If you obtained your Permanent Residence before 1 July 2007, and apply for citizenship before 30 June 2010, you must meet the following residence requirements:

• you must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least two years during the last five years, and
• you must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for one year in the two years before making your application.

If you obtained your Permanent Residence after 1 July 2007, you must meet the following residence requirements:

• you must have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least four years before making your application, and
• this must include at least one year as a permanent resident, and
• absences from Australia of no more than 12 months, including no more than three months in the twelve months before making your application.

The Australian parliament has also introduced a formal test for applicants for Australian citizenship to sit prior to applying for Australian citizenship.  Please check the Department of Immigration & Citizenship's website for more information.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for Australian citizenship, please contact our offices.