How to Become an Australian Citizen
Australia is a wonderful country with a unique culture, a beautiful landscape and a lot of available land. There is, however, a relatively stringent process governing those who wish to become Australian citizens. It is possible, though, with relative ease, to gain Australian citizenship.
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Instructions
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Determine whether or not you need to take the citizenship test. If you are over 60 years of age or under 18; are hearing, sight, or speech impaired; or suffer from a permanent physical or mental incapacity which keeps you from taking the test; then you are excused from the Australian citizenship test requirement. Otherwise, you'll have to sit for the test.
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Take and pass the Australian citizenship test, if required.
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Reside in Australia legally for a minimum of four years before applying for citizenship.
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Take no vacations outside of Australia exceeding 12 months in duration during the four years of legal residence leading up to a citizenship request.
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Make sure you fit the "good character" requirement. This essentially means divulging any legal convictions you have previously had in any foreign state to assure the Australian government that you are not a criminal threat of any kind.
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Pay a filing fee in Australian dollars. As of 2008, the fee was $240.
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File your paperwork for an Australian citizenship application.
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Tips & Warnings
The filing fee can be lowered to $40 if you show that you come from a serious economic disadvantage.
Those who have served any time in the Australian military are given preferential treatment in the citizenship application process.
You are exempt from the filing fee if you have filed previously within the prior three months.
Over 90 percent of those who take the Australian citizenship test pass on their first attempt, so don't let it intimidate you.
Do not misrepresent your past on your application. Doing so, if it is discovered, will likely result in your application being summarily denied.
Resources
- Photo Credit Melbourne Australia image by Shindler from Fotolia.com
