Australian citizenship by conferral is for people who apply after living in Australia as a permanent resident. Citizenship by descent is for people born overseas to at least one Australian citizen parent. The key difference: conferral requires passing the Australian Citizenship Test and a ceremony; descent requires registering the citizenship, not sitting any test.
There are two main ways to become an Australian citizen: citizenship by conferral and citizenship by descent. These two pathways have very different requirements, processes, and outcomes. Understanding which one applies to your situation is essential before you begin your application — and only one of them involves sitting the Australian Citizenship Test.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia grants citizenship to tens of thousands of people each year through both pathways. This guide explains the key differences so you can identify your pathway with confidence.
What Is Australian Citizenship by Conferral?
Citizenship by conferral is the most common pathway. It applies to people who have migrated to Australia on a permanent visa and have lived here long enough to meet the residence requirement. "Conferral" simply means citizenship is formally granted to you by the Australian Government after you apply.
Who Is Eligible for Citizenship by Conferral?
- You must be a permanent resident (or an eligible New Zealand citizen)
- You must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before applying
- You must have held a permanent visa for at least 12 months of those 4 years
- You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in the 4 years (and no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying)
- You must be of good character
- You must pass the Australian Citizenship Test (unless exempt)
The Citizenship Test Requirement for Conferral
If you are applying by conferral, you must pass the Australian Citizenship Test unless you are:
- Under 18 years of age
- Aged 60 or over
- Permanently incapacitated
The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions from "Our Common Bond." You must score at least 15/20, including answering all 5 mandatory questions correctly. The test covers Australian values, government structure, history, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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Take a Practice TestWhat Is Australian Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent applies to people who were born outside Australia to at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of their birth. This pathway acknowledges that citizenship is passed through family lines, not just through residence.
If you qualify for citizenship by descent, you are not "applying" for citizenship in the traditional sense — you are registering a citizenship that you are legally entitled to by birth.
Who Is Eligible for Citizenship by Descent?
- You were born outside Australia
- At least one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth
- If your parent was also a citizenship-by-descent citizen, they must have registered their own citizenship before your birth
- There is no age limit — you can apply at any age
Key Difference: No Test Required
People applying for citizenship by descent do not need to sit the Australian Citizenship Test. There is also no residence requirement — you do not need to have lived in Australia at all to register your citizenship by descent. However, there are limitations on passing citizenship by descent to the next generation if you yourself were born overseas.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | By Conferral | By Descent |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies | Permanent residents and eligible NZ citizens | People born overseas to an Australian citizen parent |
| Residence requirement | 4 years (12 months as PR) | None |
| Citizenship test | Required (unless exempt) | Not required |
| Ceremony | Required (pledge of commitment) | Not required |
| Application fee (2026) | $490 (adult) | $295 |
| Evidence required | Permanent visa, travel history, identity | Parent's citizenship evidence, birth certificate |
Citizenship by Birth in Australia
There is also a third category worth mentioning: citizenship by birth. If you were born in Australia and at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth, you are automatically an Australian citizen. No application is needed — you simply need to obtain evidence of your citizenship (such as a citizenship certificate).
Children born in Australia to two temporary visa holders are generally not automatically citizens — but they may become citizens if they live in Australia for the first 10 years of their life.
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Use this simple guide:
- Were you born in Australia? → You are likely already a citizen by birth (confirm with the Department of Home Affairs)
- Were you born overseas to an Australian parent? → Apply for citizenship by descent
- Are you a permanent resident living in Australia? → Apply for citizenship by conferral (you'll need to pass the citizenship test)
The Citizenship Ceremony: Only for Conferral
One of the most significant differences between the two pathways is the citizenship ceremony. Applicants granted citizenship by conferral must attend a ceremony and make the Pledge of Commitment before their citizenship takes effect. This is a public celebration — ceremonies are often held on Australia Day (26 January) or other significant dates.
People who register citizenship by descent do not make a pledge or attend a ceremony. Their citizenship is confirmed through administrative registration.
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View Study GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Can I hold dual citizenship through descent?
Yes. Australia allows dual citizenship. If you register citizenship by descent, you can hold both your Australian citizenship and the citizenship of the country where you were born. Check whether your other country permits dual citizenship, as some do not.
My parent is Australian but passed away — can I still apply by descent?
Yes. You can still apply for citizenship by descent even if your Australian citizen parent has passed away. You will need to provide documentary evidence of their Australian citizenship at the time of your birth, such as their Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
If I apply by conferral, do I still need to sit the citizenship test if I've lived in Australia for 20 years?
Yes, unless you are exempt (aged 60+, under 18, or permanently incapacitated). Length of residence does not exempt you from the test. The good news: after 20 years of living in Australia, most people find the test straightforward. Use our practice tests to confirm you're ready.
Is citizenship by descent the same as citizenship by birth?
No. Citizenship by birth applies to people born in Australia. Citizenship by descent applies to people born overseas to Australian parents. Both pathways are distinct from citizenship by conferral, which requires residency and the citizenship test.
How long does the citizenship by descent application take?
Processing times vary. According to the Department of Home Affairs, citizenship by descent applications typically take several months. You can check current processing times on the ImmiAccount portal. During this time, gather all documents including your birth certificate, your parent's citizenship evidence, and any other supporting documents requested.