Common citizenship questions

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Am I an Australian citizen?

It depends on your date of arrival in Australia. The Australian Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect on 26 January 1949. British subjects living in Australia at that time became Australian citizens provided they had been in Australia for a period of five years.

If you arrived in Australia after 26 January 1944, you are probably not an Australian citizen. Many long term permanent residents believe they are Australian citizens because they are able to vote or may have served in the Australian armed services. Until 1984, people born in the United Kingdom could enrol to vote without being Australian citizens.

I think I am an Australian citizen, what do I do?

If you think you are an Australian citizen and you would like confirmation, please contact the Citizenship Information Line and talk to an operator. If you want written evidence of your Australian citizenship, you need to apply for evidence of Australian citizenship.
See:
Form 119 Application for evidence of Australian citizenship (234KB PDF file)
Proof of citizenship

You can also contact the Citizenship Information Line.
Telephone: 131 880

Are my children Australian citizens?

Most children born in Australia before 20 August 1986 are Australian citizens by birth. Children born on or after that date are Australian citizens by birth only if at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of their birth.

If I am not an Australian citizen, what do I have to do to become one?

Information on the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship are available on this website and from the Citizenship Information Line.
Telephone: 131 880
See also: How do I become an Australian citizen?

How much will it cost?

Nothing, if you are a British or Maltese former child migrant who came to Australia between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme.

Will I lose my other citizenship if I become an Australian citizen?

If you become an Australian citizen you will not lose your British or Maltese citizenship. For definitive advice, please contact the British High Commission or the Malta High Commission.Australian citizenship formalises your membership of the Australian community.

If you require evidence of child migrant status, citizenship or residence,
See: Evidence required