To apply for Australian citizenship, applicants must meet specific residency requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

These requirements assess how long you have lived in Australia and how much time you have spent outside the country during the qualifying period.

Visa Aid assists applicants by reviewing residency history, identifying applicable exceptions, and confirming eligibility before application.

Basic Residency Requirement

In most cases, you must have:

• Lived in Australia for at least four years immediately before applying

• Held permanent residency or eligible New Zealand citizenship for at least the last 12 months

• Not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four year period

• Not been absent for more than 90 days in the last 12 months

Meeting these conditions does not guarantee approval but is required for eligibility.

Common Exceptions to the Residency Requirement

You may still meet the residency requirement if:

• You are under 16 years of age

• You were born to a former Australian citizen who lost citizenship before April 4, 2002

• You were born in Papua before September 16, 1975 and had an Australian citizen parent

Supporting documentation is required in all cases.

Special Residency Requirement

Some applicants may qualify under a special residency requirement if:

• They have engaged in activities that benefit Australia

• Their work required frequent travel outside Australia

• They maintained a strong and ongoing connection to Australia

Eligibility under this pathway is assessed strictly and requires ministerial level consideration.

Visa Aid can assess whether this pathway may apply to your situation.

How Visa Aid Can Assist

• Review of residency and travel history

• Identification of applicable exceptions

• Guidance on evidence and documentation

• Eligibility confirmation before lodgement

Visa Aid does not guarantee citizenship approval. Decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs.

Unsure If You Meet the Citizenship Residency Requirement

Residency calculations are one of the most common reasons citizenship applications are delayed or refused.

Book a consultation with Visa Aid to confirm your eligibility before applying.