Australian citizenship

• The possibility of permanent residence in the country;
• Your children automatically become Australian citizens, regardless of whether they were born in Australia or not;
• Unlimited cross-border activities without visa extension;
• Visa-free traveling to the majority of countries around the world;
• Representation in diplomatic missions;
• The right to take part in elections of any level;
• To hold public office at all levels;
• The right to serve in the Australian armed forces.

• To be a law-abiding citizen;
• Compulsion to vote (there is a fine of $100 for refusing);
• Defend the country in case of military actions on its territory;
• Obligement for jury duty.

In case a child was born on the territory of Australia and had lived there for at least 10 years, he/she automatically becomes its citizen regardless of parents’ legal status. In case a child was born outside Australia but have one of the parents with Australian citizenship, he/she also is considered an Australian citizen. The exception is the children of diplomats.

Main requirements:

1. Legal residence in the country for at least 4 years 12 months of which are allowed to be outside Australia, but no more than 3 months during the last year;
2. Submit all required documents with a signed oath of allegiance to the British Crown (Queen Elizabeth II officially governs Australia);
3. Pass the test of basic knowledge of Australian history and culture.

Australia accepts any kind of family and spousal ties as well as same-sex marriage.

The following categories of people can apply for moving to Australia and citizenship acquiring:

1. Legally married spouses, common-law partners, same-sex partners. Relationships should last for at least 12 months. It is also required to prove to the immigration officer that you have no mercenary purposes, and after completing the procedures you are intended to stay together;
2. Fiancé/fiancée who are intended to formalize their relationships in the future;
3. Children, parents and other relatives for whom the Australian citizen agrees to provide sponsorship.

Like many other countries around the world, Australia encourages investments in its economy and enables talented and perspective people who deliver real benefits to the country to do business on its territory. For this reason Australia willingly responds the citizenship obtaining by the businessmen.

Main requirements:

1. The individual is required to be under 54 years of age (there might be exceptions);
2. Should provide successful entrepreneurial activity for at least 2 years, take an active part in the development and promotion of business in the market;
3. Submit documents confirming that the income from a business had been earned through fair and legal means;
4. To be a law-abiding citizen and have a clean criminal record;
5. Do not have chronic diseases and diseases that represent danger to others;
6. The real strategy of starting up and running a business (providing false information leads to the deprivation of citizenship and deportation).

Specialists with specific skills that can bring real benefits to Australia.

There are two kinds of visas for such candidates:

189 – Independent category giving the right for permanent residency;

190 – on the basis of sponsorship at the request of family member or the state that plans to hire a specialist.

The 2012 Australian Program brought many investors into the country and considerably increased capital inflows into its economy. For this reason the Australian authorities willingly respond the citizenship obtaining by the people who make considerable cash infusions into the country’s economy. Investor should invest at least $ 5 500 000  in the economic development of the country, after which a simplified visa application is possible (class 888).

Each applicant for citizenship is required to pass an IELTS test (or another language test recognized in Australia), as well as a test of knowledge of Australian culture and history, and a test of knowledge of their rights and obligations. It is a computer-based test at the Department of Immigration and Nationality, as well as throughout Australia. Upon the test it may be required to have an additional interview. The test can be taken by persons between the ages of 18 and 60. The percentage of correct answers should be 75%.

After completion of all the procedures and documents preparation, a solemn ceremony of presenting the passport of an Australian citizen takes place. Within 30-90 days the invitation with place and time of the ceremony arrives. In case a person  cannot attend it for some reasons, he is required to notify about it.  The procedure is followed by taking an oath of nationals of Australia and obtaining a certificate of entry into civil rights.