Who Is Eligible for Australian Citizenship by Descent?
You may be eligible if you were born outside Australia, and at least one parent or the citizen you are claiming descent from was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, and you pass the character requirements.
Parents’ citizenship and time in Australia
As per the Australian Citizen Act, if your Australian parent became a citizen by descent or by adoption, they must have legally lived in Australia for a total of at least 2 years (at any time) before you lodge the application.
Age limits and applying for children
There is no maximum age limit for citizenship by descent, and parents may apply on behalf of children under 16 (provided the parent responsible has signed the application). The good character requirement does not apply to children under the age of 18.
Special Cases
In the case of surrogacy, the Australian citizen must be recognised as the legal parent at the time of birth. The Department of Home Affairs may request additional evidence, including DNA testing.
Most claims involve births on or after 26 January 1949. Earlier births are considered individually under the law that applied at the time.
If you are already an Australian citizen but need proof, you should apply for an Evidence of Australian Citizenship certificate, rather than citizenship by descent.
How to Apply
1. Use the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) online tool or consult a Registered Migration Agent such as True Blue Migration to check if you are eligible.
2. Create or log in to your ImmiAccount to lodge your application using the electronic equivalent of Form 118
3. Prepare and upload all required documents, ensuring scans are clear and meet the DHA’s specifications.
4. Pay the application fee and submit online through your ImmiAccount
5. You may get a request for biometrics, an interview, or additional information. Respond promptly to DHA requests to avoid delays.
6. If your application is approved, you will receive your Australian Citizenship by Descent certificate. A citizenship ceremony is not required.
Current Processing Times
Processing times for Australian citizenship by descent can change. Always refer to the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Most straightforward applications are finalised within a few months. Your case may be held up if documents are missing or unclear, character or identity issues need further investigation, or there are complex historical family circumstances.
Working with an experienced migration agent can help reduce the risk of these delays.
Document Checklist for Citizenship by Descent
You have to prove your identity, your relationship with your parent and their Australian citizenship status with the following documents:
Your full birth certificate (showing both parents’ names) and proof that your parent was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, by producing either:
- An Australian birth certificate (issued before 20 August 1986), or
- An Australian citizenship certificate/naturalisation certificate, or
- An Australian passport issued on or after 1 July 2005 (or other acceptable evidence)
If the Australian parent gained citizenship by descent or adoption, you will need evidence of at least two years when they resided legally in Australia, such as
- school or university records,
- employment contract or payslips,
- income tax documents
- tenancy agreements or utility bills
- Australian government-issued documents confirming lawful stay
Identity documents for you (and the responsible parent if applying for a child), such as a current passport or national ID card and proof of name changes (if applicable)
A recent passport-sized photograph endorsed by an identity declarant.
Identity declaration completed by an authorised person.
For applicants 18 and over: Police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived or travelled for 90 or more days in the last 10 years (if total time outside Australia meets thresholds).
For children under 16: Application signed by the responsible parent.
Translations and certification of Documents
Any documents not in English must be translated by an approved translator and accompanied by certified copies of the originals.
True Blue Migration can guide you on the exact certification and document upload requirements to meet current Department of Home Affairs standards.
Tip: Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals. Go through every document before lodging your request.
Advantages of Australian Citizenship by Descent
If your application for citizenship by descent is approved, you will be able to obtain an Australian passport and have the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can also enrol in Medicare. Social Security benefits, if eligible, and once enrolled, vote in Australian elections.
The benefits also include passing on Australian citizenship to your children born in Australia and, in some cases, to children born overseas (subject to the citizenship by descent rules and legislation in effect at the time).
True Blue Migration has assisted many individuals and families through this process
Our services include:
- Eligibility assessments based on the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and current DHA policy
- Preparation and lodgement of complete, decision-ready applications via ImmiAccount
- Strategic advice on complex issues such as the 2-year residence rule, name discrepancies, surrogacy, donor conception, and historical cases
- Ongoing support and communication with you until your citizenship by descent is granted and your certificate is issued.
We focus on minimising errors and delays, giving you confidence at every stage of the process.
If you’re ready to explore Australian citizenship by descent, contact us for a free initial visa assessment, or get in contact with one of our Registered Migration Agents
Email: info@trubluemigration.com.
Phone: 03 9038 9070