Overview of the Citizenship Test

Citizenship by descent

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I was born overseas to an Australian parent. Am I eligible for Australian citizenship by descent?

You are eligible if you were born overseas on or after 26 January 1949 and meet the following requirements:

  • one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
  • you are of good character
    See: Good character
  • if your parent became an Australian citizen by descent, he or she must have been present in Australia for periods totalling two years at some time in their life.

You are eligible if you were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 and meet the following requirements:

  • one of your parents became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949 either because your parent was born in Australia or New Guinea or was naturalised in Australia before your birth
  • you are of good character.
    See: Good character

How do I apply for Australian citizenship by descent?

You must complete the five steps in the table below:

Step Action
1 Check you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship by descent.
2

Fill in Form 118 Application for Australian citizenship by descent and send it with the fee and supporting documents to our office.
See: Form 118 Application for Australian citizenship by descent (228KB PDF file)
3

Include all supporting documents.
See: Documentation requirements for citizenship by descent
See also: Form 118 Application for Australian citizenship by descent (228KB PDF file)
Note: all applicants must ensure that Part 3 - Proof of Identity (question 32) is completed.
4 You  will need to provide penal clearance certificates from overseas countries you lived in for the last 10 years since the age of 18 years, if:
  • the total time spent overseas added up to 12 months or more; and
  • the time spent in any one country was more than 3 months; or
  • requested to do so by the department.

If you are applying outside of Australia, then Australia should be considered an overseas country.

Information about how and where to obtain penal clearance certificates is available.
See: Character and Penal Clearance Requirements
5

Check the website of our nearest office for lodgement details.
See: Contact us

There is a prescribed fee.
See: Fees & Charges Application fees for Australian citizenship

Average processing time for applications is 12 weeks.

Are my children eligible for citizenship by descent?

Question: My children were born overseas after I lost my Australian citizenship when I acquired the citizenship of another country. Are they eligible for citizenship by descent?

Answer: They are not eligible to become Australian citizens by descent because you were not an Australian citizen when they were born. However, they can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral.
See: People born overseas to a former Australian citizen