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First YearOngoing trackingAdmin & Government

Understand the citizenship pathway

As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residency, including 1 year as a PR.

Why this matters

Citizenship gives you the right to vote, an Australian passport, and full protection from deportation.

How to do it

How to do it

  1. 1

    Track your time in Australia - you need 4 years total residency

  2. 2

    At least 1 of those years must be as a permanent resident

  3. 3

    You can't have been away from Australia for more than 12 months in the last 4 years

  4. 4

    Start preparing for the citizenship test (Australian values, history, government)

Time outside Australia affects your eligibility. Track your absences carefully.

Time required: Ongoing tracking

Go to official resource

Applicable Visa Types

Permanent Resident

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