Commonwealth of Australia
Commonwealth of Australia settlement & citizenship
Australian PR arrives via a permanent-visa subclass (189, 190, 186, 191, 858) and citizenship follows after 4 years of residence with at least 12 months as a PR.
Last reviewed 1 June 2026.
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Temporary visa
Subclass-dependent, typically 2-4 years
- Who qualifies
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), 494 (Regional), 407 (Training), 485 (Post-study work), 500 (Student), 417/462 (Working Holiday Maker), 188 (Business innovation).
- Key gate
- Transition to a permanent subclass or extend through the 482→186 pathway.
- 2
Permanent Resident
Initial 5-year travel facility; PR status is indefinite
- Who qualifies
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), 186 (ENS), 191 (Permanent Regional), 858 (Global Talent).
- Key gate
- Meet the points test (189/190/491) or nomination/sponsorship (186/191). Resident Return Visa (155) after the 5-year travel facility expires.
- 3
Australian citizenship by conferral
4 years of lawful residence with at least 12 months as a PR
- Who qualifies
- PRs and long-term residents meeting the residence and character tests.
- Key gate
- Australian Values Statement, citizenship test (20 questions, minimum 75% and all 5 values questions correct), English ability.
Physical presence
4 years total lawful residence + 12 months as a PR. Maximum absence of 12 months total over 4 years, and 90 days in the final 12 months.
Language level
Evidence of English for the citizenship test (competent/functional by DHA standards, usually IELTS General 6.0 or equivalent, or the test itself).
Test / oath
20-question citizenship test (5 mandatory values questions + 15 general). Citizenship ceremony with a pledge of loyalty.
Dual citizenship
Australia permits dual and multiple citizenship.
Typical full timeline
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR).
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Australian citizenship after first arriving in Australia?
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR).
How many days a year must I physically be in Australia to qualify?
4 years total lawful residence + 12 months as a PR. Maximum absence of 12 months total over 4 years, and 90 days in the final 12 months.
What language level do I need for Australian citizenship?
Evidence of English for the citizenship test (competent/functional by DHA standards, usually IELTS General 6.0 or equivalent, or the test itself).
Does Australia allow dual citizenship?
Australia permits dual and multiple citizenship.