Australia's Department of Home Affairs has clarified the residency criteria foreign nationals must meet to qualify for citizenship. The rules, detailed on the official government website, specify a four-year continuous residence on a valid visa immediately before applying.
Residency Duration and Conditions
- Applicants must have lived in Australia for four consecutive years on a valid visa.
- They must hold a permanent visa or Special Category Visa (SCV) for at least the final 12 months before applying.
- Time spent outside Australia is allowed but limited to a maximum of 12 months over the four years.
- During the last 12 months, absences cannot exceed 90 days.
When Does the Residency Period Start?
- For those entering Australia on a permanent visa, the residence period starts from their arrival date on that visa.
- If already in Australia when granted permanent residency, the period begins from the visa issuance date.
- New Zealand citizens with SCV or Skilled Independent visas must carefully determine their permanent residency start date due to special rules.
- SCV holders maintain permanent resident status for citizenship purposes even when traveling abroad, provided they held a valid SCV before departure.
