Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated once a year on 17th September, as an opportunity for people to “...take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson states.

Whether Australian by birth or by choice, it is a chance for all to reflect on the roles we each play in building Australia and in shaping this country’s future.

Australian Citizenship Day is also a day to welcome Australia’s newest contributors at ceremonies around the country. It is expected that some 3,600 migrants living in Australia will become Australian citizens on or around September 17th, at one of 69 ceremonies to be held across Australia. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship along with local government councils will host ceremonies in all State and Territory capital cities, as well as at selected metropolitan centres and regional towns.

Becoming An Australian Citizen:

Australia relies on qualified and skilled overseas immigrating to Australia to support its expanding economy. Australia’s extensive immigration program facilitates this need through the issuing of visas and the migration of overseas people to our shores.

Australian citizenship is a privilege that brings with it vast rewards. Becoming an Australian citizen means you share in all the privileges and responsibilities of a person who was born here.

As an Australian citizen you have the right to;

• vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in any Australian referendum
• apply for work in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
• seek election to parliament
• apply for an Australian passport and thus leave and re-enter Australia freely
• receive help from an Australian official while overseas
• register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.

Applying For Australian Citizenship by Conferral:

If you migrate to Australia, have permanent residence, satisfy the residential requirements and are of good character you may be eligible for citizenship.

Applicants for Citizenship by Conferral need to meet the following residence requirement at the time they apply for Australian citizenship:

• You must have been living in Australia on a valid Australian visa for 4 years immediately before applying, including 1 year as an Australian permanent resident, and
• You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 1 year during the 4 year period, including no more than 90 days in the year immediately before applying.