Document checklist for Australian citizenship

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There are three categories of documents required for your citizenship application. Each category provides a checklist of documents.

If you apply:

  • online through the website, you will be prompted to attach scanned copies of your documents. You must then bring your original documents to your citizenship appointment.
  • on a paper form, attach certified copies of your documents to your application. You must then bring your original documents to your citizenship appointment.

There is general information about documents that may assist you.

If your documents are not in English, you will need to provide official translations from an accredited translator.

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 Australian mission.

Proof of identity documents

Document Checked

All applicants, including children, must provide proof of their identity. To prove your identity, you must provide documents that collectively show:

  • your photograph and signature
  • your current residential address
  • evidence of your date of birth, birth name and any changes of name
  • evidence of your identity in the community.

See more information

  

Evidence of arrival in Australia.

  • A passport
  • Other travel documents
  

Good character documents

Document Checked

You will need to provide penal clearance certificates from overseas countries if, since the grant of your permanent Australian visa:

  • 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. 		 

Other supporting documents

Document Checked
  • Evidence for exemptions, discretions and concessions
  • Evidence of the special residence requirement
  • Evidence of residence – New Zealand and British migrants
  • Documents related to children included in the application
See: Supporting documents for 1300t and 1290 applications 		 

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