Becoming an Australian Citizen by Descent – A Path for Those Born Abroad

Australia is a nation built on migration, with many citizens tracing their heritage back to different parts of the world. For those born outside Australia to Australian parents, citizenship by descent offers a direct route to becoming an Australian citizen.

What is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent is a way for individuals born outside of Australia to acquire Australian citizenship based on their parentage.

If you have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for this pathway, allowing you to claim your Australian heritage and enjoy the benefits of Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Australian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Parental Citizenship: You must have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen when you were born. If your parent became a citizen by descent or adoption, they must have spent at least 2 years lawfully in Australia before you apply.
2. Proof of Parentage: You need to provide evidence of your relationship with your Australian parent. This typically includes your birth certificate and your parent’s citizenship documents.
3. Good Character: If you are 18 years or older at the time of application, you must be of good character. This means you must pass a character assessment, which involves providing a police clearance from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 18.
4. Age: There is no age limit for applying for citizenship by descent. You can apply at any age, but applicants 18 years and older will need to meet the character requirement.

Benefits of Australian Citizenship by Descent

Becoming an Australian citizen by descent offers many of the same benefits as other forms of citizenship:

• Australian Passport: You can apply for an Australian passport, granting you the ability to travel freely in and out of Australia and access consular assistance worldwide.
• Voting Rights: Once you are an Australian citizen, you will have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, participating fully in Australia’s democratic process.
• Permanent Right to Reside in Australia: As a citizen, you have the right to live in Australia permanently, without any restrictions.
• Passing Citizenship to Your Children: If you have children born outside Australia, you can pass on Australian citizenship to them by descent, ensuring your family maintains its connection to Australia.

Important Considerations

While citizenship by descent is a valuable pathway, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Citizenship by Descent vs. Birth: If you were born in Australia to Australian parents, you are automatically an Australian citizen by birth. Citizenship by descent is specifically for those born overseas.
• Dual Citizenship: Australia allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold citizenship of another country alongside your Australian citizenship. However, you should check whether your other country of citizenship permits dual nationality, as some countries have restrictions.
• No Residency Requirements: Unlike citizenship by conferral, there are no residency requirements for citizenship by descent. You do not need to have lived in Australia to apply, making it an accessible option for those residing abroad.

Conclusion

Citizenship by descent is a meaningful way to establish your connection to Australia, especially if you were born abroad to Australian parents. The process is straightforward, and the benefits of Australian citizenship are significant, including the right to live, work, and study in Australia, and the ability to pass citizenship on to future generations.

If you believe you’re eligible for citizenship by descent, contact one of our migration specialists today and we can assist in screening your eligibility.