The requirement for permanent citizenship following a relocation has become an everyday affair recently. Most Indian citizens moving to Australia for work or studying purposes try to secure citizenship in this country. However, the process of getting it can be a challenging one. 

Are you wondering how to get citizenship in Australia for Indians? Then, this article will give you a complete guide regarding the steps to do so.

There are three official ways to become an Australian citizen. First, individuals born in Australia or with at least one Australian parent become citizens by birth. On the other hand, they will become citizens of decent if born outside Australia but have Australian parents. Finally, a non-citizen of Australia can gain citizenship by naturalisation. The following eligibility criteria are mandatory for this.

• Applicants must have stayed in Australia for at least four years, of which 12 months must have been spent as Australian permanent residents. 
• They should be more than 16 years of age. 
• Having and showing good character and conduct is mandatory. 
• They must know their responsibilities and privileges as a citizen to pass the citizenship test.

Now, you must be wondering how to get citizenship in Australia for Indians. Its steps are described below. 

Step 1: Once you know that you are eligible, visit the official website of Immigration Direct of Australia. Click on “Australian Citizenship Application”.

Step 2: Click on "Start your application" on the new page. This online form consists of 8-9 sections with questions regarding the applicants, parents, children, education and employment. Fill out this form carefully. 

Step 3: Gather all the required documents and submit these as required. Pay the application fee through an online transaction. 

Step 4: Once DHA informs you about an appointment, visit their office for document verification. Furthermore, you will have to appear for an interview or sit for the Australian Citizenship test.

Step 5: Once DHA approves your application, appear for the Citizenship Ceremony to make your Australian Citizenship Pledge.

There are several rules regarding Australian citizenship that apply for Indians. One of these includes the ability to produce the required documents during application. These documents are discussed below. 

• Valid photo ID proof such as driver’s license, passport or national identity card
• Document to prove permanent residency in Australia for at least four years, such as utility bills, bank statements, or medical insurance 
• Copy of birth certificate 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Recent passport-style photographs

The general processing fee required for filling the Australian citizenship 1300t form is about AU$490. In addition, there is a concession fee of $70 involved. However, children or old-age people filling the 1290 form must pay application fees of about $300, with a concession fee of $35.

Fortunately, Australia allows its citizens to hold about three citizenships. Thus, if you are an Indian citizen, you can quickly get Australian citizenship without renouncing Indian citizenship.

Any relative of an Australian citizen can get citizenship in Australia if they are eligible. If you wish to bring your family, you can do it after becoming an Australian citizen. Once you become an Australian citizen by naturalisation, you can bring your entire family to Australia. For this, you have to sponsor their citizenship. Your eligible relatives include parents, children, sister, brother, adoptive brother or sister, step-brother or step-sister, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece and grandparents.

Children can also apply to become a citizen. If none of the parents is an Australian citizen, the child can apply to become a citizen after turning 15 years of age. He/she will have to pay the associated fees for the application.

If at least one of the parents of a child born in Australia is an Australian citizen, by birth or naturalisation, the child is considered an Australian citizen by birth. Apart from that, if the parents are on temporary or permanent visas, they need to contact the Department of Immigration for arranging a similar visa for their child. Furthermore, if none of the parents are Australian citizens, the child will have to apply for citizenship after turning 15.

The government holds the authority to approve or reject your citizenship application. Some of the common reasons for the renunciation of Australian citizenship for Indians are listed below.

1. Document verification

The immigration experts are likely to analyse the applicants' documents to verify their authenticity. If the records do not verify the information put across the application, there are high chances of rejection. Therefore, it is mandatory to enter the accurate information that one can verify through the documents.

2. Purpose of citizenship

Having a solid purpose of citizenship is essential for getting approval. Notably, in the interview or citizenship test, the purpose of citizenship should be able to convince the audit manager. Otherwise, the application can face rejection.

3. Criminal convictions

The applicants must have clean conduct and good character while staying in Australia. Before or after coming to Australia, individuals with criminal convictions or records before or after coming to Australia might not clear their citizenship. Thus, it is crucial to comply with Australian law.

4. Incomplete form and citizenship test

 It is important to fill out the application form carefully. Any form of incomplete information can result in rejecting your application. Furthermore, passing the citizenship test with the required marks is essential. Therefore, prepare for this test in advance to avoid making silly mistakes.

5. Two consecutive applications

The audit manager often analyses the duration between two applications coming from one applicant. If you make a second application within a short period after your first application was rejected, there are high chances that the second application can also get rejected. It is therefore advisable to wait for some time.

Thus, as this article observed, getting citizenship in Australia for Indians can be challenging. The applicants must be eligible for the process before they start an application. Moreover, they must be capable of paying the application fees. Additionally, they should avoid making silly mistakes that can get their applications rejected.