Australian Citizenship Migration Lawyers

Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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Your Pathways to Australian Citizenship

Citizenship by Conferral

For permanent residents and eligible NZ citizens meeting residency, character, and knowledge requirements to become Australian citizens.

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Citizenship by Descent

For individuals born overseas to an Australian citizen parent, enabling them to acquire Australian citizenship based on their parentage.

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Citizenship for Stateless Persons

Assistance for individuals born in Australia who are stateless, helping them navigate the specific criteria to obtain Australian citizenship.

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Citizenship by Adoption

Legal support for children adopted by Australian citizens, whether adopted overseas under the Hague Convention or in Australia.

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Resumption of Australian Citizenship

Guidance for former Australian citizens who wish to resume their citizenship, addressing eligibility and application requirements.

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Australian Citizenship Test

Guidance and preparation support for applicants needing to pass the citizenship test, covering Australian values, history, and civic knowledge.

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We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation & map out a path to securing your Australian Citizenship.

What Our Happy Clients Say

Hear directly from our successful learners.

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Identifying Your Path to Australian Citizenship

There are several ways to become an Australian citizen. The most common for those not born here is “by conferral” (as a permanent resident) or “by descent” (if a parent was an Australian citizen at your birth). Other specific streams exist for adoption, statelessness, or resuming citizenship.

Each pathway has unique eligibility criteria and application processes. Determining the correct stream for your circumstances is the vital first step, as applying under the wrong pathway can lead to wasted time and application fees.

Mastering Your Citizenship Application & Test

Applying for Australian citizenship involves more than just forms; it requires meeting strict criteria, passing a citizenship test on Australian values and knowledge (for most aged 18-59), and demonstrating good character. Errors or omissions can lead to significant delays or refusal.

From collating precise identity and character documents to understanding the nuances of the residence requirement and preparing for the test, professional guidance can ensure your application is decision-ready, maximising your chance of a smooth journey to becoming an Australian citizen.

Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Australian Citizenship Application?

Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant life achievement. Moya Migration Law provides expert legal guidance across all citizenship pathways, a client-focused approach to understand your unique journey, and meticulous preparation of your application to ensure the best chance of success.

Extensive Citizenship Law Experience

With over two decades in migration law, our team, led by Daniel Moya, has deep expertise in all aspects of Australian citizenship applications and requirements.

Client-Focused & Personalised Service

We offer personalised attention, understanding your specific circumstances and providing clear, plain-English advice throughout your citizenship process.

Strategic Application & Document Guidance

We develop tailored strategies for your citizenship application, ensuring all criteria are met and assisting with comprehensive document preparation.

In-Depth Knowledge of Australian Citizenship Law

Our profound understanding of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and related policies ensures your application is expertly handled and decision-ready.

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Our 5-Step Australian Citizenship Application Process

Embarking on your journey to Australian citizenship involves several key stages. Moya Migration Law provides a clear, structured process to guide you from initial assessment to your citizenship ceremony, ensuring comprehensive support at every step.

1

Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

We start by understanding your circumstances, assessing your eligibility for the most suitable citizenship pathway (e.g., conferral, descent), and outlining a clear strategy.

2

Document Preparation & Evidence Collation

Our team assists you in gathering all required identity, character, and pathway-specific documents, ensuring everything is accurate and complete.

3

Application Drafting & Lodgement

We meticulously prepare your citizenship application forms and any necessary submissions, then manage the formal lodgement with the Department.

4

Test/Interview Preparation & Liaison

We help you prepare for any required citizenship tests or interviews and manage communications with the Department on your behalf during processing.

5

Outcome, Ceremony & Finalising Citizenship

We guide you on the application outcome, assist with citizenship ceremony arrangements, and advise on final steps to formalise your Australian citizenship.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

Meet Daniel Moya, Your Australian Citizenship Lawyer

Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally oversees each client’s journey to Australian citizenship. With over two decades of dedicated experience in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert guidance across all citizenship pathways, from conferral to descent.

Daniel is committed to providing clear, practical legal advice and meticulous application support. He understands the profound importance of becoming an Australian citizen and offers dedicated assistance to achieve your goal. Daniel also provides legal services in Spanish.

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Meeting Key Citizenship Eligibility Standards

For citizenship by conferral, you generally need to be a permanent resident, meet the general residence requirement (specific time lawfully in Australia with limited absences), and satisfy the ‘good character’ provisions. These are rigorously assessed by the Department.

Calculating residence periods with travel, or addressing any past character concerns, requires careful attention to detail. Expert advice can help clarify these requirements for your specific situation and ensure you present the strongest possible evidence.

The Rights & Responsibilities of a Citizen

Australian citizenship offers significant entitlements, including the right to an Australian passport for unrestricted travel, voting in elections, seeking public office, and accessing consular assistance overseas. It also allows you to register children born overseas as Australian citizens.

Becoming a citizen involves pledging loyalty and sharing in Australia’s democratic beliefs and values. It’s the final step in your migration story, solidifying your connection and belonging within the Australian community.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining an Australian Citizenship

What are the main ways to get Australian citizenship?

The three main pathways are by birth in Australia (under specific rules), by descent (if a parent is an Australian citizen when you’re born overseas), and by conferral (applying after meeting requirements like permanent residency and residence).

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship?

Processing times vary. For citizenship by conferral, 90% of applications are often processed within 9-12 months from lodgement to approval. For descent, it’s typically around 5 months for 90% of applications. Ceremony wait times are additional.

What is the "general residence requirement" for citizenship by conferral?

Generally, you must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, with limited absences (no more than 12 months total in 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months).

Do I need to pass a citizenship test?

Most applicants aged 18 to 59 applying by conferral must pass the citizenship test. It assesses basic English and your knowledge of Australia, its democratic beliefs, rights, responsibilities, and values.

What does the "good character" requirement involve?

The Department assesses good character by reviewing your history, including any criminal records from Australia or overseas. You’ll typically need to provide police clearance certificates.

Does Australia allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Australia permits its citizens to hold citizenship of other countries (dual nationality). However, you should check if your country of origin also allows dual citizenship.

What happens after my citizenship application is approved?

If approved (and over 16 without certain disabilities), you’ll be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to make the Australian citizenship pledge. You become a citizen only after making this pledge and will then receive your citizenship certificate.

Why use a migration lawyer for a citizenship application?

While you can apply independently, lawyers can help identify the correct pathway, ensure eligibility criteria are met, assist with complex document requirements (like character or residence), and prepare a decision-ready application to avoid delays or refusal.

Our Services

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) AppealsART Visa Appeals

Visa refused or cancelled? Don’t give up hope. Expert representation for your ART review to challenge the decision.

Visa Refusals

If your Partner Visa has been refused, Daniel Moya offers 20+ years of experience in achieving positive outcomes at the Tribunal.

Visa Cancellations

Facing visa hurdles like refusals, cancellations, or PIC 4020 issues? Get expert advice and management for your unique circumstances.

Partner Visas

Begin your journey to permanent residency. Expert support for all Partner Visa applications, navigating the complex system with confidence.

Protection Visas

Seeking asylum or facing persecution? Daniel Moya provides crucial guidance and strategic advice for complex Protection Visa applications.

Family Visa

Reunite with loved ones in Australia. Explore options for Parent, Child, Carer, and other Family Visas with clear, expert advice.

Citizenship

Ready to become an Australian citizen? Navigate the application requirements and process smoothly with experienced legal support.

Notary Public in AdelaideNotary Public

Need documents notarised in Adelaide for international use? We provide prompt, convenient, and reliable Notary Public services.

Court Appeals (Judicial Review)Judicial Review

Unfavourable Tribunal ruling? Challenge appealable errors in the Federal Courts with experienced legal guidance for Judicial Review.