The last step of the journey, done properly

For citizenship by conferral, the general residence requirement is four years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying, including at least the final twelve months as a permanent resident. Absences from Australia are limited — no more than twelve months total over the four years, and no more than ninety days in the last year. Special and concessional pathways apply to some applicants.

The general citizenship by conferral application fee is $595. Concessional and nil-fee categories apply to some applicants, and other application types (such as descent) have their own fees. Fees are current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026-27); the charge at your lodgement date applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Professional fees are quoted separately.

Good character is assessed on your conduct over time — Australian and overseas police history, honesty in your dealings with the Department, and any pattern of concerning behaviour. It is a broad, discretionary test, so even old or minor matters should be addressed openly and in context. If character is a live issue, get advice before you apply.

Yes. From March 2026 the Special Residence Requirement concession — for people whose qualifying work takes them overseas — was expanded to include PhD-qualified academics at Australian universities doing research of benefit to Australia, and ministers of religion in senior leadership roles. If heavy international travel has made the ordinary residence rule hard to meet, it is worth re-checking whether you now qualify.

Many citizenship decisions can be reviewed at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), subject to strict lodgement deadlines. Some decisions instead require a challenge in the courts through judicial review. Which path applies depends on the decision, so it is important to get advice quickly after a refusal — the deadlines are short.