Navigating the Path to Australian Citizenship: A Step-by-Step Guide to Our 6-Year Journey
How to become an Australian Citizen? Our move to Australia in 2016 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Arriving on a Skilled Independent visa, we knew from the outset that becoming Australian citizens was our ultimate goal. The journey to citizenship was both exhilarating and challenging, especially for me, as I was far from my family back home. However, with perseverance and careful planning, we successfully navigated the process. Here’s an in-depth look at our journey to Australian citizenship process, filled with practical tips and detailed insights that might help others on a similar path.
Understanding the Path to Citizenship
To become Australian citizens, we had to meet specific residency requirements. For us, this meant living in Australia for at least four years within a five-year period. During this time, we could travel abroad but needed to ensure our total stay in Australia met the four-year requirement. Failing to meet this could mean applying to renew our Skilled Independent visa.
The process was not straightforward, especially since I had no family here, which made the experience feel a bit isolating. Nevertheless, we committed to staying in Australia and postponed any travel plans to focus on our goal of citizenship.
Our 8 Essential Steps to Becoming Australian Citizens
1. Research the Requirements
Before diving into the application process, we took the time to thoroughly research the requirements and steps involved. We visited the Home Affairs website, which provided detailed information on what was needed to apply for citizenship and the overall process. This initial research was crucial as it helped us understand what to expect and how to prepare.
2. Gather and Prepare Required Documents
With a clear understanding of the requirements, we set about collecting the necessary documents. These included:
- Passport: Proof of identity and travel history.
- Passport Photos: Recent photos that meet specific guidelines.
- Identity Declaration: Signed by a witness from a designated list (e.g., teacher, nurse).
- Birth Certificate: Proof of identity and citizenship from our country of origin.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, to prove our marital status.
- Driver’s License: To verify our Australian address.
- Visa Grant Notification: Proof of our initial visa status.
- National Identification Card: Additional proof of identity from our home country.
We ensured all documents were in order and copies were made before lodging our application. It’s important to double-check everything to avoid delays.
3. Submit Your Application
Once our documents were ready, we submitted our application for Australian citizenship. At this point, we were also in the midst of buying our first home. We chose to wait until after moving in to submit our application to avoid the need to update our address later. This strategic decision helped streamline the process and reduce potential complications.
4. Prepare for the Citizenship Exam
After submitting our application, the waiting period began. We were informed that it could take up to 15 months to receive an invitation for the citizenship exam. This waiting period tested our patience, but we used the time productively to prepare for the exam.
We studied diligently using the “Our Common Bond” resource, which is available online or in print. This book covers Australian history, government, and values—key topics for the exam. Additionally, we practiced with free online sample questions to familiarize ourselves with the format and types of questions we might encounter.
5. Take the Citizenship Exam
When the invitation for the exam finally arrived, we were well-prepared. On the day of the exam, we arrived at the venue early to ensure we were on time. The process began with an interview where our documents were verified. Following this, we took a 20-item citizenship exam.
Our preparation paid off, and we both passed the exam. We received a letter confirming our successful completion and were informed that the next step was to wait for an invitation to the citizenship ceremony.
6. Wait for the Citizenship Ceremony
After passing the exam, another waiting period ensued before we received an invitation to the citizenship ceremony. This time, the wait was about three months. The ceremony is the final step in the process, formalizing our status as Australian citizens.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our ceremony was a group oath-taking event, which consolidated multiple citizenship approvals into one ceremony. While it was shorter than expected, lasting only 15-30 minutes, it was a meaningful and exciting moment for us.
7. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony was a significant milestone. During the ceremony, we took an oath of allegiance and received our citizenship certificates. This was a moment of immense pride and joy for us.
Post-ceremony, we had to wait 10 days before applying for Australian passports. This brief waiting period allowed us to finalize our citizenship status and ensure all details were correctly processed.
8. Apply for an Australian Passport
With our citizenship certificates in hand, we proceeded to apply for Australian passports. We submitted our applications 10 days after the ceremony and waited for about six weeks to receive them. Our daughter’s passport took a bit longer, an additional 2-3 weeks, but it was worth the wait.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Our journey to becoming Australian citizens took six years of dedication and careful planning. From our initial move to Australia to finally holding Australian passports, it was a journey filled with patience, preparation, and perseverance.
Now that we’ve achieved our goal of Australian citizenship, we’re looking forward to the next chapter of our Australian life. Our immediate goal is to focus on paying off our mortgage earlier, which will further stabilize our financial future.
For anyone embarking on a similar journey, remember that becoming an Australian citizen is a rewarding journey that takes time, effort, and careful planning. Stay focused on each step, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed. Ready to start your own journey? Follow the steps outlined and make your dream of Australian citizenship a reality today!