Australian Citizenship

AUSTRALIA
CITIZENSHIP: Based on the Australian Citizenship Act of 1948. Since 1948 there have been
numerous legislative and administrative changes, but the critical factor is usually the date of birth of
the applicant and the citizenship status of the parents. (UKC-Commonwealth)
Due to the numerous changes to criteria associated with citizenship status and eligibility, for further
information it is essential that interested parties contact the Australian Department of Immigration
and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA).
BY BIRTH:
On January 26, 1949 Australian Law provided for acquisition of Australian citizenship by
certain persons who were British subjects immediately before that date. Persons who
were non-British residents at that time need to contact DIMA for further assistance.
From January 26, 1949, until August 19, 1986, with some exceptions, a person born in
Australia acquires Australian citizenship automatically.
On or after August 20, 1986, a person born in Australia must have at least one parent who
is either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
A person born in any external territory that has been, or still is, under Australian
Government control should contact the nearest DIMA office for clarification of their status
or eligibility for citizenship.
BY DESCENT: (Based on date of birth and proper registration of birth.)
A child who is under 18 years of age at the time of the application may acquire citizenship
by descent through registration at any Australian overseas post, provided: At least one
parent is an Australian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, and that person is the
“responsible parent.”
If the Australian parent is deceased, the person who normally has legal responsibility for
the child may apply.
When a parent has acquired Australian citizenship by descent, they can only register their
children if the parent has spent a period of time greater than 2 years legally residing in
Australia.
An adult may register for citizenship by descent if they were born outside Australia
between January 26, 1949, and January 15, 1974, have a natural parent who was an
Australian citizen, and the applicant has an acceptable reason for not being registered
under Section 10B as a child.
BY NATURALIZATION: Persons who have fulfilled the following requirements may apply for
grants of citizenship. (As a matter of policy, a certificate of Australian citizenship will not
normally be granted to applicants overseas.)
Obtained permanent resident status and are 18 years of age or older. They are of good
character, have a basic knowledge and grasp of the English language, are likely to reside
permanently in Australia or, at least, maintain a close and continuing association.
Have spent 2 years out of the past 5 years in Australia with 12 months having been
resident there within the last 2 years prior to submitting the application.
Children under the age of 18 years who are adopted from overseas may obtain Australian
citizenship by application, provided at least one parent is an Australian citizen.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Current legislation does not favor dual or plural citizenship but does
recognize it.
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AUSTRALIA (cont.)
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
Australian citizenship can be lost by acquisition of another citizenship, by renunciation, or by
deprivation (usually for false declarations and documents).
A child will in most circumstances also lose their Australian citizenship if the “responsible
parent” ceases to be an Australian citizen for any of the previously noted reasons.
People who lose their Australian citizenship may in certain circumstances be able to apply to
resume it.
ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be
directed to the address below:
Embassy of Australia The Australian Consulate-General
Immigration Department Century Plaza Towers
1601 Massachusetts Ave., NW 19th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-2273 2049 Century Park East
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Embassy/Immigration Telephone: 202-797-3000
Fax: 202-797-3100
www.austemb.org
www.abs.gov.au