Apply for
Citizenship by Descent
Claim Australian citizenship if you were born overseas to an Australian parent.
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Citizenship By Descent
Citizenship for People Born Outside Australia
Australian citizenship by descent is for people who were born outside Australia and had at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth.
Application-Based Process
Citizenship by descent is granted through an application process that requires identity documents and evidence of your parent’s Australian citizenship.
Based on Parent’s Citizenship Status
Eligibility for this pathway depends on the citizenship status of your parent at the time you were born, not on where you currently live.
Applies to Children and Adults
Both children and adults can apply for citizenship by descent, provided they meet the required conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Recognised Pathway to Australian Citizenship
This option allows eligible applicants to become Australian citizens without needing to apply for permanent residence first.
Citizenship By Descent
You must have been born outside Australia.
At least one of your parents must have been an Australian citizen at the time of your birth. If that parent was an Australian citizen by descent, they must have lived in Australia for a total of at least two years at any time before the application, or you must be stateless at the time of application and have never held another citizenship.
You must be able to provide evidence of your relationship to the Australian citizen parent.
Both children and adults can apply for Australian citizenship by descent.
Applicants aged 18 years or over must meet the good character requirement.
If adopted, specific conditions apply depending on the adoption arrangements and timing.
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The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for Australian citizenship by descent, you must lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs and provide documents proving your identity, your parent’s Australian citizenship, and your relationship to that parent. Applications are submitted online and must include certified copies of supporting documents. Processing will only begin once a complete application is received.
Yes, Australian citizenship by descent is available to both children and adults. There is no age limit for applying. However, applicants aged 18 years or over must meet the good character requirement as part of the assessment process.
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, document verification, and whether additional checks are required. Delays can occur if documents are missing or unclear, so submitting a complete and accurate application is essential to avoid unnecessary waiting.
No, you do not need to be living in Australia to apply for Australian citizenship by descent. You can apply from either inside or outside Australia, provided you meet the requirements and submit the correct documentation.
Yes, a child born outside Australia can apply for citizenship by descent after birth if one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. The application must include evidence of the parent’s citizenship and the parent–child relationship.
Once approved, you will be recognised as an Australian citizen. You can then apply for evidence of citizenship and an Australian passport. In some cases, additional steps may be required before final documentation is issued.
Yes, an application can be refused if required documents are not provided, the applicant does not meet character requirements (if applicable), or the Department is not satisfied that the criteria are met. Careful preparation and accurate documentation are critical to reduce the risk of refusal.
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