior to applying for citizenship including the last year as Permanent Resident.

Should I apply for the Resident Return Visa or the new direct pathway?

Applying for RRV would only be beneficial if you are a recent arrival and require access to the NDIS, or if you spent at least four years residing in Australia prior to 26 February 2001 and you require access to Centrelink benefits. If you apply for citizenship while holding an RRV you must maintain your PR status at least until your citizenship application is approved, or until you have your citizenship certificate to remain eligible for the NDIS and Centrelink. If you sponsor your non-NZ citizen partner for a permanent visa, ensure you do not enter Australia with an expired travel facility until the partner visa application is approved.

I was granted a Resident Return Visa but now hold a Special Category Visa after re-entering Australia with an expired travel facility. Can I apply for citizenship under the new direct pathway?

You can, subject to meeting the four years residency requirement. Note: if your RRV ceased while you were overseas, and you entered Australia on an SCV on or after 1 July 2022, you need to wait 12 months from the date your SCV was granted before you can apply for citizenship.

If you had already submitted your citizenship application prior to travelling overseas you need to hold a new RRV or have returned to Australia on an SCV prior to the citizenship application being decided.

Can I include my 461 partner/child on my application for citizenship under the new direct pathway?

The direct citizenship pathway is only open to New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001. Once the SCV-holder becomes an Australian citizen they can sponsor 461 visa family members for a permanent visa if they wish to remain in Australia beyond the term of their current visas. This is the same situation for Australian citizens with foreign born partners.

A 461 visa-holder over the age of 18 and no longer a dependent child is unable to be sponsored for a new subclass 461 visa unless they have a spouse or de facto partner who is also an SCV holder. They will need to apply for another visa.

Can I access social security as a Special Category Visa-holder?

From 1 July 2023 non-protected SCVs will be permanent residents for citizenship purposes only. They are eligible for some social security payments.

After attending your citizenship ceremony you will have the same access as other Australian citizens. Note: Australian citizens are exempt from the Newly Arrived Residents Waiting Period (NARWP), however, some payments also have a 2 year qualifying residence period .

Protected Special Category Visa-holders have been considered Australian residents since 26 February 2001 under the Social Security Act. They have full access to social security benefits, the NDIS, and Australian citizenship, and this access will continue after the changes on 1 July 2023. They do not have access to a Trade Support Loan.

Can non-protected Special Category Visa-holders access the NDIS or a Trade Support Loan?

No. Non-protected SCVs will only be able to access the NDIS or a Trade Support Loan after applying for citizenship and attending their citizenship ceremony.

Can I still access Study Assist or a student loan as a Special Category Visa-holder?

SCVs will remain eligible for Study Assist under the current criteria. Once granted Australian citizenship you can access student loans as per Australian citizens.

What happens if I am studying or intend to study and want to apply for citizenship?

You will remain an SCV until you are granted citizenship so your access to Study Assist for a student loan will remain the same. Once granted Australian citizenship you can access student loans the same as other Australian citizens.

Do New Zealand citizens get any other privileges before citizenship, such as voting rights or applying for Australian Federal government jobs?

Permanent residents must wait four years to be eligible for social security, however, non-protected SCVs who become Australian citizens are able to access to social security. Other rights such as voting in State and Federal elections, accessing Study Assist, working for the Federal government, or joining the ADF are available once you are granted Australian citizenship and have attended your citizenship ceremony.

If another political party takes government, can they reverse back these changes?

The direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens residing in Australia as non-protected SCVs is a legislative amendment under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. As it is an amendment to the regulations it does not require a vote in Parliament. The direct pathway to citizenship for has no ‘sunset’ clause meaning it does not need to be reviewed in 3, 5 or ten years. The Australian Labor Government’s intention is that this reform cannot be reversed or removed.

If you cannot resolve an issue with your application, refer to Common issues and error messages and ImmiAccount Technical Support on the Home Affairs website.

See our citizenship application troubleshooting information or click the Ask a Question box at the bottom of the Home Affairs website to use the digital assistant. It may not work with Mozilla Firefox in private browsing mode.

Alternatively, phone the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81.

Disclaimer:

The above “Frequently Asked Questions” information should not be relied on as an alternative to advice from the Department of Home Affairs, or a professional immigration services provider.

If you have any specific questions about an immigration matter, you should consult the Department of Home Affairs or a professional immigration services provider.

Oz Kiwi is run by volunteers and entirely funded by public donations. Please consider donating to help Oz Kiwi advocate on behalf of New Zealanders living in Australia.

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Before you go

What to do before you travel or move overseas. How your plans may affect your payments, concession cards, health care and child support.

If you get a Centrelink payment or concession card

Sometimes you need to let us know you’re leaving Australia. This will ensure we pay you correctly. You must also continue to meet the normal eligibility rules to keep getting your payment or concession. Find out more about payments or concession cards while you’re outside Australia .

If your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov you can tell us about your travel plans online.

You can also tell us by calling us on the phone number that relates to your payment.

Follow our guide to advise us of travel using your Centrelink online account through myGov.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare

Medicare doesn’t cover you while you’re overseas. Make sure you have a plan for health care before you travel. Countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with us may cover some of the cost. Check if you’re covered. This doesn’t replace travel insurance.

You may need to enrol in Medicare when you return home . This will depend on how long you travel for. Different rules may apply if you’re a permanent resident or an Australian citizen.

If you have a Child Support Case

If you’re leaving Australia, please call us on the Child Support enquiry line before you leave. Your departure may affect how we manage your case.

If you have a child support debt we may issue a Departure Prohibition Order. It’ll stop you from leaving Australia until you either:

pay your debt in full
enter into an acceptable payment arrangement.

We don’t need a court order to stop you from leaving Australia.

If your circumstances change while overseas, call one of our Child Support international lines .

Check your myGov Account settings to make sure you can access myGov while you’re travelling overseas. You’ll either need access to SMS on your phone, or you’ll need to change your myGov sign in options.

If you can’t access myGov, you can’t update your details online while you’re away.

If you don’t have a myGov account, you’ll need to create one and link to a service such as Medicare, Centrelink or Child Support. You only need to do this once.

Read the help pages on myGov if you need help to:

create a myGov account
link your service to your myGov account .

The Smartraveller website has information about Australians travelling overseas, including information about:

visas for other countries
security alerts and safety
passport services
consular services for help while you’re away
travel insurance.

Get to know the website and read about the country of your destination .

Australia has international social security agreements with some countries. If you’re going to an agreement country, you may be able to claim a payment from that country.

How to make sure you stay healthy and can access health care when you’re travelling or living overseas.

This information was printed 19 June 2024 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/before-you-leave-australia . It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/site-notices when using this material.

Printed link references

Common Questions about Traveling During the Naturalization Process

June 1st, 2023

Categories: Green Cards Travel US Citizenship

If you currently have a naturalization application pending with the U.S. government, you may be wondering if you can travel in the period between your naturalization interview and your oath ceremony. The short answer is yes: there is no restriction on international travel when you apply for naturalization nor after you have been recommended for naturalization and are waiting for your oath ceremony.

Green card holders may also wonder if there are any relevant travel restrictions for them. Green card holders are required to maintain continuous presence in the United States, which means generally not accumulating absences of 6 months or greater outside of the U.S. and are required to be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the past 5 years (if you are applying for naturalization based on your continuous cohabitation with your spouse who is a U.S. citizen, then this latter requirement is half of the past 3 years). If you have had or plan to have a significant amount of travel outside of the U.S. or if your trips were long in duration, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney prior to applying for naturalization.

As you will be handing in your green card at your oath ceremony, you cannot travel internationally after the ceremony and then reenter the U.S. without having your new U.S. passport in hand. On the day of your oath ceremony, you will receive a certificate of naturalization. You can use this document to apply for a U.S. passport. It can take several weeks for a U.S. passport to be processed; however, this can be expedited should an emergency arise.

If you have questions on the naturalization process, be sure to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!

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Citizenship

After applying for Citizenship, can I leave Australia?

By WRooney January 28, 2016 in Citizenship

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When you apply you have to indicate any planned time outside of Australia - bearing in mind you are making a declaration of your commitment to Australia I would tread carefully on this. It you were to declare dates they would simply invite you for your interview/test after that date (unless it was way in the future)

The time between applying and taking the test is relatively short so I would apply and get the test out of the way, the longer wait is for the ceremony. Once you have been approved for citizenship but before your ceremony in which it is granted you can travel on your UK passport - it would be advisable to let your local city/shire know that you will not be available for your ceremony until after a particular date. Ours was four months after our test but it varies shire to shire.

Thank you very much Lady Rainicorn (I love Adventure Time too ha), that was very informative. Hmm 4 months between the test and the actual ceremony seems quite a long time to wait. Can I just tell them I would do the ceremony anywhere in WA as soon as there is one spot available?

No, you have to specify one - it was my understanding that it was only the place you lived but I did read on here recently someone suggesting phoning around to see where had the shortest waiting list.

Hmm I see. Like, I ring the different shires and ask when they have the next ceremony scheduled for?

Well that's what was suggested - I

didnt know you could do that though - it would be more a question of how long is the waiting list, our city council

did them monthly but we were waiting for a space

Unless things have changed very recently you have to have the ceremony in your local council area, where you live.

I was told by my council that they have no say in who to invite to which ceremony - they develop a schedule of ceremonies based on historic demand levels and then wait for DIBP to tell them who to invite. In Victoria when I was looking for ceremonies - a year ago - you could only go to your home local authority unless you had an urgent and compelling reason to be dealt with sooner - and wanting to spend extended periods of time overseas would not be seen as a good reason. My waiting time for a ceremony was 9 months.

Just a reminder if the travel portion of your visa has expired you will need an RRV to travel until you have your Aus citizenship and passport.

Oh crap.. at the moment I live in a rural town of WA, there will be a long wait. Would be great if there was any possibility to ask the DIABP a special request in order to speed things up.

Very unlikely unless you have a very good reason - given you can travel on your British passport until the ceremony a need to travel overseas is not deemed to be a good reason.

What is the urgency? Are you wanting to return to the UK permanently?

If for example you have a job offer which requires you to be a citizen, e.g. armed forces or federal government that could be deemed a good reason and I have known people get it more quickly so they didn't have to pay international student fees.

If you would need a RRV and do need to travel to the UK for a good reason i.e terminally ill parent or something like that then possibly it is worth requesting - some shires do offer private ceremonies.

I do think you can only get it in your own shire as others have said but someone had suggested on here you could nominate another one at the time of application.

Remember, if you do have you ceremony before you go back to the UK you'll need to get an Australian Passport before you leave as your Visa automatically terminates following the ceremony (and they're pretty hot on it). As a citizen, you need to leave Australia on an Australian passport. If you try and leave on a British Passport you may have problems (as your Visa has been terminated), as well as the hassle of trying to get the airline to let you board when you fly back.

9 months is a really long time to wait without being able to leave the country. Did you knew it would have taken 9 months, or you just waited patiently until you received the invitation 6 weeks prior to the ceremony? Was it a small town?

Que Sera Sera

We applied for our Citizenship and had the test at the end of July. In September we flew to England for two weeks, then had our ceremony at the end of October. Our visas had not expired though and we travelled on our British Passports.

You can travel once your citizenship has been approved ( normally within a couple of weeks of the test) and before the ceremony, provided you have a valid visa to return to Australia. You do not have to stay in Australia for the wait, but you need to be in Australia for the test, decision and ceremony. Unless you are applying from overseas as a special case.

You can leave the country, your visa on your British passport is still valid or if it's expired you can get an RRV

As others say, you can travel. I applied and left for a holiday in Cambodia before I sat the test. Then I went on holiday to Japan whilst waiting for a ceremony.

Very unlikely unless you have a very good reason - given you can travel on your British passport until the ceremony a need to travel overseas is not deemed to be a good reason. What is the urgency? Are you wanting to return to the UK permanently? If for example you have a job offer which requires you to be a citizen, e.g. armed forces or federal government that could be deemed a good reason and I have known people get it more quickly so they didn't have to pay international student fees. If you would need a RRV and do need to travel to the UK for a good reason i.e terminally ill parent or something like that then possibly it is worth requesting - some shires do offer private ceremonies. I do think you can only get it in your own shire as others have said but someone had suggested on here you could nominate another one at the time of application.

A number of reason, one of which is looking after a relative of old age who is sick. Not sure whether that would represent enough grounds for me to ask for them to speed things up, and which documentation they would ask me as a proof.

Anyway, do I need to sit the test also in the shire of residency, or they would call me to do it in Northbridge (which I would prefere as it would be much faster)? Also, what happens if I change residency after I pass the test? would I be able to sit the test in the new shire of residency?

I am on a RSMS which expires in 2018 so I could return. What you say is very interesting, I thought I was not allowed to travel outside of Australia while waiting for the ceremony. Should I tell the Department about me leaving Australia after I pass the test?

The only thing is I would need to arrange for someone to read my correspondance to see when they invite me to the ceremony; I hope their invitation letter goes straight to the letterbox and doesn't need the recipient to go to the post office and sign..

I thought my RSMS would have automatically expired from the moment I passed the test. Anyway here is where I read that one can't travel while a decision is being made: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Citi/Appl/How-to-apply/Application-process-for-Australian-citizenship#. At Step 9 (receiving notification of the dept decision after the test) they say in bold: you must be in the country at the time a decision is made . You may need to defer your travel plans or, if your travel is urgent contact the department for advice. Anyway shouldn't take long from the test to the notification, shouldn't it?

The time from test to notification is relatively short about a month for us if I recall - you can travel on your British passport between then and the ceremony.

Our invites came straight to the house but that could vary by shire i guess.

Once you have the decision you could certainly advise them you need to leave to look after an elderly relative, if this could be backed up with evidence there is a chance they would fit you in the next available ceremony. This is such a frequent request though I wouldn't count on it.

I didn't travel between the test and the decision - but that only takes a couple of weeks. I would tell DIBP of your travel plans after they have given the approval.

If you read further in that document it tells you that once citizenship is approved you still have to wait for the ceremony for conferral of the actual citizenship . As that can take several months you are allowed to travel as long as you have a valid visa whilst you are waiting for this. Either your PR visa or an RRV if the travel portion of your PR visa has expired.

it is only on conferral at the ceremony that you become a citizen and your visas are no longer valid. At this point you will need an Australian passport if you wish to travel abroad.

Stages are, application, test/ interview, approval, conferral ( ceremony).

the longest wait is from approval to conferral for most people and you can travel between these two stages.

Also worth saying that if you get notified of a citizenship ceremony that you can't make because you are away, you can let your council know and they'll put you on the invite list for the next suitable ceremony - provided you attend a ceremony within a year of being approved for citizenship.

Thank you all for the great help. I just have one thing unclear at this stage: how can they notify me while I am in the UK? Would they be happy to contact me via email or I have to arrange for somebody to check my mail in Australia? I am wondering what would happen if they send me the invitation via regular mail and I don't attend the ceremony without notifying them.

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Application for Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)

Can I travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400?

Home » Can I travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400?

April 20, 2021

Person considers travel outside the u.s. after filing form n-400

Your absence after submitting Form N-400 can interfere with the application process. Two of the most likely ways are naturalization appointments and meeting your eligibility requirements.

Naturalization Appointments

You generally must attend three essential appointments during the naturalization process. Travel during this period can disrupt the N-400 processing time line . USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment within a few weeks of filing the naturalization application. Most people will have to wait a few months until the next appointment, the naturalization interview. Finally, the oath ceremony is when permanent residents officially become U.S. citizens. You may reschedule these appointments, but it will significantly delay your naturalization process. USCIS will eventually deny the N-400 if the appointment notices are ignored.

RECOMMENDED: What Happens at a USCIS Naturalization Interview

Travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400 for short periods of time is usually not a problem if you’re keeping track of these appointments. If you must travel during the naturalization process for a long period, have a trusted friend or family member open any mail that arrives from USCIS.

Mistakes on your N-400 application can cause costly delays or a denial.

Continuous residence & physical presence.

The continuous residence and physical presence requirements for naturalization remain in effect after filing Form N-400. Therefore, it’s important that you don’t take a lengthy trip (more than 180 days) and are mindful of your accumulated time outside the country.

USCIS will presume that you’ve disrupted the continuous residence requirement if your travel outside the United States is six months or more. A break in continuous residence will result in an N-400 denial.

If you’ve already spent significant time outside the United States over your statutory period, you need to be careful about spending too much time abroad. For candidates applying on the basis of five years as a permanent resident, you’ll need 30 months of physical presence in the U.S. Travel during the naturalization period will continue to count against the physical presence requirement.

RECOMMENDED: Travel Abroad Affects N-400 Citizenship Eligibility

Travel Outside the U.S. After Filing Form N-400

In summary, travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is permitted. As always, permanent residents are subject to inspection and will be required to provide valid proof of permanent residence (typically a green card) upon reentry to the United States. Additionally, all applicants should understand how travel may affect their application.

Immigration Form Guides Form I-90 Form I-129F Form I-130 Form I-131 Form I-131A Form I-134 Form I-485 Form I-751 Form I-765 Form I-821D Form I-864 Form N-400 Form N-565 Form N-600

© Copyright 2013-2024, CitizenPath, LLC. All rights reserved. CitizenPath is a private company that provides self-directed immigration services at your direction. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but general information on issues commonly encountered in immigration. CitizenPath is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms of Use .

Half a million undocumented spouses could get US citizenship under new Biden administration move

US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new program that would allow a path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens.

The White House announced on Tuesday local time that the Biden administration will, in the coming months, allow certain spouses of US citizens without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

The move could affect upwards of half a million immigrants, according to senior administration officials.

To qualify, an immigrant must have lived in the US for 10 years as of June 24 and be married to a US citizen.

If approved, the qualifying immigrant would have three years to apply for a green card, receive a temporary work permit and be shielded from deportation in the meantime.

About 50,000 undocumented children who have a parent married to a US citizen could also potentially qualify for the same process, according to senior administration officials who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.

There is no requirement on how long the couple must have been married.

However, immigrants who reach that 10-year mark after June 24 will not qualify for the program, according to the officials.

Senior administration officials said they anticipate the process will be open for applications by the end of the summer.

Mr Biden will speak about his plans at an event at the White House, which will also mark the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

DACA was a popular Obama-era directive that offered deportation protections and temporary work permits for young immigrants who lack legal status.

'Dream come true' for couples

Houston resident Claudia Zúniga's husband had lived in the US since 2007, but left for Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, after they wed in 2017 to bide time until he could return legally.

Mrs Zúniga, 35, said her family's life "did a 180-degree turn" when her husband moved.

Reuniting with him "would be a dream come true."

"My husband could be with us," she said.

"We could focus on the well-being of our children."

Former Obama and Biden administration policy advisor Andrea Flores, who now works at an immigration advocacy organisation, said the spousal policy would expand on authority used by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

The current parole-in-place process allows qualifying immigrants to get on the path to US permanent residency without leaving the country, removing a common barrier for those without legal status but married to Americans.

Ms Flores said it "fulfils President Biden's Day 1 promise to protect undocumented immigrants and their American families".

Mr Biden is also set to announce new regulations that will make it easier for certain DACA beneficiaries and other young immigrants to qualify for long-established work visas.

The regulations would allow qualifying immigrants to have protection that is sturdier than the work permits offered by DACA— a program which is currently facing legal challenges and is no longer taking new applications.

Tuesday's announcement comes two weeks after Mr Biden unveiled a sweeping crackdown at the US-Mexico border that effectively halted asylum claims for those arriving between officially designated ports of entry.

Immigrant-rights groups have sued the Biden administration over that directive, which a senior administration official said Monday local time had led to fewer border encounters between ports.

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Canada announces new pilot programs to support caregivers and Canadian families, intends to make the caregivers program permanent

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Caregivers from abroad are invaluable to Canadian families. Their hard work makes a difference in the lives of those they care for, including children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

June 3, 2024—Toronto— Caregivers from abroad are invaluable to Canadian families. Their hard work makes a difference in the lives of those they care for, including children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

As the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot come to a close later this month, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced new, enhanced caregiver pilots. This will allow caregivers to continue to come to Canada, as we work toward making the caregiver pilot programs permanent.

The new pilot programs will provide home care workers with permanent residence (PR) on arrival in Canada. They will also be allowed to work for organizations that provide temporary or parttime care for people who are semi-independent or recovering from an injury or illness. This new pathway means that caregivers can more easily find proper work with reliable employers and have clear, straightforward access to permanent resident status as soon as they arrive in Canada.

Through these new pilot programs, candidates interested in working in Canada’s home care sector will be eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

attain a minimum of level 4 based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
have recent and relevant work experience
receive an offer for a full-time home care job

These new PR on arrival pilot programs mark an important step forward in Canada’s efforts to meet the evolving home care needs of its diverse population. More information will be available before the full launch of the pilots, including full eligibility criteria and details on how to apply.

“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting Canadian families, and our programs need to reflect their invaluable contributions. As we work to implement a permanent caregivers program, these two new pilots will not only improve support for caregivers, but also provide families with the quality care they deserve.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“After hearing stories and feedback from caregivers across Canada, I am proud that we are taking concrete action to create policies to support the caregiver community. Generations of women and men have advocated for this important pathway and have cared for our families and loved ones here in Canada. Now is the time to return the care they deserve." – The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business

Quick facts

In June 2014, there was an inventory of over 60,000 persons for the Live-in Caregiver Program. Today, less than 1% of that Live-in Caregiver Program inventory remains.

As part of the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will admit over 15,000 caregivers as permanent residents.

As of April 30, 2024, nearly 5,700 caregivers and their family members have become permanent residents since the launch of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot in 2019.

Associated links

Existing Canadian caregiver programs

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected] Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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Can I travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400?

Naturalization Appointments

Mistakes on your N-400 application can cause costly delays or a denial.

Travel Outside the U.S. After Filing Form N-400

Half a million undocumented spouses could get US citizenship under new Biden administration move

'Dream come true' for couples

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Canada announces new pilot programs to support caregivers and Canadian families, intends to make the caregivers program permanent

News release

Quick facts

Associated links

Page details

COMMENTS