Application process to resume Australian citizenship

There are four steps in the application process for resuming Australian citizenship. Click on each step below for more information.

Step 1. Determine that you are eligible

Former citizens can apply to resume Australian citizenship if they ceased being Australian citizens:

• by acquiring the citizenship of another country before 4 April 2002; or
• by renouncing their Australian citizenship to retain or acquire another citizenship or to avoid significant hardship;
  or
• as children when their responsible parent ceased to be an Australian citizen.

All applicants must be of good character.

Children

Applications for children under 16 years of age must be made by a responsible parent.

Step 2. Gather your original documents

Use this checklist as a guide to the original documents usually required.

Step 3. Copy and certify your documents

Have your documents copied and certified and your identity declaration and photograph signed.

You must copy your original documents and have them certified by an Australian citizen from the designated list of occupations.

Applicants outside Australia

If you are overseas when applying, you can have your original documents certified by a citizen of your country of residence who is employed in one of the designated list of occupations.

Step 4. Complete and lodge your application

Once your documents are copied and certified, you will need to complete all parts of the application form.

When completed, send your application together with your certified documents, photograph and fee to the Overseas Citizenship Unit (OCU) at the department's Melbourne Office. The OCU processes applications lodged in or from outside of Australia. Do not post original documents with your application.

More information on how to complete your application form is available.

The Client Service Charter provides details on the service standard for processing an application to resume Australian citizenship. If you do not receive notification within the time given in the charter you can contact the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880, for applications lodged in Australia. If you have lodged your application from outside Australia, you can contact your nearest Immigration Office Outside Australia.

See:
Melbourne Office
Completing your application to resume Australian citizenship
Client Service Charter
Immigration Offices Outside Australia