Becoming an Australian citizen is a great way to gain the rights and privileges that come with citizenship, such as the right to vote and access to certain social services. However, the cost of becoming an Australian citizen can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances.
Cost of Australian Citizenship
The cost of becoming an Australian citizen can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
The most basic cost of becoming an Australian citizen is the application fee, which is currently $285 for adults and $180 for children under 16. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and is non-refundable.
If an individual is applying for citizenship by descent, they may also need to pay a fee for the certificate of Australian citizenship, which is currently $220. This fee is also non-refundable.
In addition to the application and certificate fees, individuals may need to pay additional fees if they require assistance with the application process. Legal professionals, such as immigration lawyers, may charge a fee for their services, and individuals may also need to pay for tests or other services required for their application.
Requirements for Citizenship
In addition to the cost of becoming an Australian citizen, there are a number of other requirements that individuals must meet in order to be eligible for citizenship.
To apply for citizenship, individuals must be aged 18 or over and have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years. They must also have a basic knowledge of English and an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
In addition, individuals must pass a citizenship test, which is designed to assess their knowledge of the country, its government, its history, and its culture. The test is administered by the Department of Home Affairs and is available in multiple languages.
Finally, individuals must meet the character requirements of the Australian government, which includes being of good character and having no criminal convictions.
Becoming an Australian citizen is a great way to gain the rights and privileges of citizenship, but it is important to understand the cost and requirements involved. By understanding the costs and requirements, individuals can better prepare themselves for the process of applying for citizenship.
Becoming an Australian citizen is an important step towards living, working and investing in Australia, and the steps required to become a citizen are outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
Anyone planning to become an Australian citizen must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least four years. Additionally, they must be of good character, have adequate knowledge of the English language, have a commitment to Australia and its people and understand the rights, responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
When becoming an Australian citizen, applicants will incur costs for processing the application form, taking the citizenship test and attending the citizenship ceremony. The cost of the application form can vary depending on the type of visa held and the cost of taking the test (which takes place at all Australian Citizenship Ceremonies) is an additional fee of $20.
The citizenship ceremony fee is also applicable, and is determined by the relevant state or territory government. Applicants with family members who are also applying for Australian citizenship at the same time may receive some form of discount.
In addition to these costs, applicants must also pay a fee of $285 for the Australian Citizenship administrative processing fee. This fee must be paid in full before the application is lodged, and the payment must be made in Australian dollars.
In conclusion, the cost of becoming an Australian citizen can vary depending on the state or territory in which you reside, and the type of visa held by the applicant. Becoming an Australian citizen is a big commitment and applicants must take into account the various fees associated with applying for citizenship.