Australian Citizenship by Conferral Migration Lawyers

Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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Our Services for Your Citizenship by Conferral Application

Eligibility & Residence Assessment

We assess your eligibility for Citizenship by Conferral, focusing on permanent residency status and meeting the general residence requirements.

Citizenship Test & Character Guidance

Our lawyers provide guidance on preparing for the citizenship test and addressing the ‘good character’ requirements for your application.

Application & Document Preparation

We assist in preparing your complete Citizenship by Conferral application, ensuring all necessary identity and supporting documents are included.

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

What Our Happy Clients Say

Hear directly from our successful learners.

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What is Australian Citizenship by Conferral?

Citizenship by conferral is the most common way permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens become Australian citizens if not born here or to Australian parents. It’s a formal process often called naturalization.

This pathway requires an application, meeting specific eligibility like residency and character, passing a citizenship test, and finally, attending a ceremony to make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. It signifies full integration into the Australian community.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship by Conferral?

Generally, to apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must be a permanent resident (or eligible New Zealand citizen) and meet the General Residence Requirement. This typically means living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident.

You must also intend to live in Australia or maintain close ties, be of good character, and pass the citizenship test or interview. Specific exemptions to some requirements may apply, so understanding your precise eligibility is important.

Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Citizenship Application?

Becoming an Australian citizen by conferral is a significant milestone. Moya Migration Law offers expert legal guidance through every stage, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to navigating the citizenship test and ceremony, ensuring a smooth journey.

Extensive Citizenship Application Experience

Our lawyers have a deep understanding of citizenship by conferral criteria, including complex residency and character requirements.

Client-Focused & Personalised Guidance

We provide personalised support, clearly explaining each step and tailoring our advice to your unique circumstances for your citizenship application.

Meticulous Application & Document Preparation

We meticulously prepare your citizenship application and supporting documents, ensuring accuracy to avoid common pitfalls and delays.

In-Depth Knowledge of Citizenship Law

Our thorough understanding of the Australian Citizenship Act and policies ensures your application is handled with expert legal skill.

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Our 5-Step Australian Citizenship by Conferral Process

Becoming an Australian citizen by conferral is a significant journey. Moya Migration Law provides a clear, structured process, offering expert guidance and dedicated support from assessing your eligibility to attending your citizenship ceremony.

1

Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

We review your circumstances against all criteria, including permanent residency, general residence, and character requirements, advising on your eligibility.

2

Application & Document Preparation

Our team assists in meticulously preparing your citizenship application and compiling all necessary identity, character, and supporting documents.

3

Application Lodgement & Test Preparation

We manage the online submission of your application and provide guidance and resources to help you prepare for the Australian citizenship test.

4

Citizenship Test/Interview & Department Liaison

We support you through the citizenship test or interview stage and handle any communications or requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

5

Decision, Ceremony & Becoming a Citizen

We notify you of the application outcome and guide you through the final step of attending your citizenship ceremony to make the pledge.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

Meet Daniel Moya, Your Citizenship Application Lawyer

Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides clients through the Australian citizenship by conferral process. With over two decades in migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert strategic advice for this important life step.

Daniel is committed to providing clear, plain-English assistance with your citizenship application, ensuring all residency, character, and test requirements are meticulously addressed. He offers dedicated support to help you achieve your goal of becoming an Australian citizen. Daniel also provides legal assistance in Spanish.

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Passing the Citizenship Test & Interview

Most applicants for citizenship by conferral must pass the Australian Citizenship Test. This assesses your basic English, knowledge of Australia, its values, and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, requiring a 75% pass mark and all 5 values questions correct.

Some may have an interview instead. Inadequate preparation for the test or interview is a common reason for delays. Understanding the required knowledge and commitment to Australian values is key to progressing your application smoothly.

Meeting Strict Citizenship Criteria

Becoming an Australian citizen by conferral involves meeting strict criteria. Common pitfalls include miscalculating the General Residence Requirement (4 years lawful stay, 12 months PR, absence limits) or issues with the “good character” assessment due to past convictions or associations.

Ensuring all documents are complete and accurately address these complex requirements is vital, as errors can lead to delays or refusal. Citizenship criteria can also change, making timely, well-prepared applications crucial.

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15-Min Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining Australian Citizenship by Conferral

What is Australian citizenship by conferral?

It’s the most common way for Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to become Australian citizens if they weren’t born in Australia or to Australian parents.

Who is eligible for citizenship by conferral?

Generally, you must be a permanent resident, meet general residence requirements (e.g., 4 years in Australia, 12 months as PR), be of good character, pass the citizenship test, and intend to live in Australia or maintain ties.

What is the "general residence requirement"?

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

What does the Australian citizenship test involve?

It’s usually a computer-based, 20 multiple-choice question test on Australian values, history, and responsibilities. You must score 75% and answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly. Some applicants may have an interview instead.

What is the "good character" requirement?

Applicants aged 18 or over must be of “good character,” meaning they possess enduring moral qualities. Past convictions, court cases, or associations can affect this assessment.

How long does it take to get Australian citizenship by conferral?

Processing times vary. The Department of Home Affairs estimates 90% of general conferral applications are processed within 9 to 20 months from application to decision, depending on the specific stream and individual factors. Ceremony wait times also apply.

Do I need to attend a citizenship ceremony?

Yes, if your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. This usually occurs within six months of approval, depending on your local council.

Why is legal assistance helpful for a citizenship application?

Lawyers can help assess complex eligibility (especially residency/character), ensure accurate document preparation to avoid common mistakes, guide you through the test/interview, and manage the application to prevent avoidable delays.

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.