Australian Citizenship (by conferral)
Permanent residents who meet the residence requirements and want to become Australian citizens.
The Australian Citizenship (by conferral) (subclass Citizenship) is an Australian citizenship visa. This guide covers who the Citizenship visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025-26 cost (~$560 application) and processing time (~varies; plus a ceremony after approval), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Who the Citizenship visa is for
Permanent residents who meet the residence requirements and want to become Australian citizens.
The final step after permanent residence - full citizenship with an Australian passport.
Subclass Citizenship eligibility criteria
- Generally 4 years lawful residence in Australia, including 12 months as a permanent resident
- Within limits on time spent outside Australia
- Pass the citizenship test (most applicants)
- Be of good character and intend to live in Australia
Subclass Citizenship cost & processing time (2025-26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Australian Citizenship (by conferral) (subclass Citizenship) is ~$560 application, with an indicative processing time of ~varies; plus a ceremony after approval. Figures are for 2025-26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Pathway |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Work rights | Unlimited |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ~$560 application |
| Processing time | ~varies; plus a ceremony after approval |
| Pathway to PR | The final step after permanent residence - full citizenship with an Australian passport. |
Pathway & next steps
The final step after permanent residence - full citizenship with an Australian passport.
Many applicants also compare the 189 (Skilled Independent visa), the 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa), the 155 / 157 (Resident Return visa (RRV)). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common Citizenship visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass Citizenship visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass Citizenship visa cost?
The Australian Citizenship (by conferral) (subclass Citizenship) base application charge is ~$560 application. Government charges are indicative for 2025-26 and usually change on 1 July - always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass Citizenship visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~varies; plus a ceremony after approval. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass Citizenship visa lead to permanent residence?
The final step after permanent residence - full citizenship with an Australian passport.
Can I work on the subclass Citizenship visa?
Work rights on the Australian Citizenship (by conferral) (subclass Citizenship): Unlimited.
Who can apply for the Citizenship visa?
Permanent residents who meet the residence requirements and want to become Australian citizens.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change - confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) - official Australian immigration authority