Australian High Commission
India
High Commission address: 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri - Telephone: 4139 9900 - Fax: 4149 4490

Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship can be acquired in three ways - by birth, by descent or by conferral.

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1. Australian Citizenship by Birth

For details about how Australian Citizenship is acquired by birth in Australia, see the following website:

See: Citizenship by birth

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2. Australian Citizenship by Descent

A child born overseas can be registered as an Australian citizen by descent if at least one of the natural parents was an Australian citizen at the time of the child's birth.

A parent can apply for registration of Australian citizenship by descent on behalf of the child before the child reaches 18 years of age. Applicants over 18 may apply in their own right.

How to lodge

Where to lodge

Important points to note:

• Documents should be originals or certified copies

Please ensure that all documents submitted are in original form OR have been certified as true copies of an original by an Australian Embassy, or an Australian Consulate-General will be accepted.

See: www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html  

Please note that charges apply for having documents certified.

• Passport applications

Once you have received your child's notice of registration you may wish to apply for an Australian passport using the form "Application for an Australian Passport, Overseas" available by contacting your Australian Embassy or Consulate.

See: www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html  - DIAC Website

Once a child has been registered as an Australian citizen, the child must not enter Australia on any travel document other than his/her own Australian passport.
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3. Australian Citizenship by Conferral

Applications for Australian Citizenship by Conferral are processed in Australia. You should contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for further information including eligibility requirements.

See: www.citizenship.gov.au  
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4. Citizenship Test

To know more about eligibility, location and preparation for the Citizenship test please refer to Overview of the Citizenship Test

If you are interested in the possibility of sitting the test in India, please write to our General mail box at Citizenship.NewDelhi@dfat.gov.au and we will advise you further.

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5. Do you still have questions about Citizenship?

Contact the Citizenship wizard