Document checklist for Australian citizenship by adoption

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The following document checklists are for applications for Australian citizenship for children adopted under the full Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

This checklist lists documents commonly required.

There is general information about documents that may assist you.

If you have difficulty finding suitable documents please call the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880 in Australia between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

If you are outside Australia and need assistance please contact your nearest Immigration office outside Australia.

Proof of identity

Document Checked

Birth certificate, or equivalent, that shows:

  • birth name
  • birth date
  • place of birth
  
Evidence of any change of name and linkages between names used, if applicable  
Passport, if any  
Evidence of current residential address  

Identity declaration completed.

The declaration in the application form must be accompanied by an endorsed photograph. 		 

Good character

Document Checked

You will need to provide penal clearance certificates from overseas countries if, in the last 10 years:

  • you lived or travelled overseas since the age of 18 years or over
  • the total time spent overseas added up to 12 months or more
  • the time spent in any one country was more than 90 days
  • you are requested to do so by the department.

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

  

Supporting documents

Document Checked
Evidence of your adoptive parent's Australian citizenship, such as their full Australian birth certificate or certificate of Australian citizenship.  
An adoption compliance certificate issued in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption showing when and by whom the adoption was agreed to and the name of the central authority of both countries.  

You may be required to provide additional documents to those listed above.

If you are overseas when you are applying, you should contact the nearest Australian overseas post or see their website for more information before lodging your application.
See: Immigration Offices Outside Australia