Australian Citizenship Application (Form 1300T): A Complete Guide

Applying for Australian citizenship is a formal step in the citizenship process for permanent residents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the eligibility requirements, documentation, and steps involved for lodging an application for citizenship by conferral.

What Is Form 1300T and When Do You Need It?

Form 1300T can be used by individuals aged between 18 and 59 to apply for Australian citizenship by conferral. It signals the applicant’s intention to become an Australian citizen and initiates an assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.

Australian Citizenship Eligibility

To apply for citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:

General Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, an individual must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must prove lawful residence in Australia, meet character requirements, and show a willingness to accept the responsibilities that come with citizenship. Most applicants are required to complete a citizenship test. Police checks and other documents may be needed to confirm whether the applicant meets Australia’s character requirements.

Age and Residency Requirements

Individuals applying for Australian citizenship by conferral using Form 1300T must be between 18 and 59 years old at the time of application. They must either be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category Visa (SCV). The applicant must have been living in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before applying, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident.

Special Circumstances and Exemptions

Special residence requirements may apply to individuals who are seeking to undertake activities of benefit to Australia, such as participating as an athlete in the Olympic or national cricket teams. These requirements may also apply if you are engaged in particular kinds of work requiring regular travel outside Australia, such as being a crew member of a ship or aircraft or a medical specialist internationally renowned in their field. In both cases, you must provide additional documents to prove you meet these criteria.

Required Documents and Preparations

Here are the documents you need for your Australian citizenship application:

Identity and Proof of Residency Documents

Applicants must provide documents to confirm their legal identity. These typically include a passport, birth certificate, or national identity card. If your name has changed, a marriage or divorce certificate or other documents showing your name change are required. Documentation, such as travel records, may be necessary to confirm the applicant’s presence in Australia during the required period.

Police Clearances and Character Documents

Applicants must provide police certificates from countries where they have lived for at least 12 months over the past decade since turning 16. These documents help assess whether the applicant meets character requirements.

Translation and Certification of Documents

If your documents are not in English, you must have them translated and attach certified copies of the original documents to your application. If you are applying in Australia, you must use NAATI-accredited translators, where applicable. If you are overseas, you can contact the Australian embassy or consulate in that country for advice on acceptable translators.

Copies of original documents should be certified by an individual who is an Australian citizen, not related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship, and belongs to a designated occupation or profession, such as doctors, teachers, police officers, or public servants.

How to Apply for Australian Citizenship

Follow these steps to apply for Australian citizenship:

Create or Log in to ImmiAccount

Applying for Australian citizenship online through the ImmiAccount portal is the DHA’s preferred method of submitting applications. This platform allows applicants to complete and manage their citizenship application electronically.

If you do not already have an account, you will be required to register using a valid email address before starting your application. Australian Migration Lawyers can assist clients with creating ImmiAccount profiles and uploading the relevant documents.

Fill Out Form 1300T Step-by-Step

You must fill out Form 1300T with accurate and up-to-date information about your identity, immigration history, travel records, and residential addresses in Australia. You will be asked to confirm your eligibility, including your period of lawful residence and permanent residency status. You will also need to confirm your intention to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.

Applicants must answer all questions truthfully and provide details about any criminal convictions, previous visa cancellations, or refusals. Providing false or misleading information may result in refusal of the application.

Review, Attach Documents, and Submit

Before submitting your application, carefully review all responses to ensure they are accurate, consistent, and complete. Attach certified copies of relevant documents, such as those relating to your identity, character, or evidence of residence. You must also provide translated documents where applicable. It is recommended that you retain a copy of the completed form and supporting documents for your records.

Application Fees

Here are some details about the fee structure and payment methods:

Current Fee Structure

Applicants must pay $575 when applying for citizenship by conferral through Form 1300T. There is no application fee for children under 16 applying on the same form as a responsible parent.

Concessions and Fee Exemptions

If you are eligible for concessions, your application fee will be $80, subject to Department policy updates. You must be listed as the primary cardholder or aged 17 or younger and listed as a dependent on a valid Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian government.

No fee is payable for applicants who meet one of the following exemption categories:

• A British or Maltese child migrant who came to Australia without their parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme.
• Individuals who have served for at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia
• Those applying under the Statelessness provision of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.

Applicants must provide evidence to prove their eligibility for concessions or exemptions.

How to Make a Payment

You must pay online through the “My Payments” section of ImmiAccount while submitting your citizenship application. If you are applying using a paper form, pay through ImmiAccount and attach a copy of your printed receipt to your application before sending it to the DHA.

Processing Time for Australian Citizenship

Processing times for Australian citizenship applications can vary depending on individual case factors and processing priorities.

Estimated Timeframes

Applications for citizenship by conferral are generally processed within 12 months. However, processing times vary depending on individual case complexity and administrative factors.

Factors That May Delay Processing

Incomplete applications with missing or uncertified supporting documents often require additional information, which can extend processing times. Character checks and police clearances, especially those involving overseas authorities, can take some time to complete. Applicants must respond promptly when authorities ask for more information or documents.

How to Check Your Application Status

You can use ImmiAccount to monitor the status of your application, review messages and updates issued by the Department of Home Affairs, or withdraw your application. You will be notified when the DHA receives your application, needs more information from you, or makes a decision on your application. You can check for updates and correspondence within your ImmiAccount portal.

What Happens After You Apply?

Understanding the following stages can help applicants prepare for the journey ahead.

Acknowledgement and Communication from DHA

Once you submit your application, the DHA will issue an acknowledgement confirming receipt. This notification is usually sent through ImmiAccount and includes your application reference number. It is important to retain this acknowledgement for our records. The DHA may request additional information or documents.

Citizenship Test and Interview

Most applicants must complete an Australian citizenship test, which assesses their understanding of Australian values, history, and laws. The DHA will schedule the test after your application is deemed complete. It is conducted in English and designed to confirm your understanding of the responsibilities of Australian citizenship. In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview to verify information and clarify details provided in your application. Some applicants may be exempt from the test and interview due to age or incapacity.

Attending the Citizenship Ceremony

Applicants approved for citizenship are invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, which marks the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. It is typically held within six months of approval and requires applicants to make the Australian citizenship pledge. The DHA will provide details regarding the date and location of the ceremony once your application has been approved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common pitfalls reduces the chances of complications.

Incomplete or Incorrect Forms

Applicants must ensure that Form 1300T is completed thoroughly and accurately. Omissions or errors may result in delays or refusal. All questions must be answered truthfully and in full. Inconsistencies, especially in details regarding identity or residency, may result in additional scrutiny. Applicants must double-check all responses before submission.

Missing or Invalid Documents

Failure to provide all required documents or submitting invalid, expired, or uncertified documents leads to delays in processing. It is essential to review the document checklist carefully and ensure all paperwork meets the DHA’s standards.

Submitting the Wrong Form Type

Form 1300T is intended for applicants aged 18 to 59 applying for citizenship by conferral. Applicants outside this age group who do not meet all eligibility requirements must use another Australian citizenship form, like 1290. Submitting the wrong form may result in the need to reapply, leading to delays and additional costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply again if my application is refused?

You may have the option to reapply if your application is rejected. However, it is important to understand the reasons for refusal and address them before submitting a new application.

Do I need a migration agent to apply?

Using a migration agent is not mandatory when applying for citizenship. Many applications complete the process independently through the ImmiAccount portal. However, some may prefer to consult professionals to understand eligibility criteria and gather documentation. It is important to note that migration agents can provide guidance but cannot guarantee outcomes.

Can I update my application after submission?

Yes, you can update your details if you made a mistake or if your circumstances have changed. If you applied online, you can use ImmiAccount to make changes and notify the DHA. If you applied on paper, complete and submit Form 1022 for changes in circumstances and 1023 for incorrect answers on ImmiAccount or send it with supporting documentation to the office where you lodged your application.

Need Help With Your Application? Contact a Registered Migration Lawyer

Applying for Australian citizenship using Form 1300T requires a thorough understanding of eligibility requirements and documentation. If you are unsure about your eligibility, need help compiling documents, or require assistance with ImmiAccount, our experienced team at Australian Migration Lawyers can provide guidance on eligibility, documentation, and submission requirements. To discuss your situation, contact Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored legal advice.