Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme arrival

Many unaccompanied children arrived in Australian under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. Most came from the United Kingdom and some from Malta, between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967.

You will need to produce evidence of your former child migrant status with your application for Australian citizenship. You can get this through the Child Migrants Trust. The service is free.

You are entitled to a fee exemption.

Your Australian citizenship options

Migrants with permanent residence who satisfy the eligibility requirements apply for Australian citizenship by conferral. Children 16 years of age and under are usually included in the application of their responsible parent.

There are two categories of eligibility:

• Form 1300t Australian citizenship - General eligibility for applicants aged 18 years and over and under 60 years of age.
• Form 1290 Australian citizenship – Other situations for applicants aged under 18 years, applicants aged 60 years or over, or applicants in special circumstances.

Find out how to apply for Australian citizenship and apply online.

You can also apply on a paper application form.

Do you think you might already be an Australian citizen?

If you think you are an Australian citizen and you would like confirmation, please contact the Citizenship Information Line. Telephone 131880 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

If you want written evidence of your Australian citizenship, you can apply for evidence of your citizenship. You will be asked to provide a range of documents that assist us to confirm your citizenship status.