Australia Citizenship After PR: How Long Does It Take for Foreign Workers to Become Citizens?

New Delhi, December 25, 2025: Australia is one of the most sought-after countries for professionals and students alike. Thousands of Indian students and workers migrate to Australia for education and employment opportunities. For foreign workers, obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) is often the first major milestone toward settling permanently in the country. Once PR is granted, the path to Australian citizenship opens, but it comes with specific rules and timelines.

Eligibility for Australian Citizenship

To qualify for citizenship, applicants generally need to have resided in Australia for four years, which can include temporary and permanent visas. Out of these four years, at least three years must be physically spent in Australia, and one year must be as a permanent resident. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good character, assessed through criminal records and compliance with Australian law.

Benefits of Permanent Residency

PR allows foreign workers to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It also grants access to Medicare, eligibility for bank loans, and the ability to sponsor certain family members. For many, PR is the stepping stone to citizenship, which provides further rights, including an Australian passport and voting privileges.

The Citizenship Application Process

To apply for Australian citizenship, applicants must submit Form 1300t along with supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of identity
• Residency evidence
• Character certificates
• English proficiency proof (if required)

Applicants aged 18–59 usually also need to pass a citizenship test, which evaluates knowledge of Australian values, history, government, and civic responsibilities. During the application process, it is important to continue meeting residency requirements and maintaining good character. Extended absences from Australia or legal issues during this period can affect the application outcome.

Key Takeaway

While obtaining Australian citizenship takes time and adherence to strict rules, achieving it unlocks full rights and privileges, making life in Australia easier and more secure for foreign workers.