Can You Become An Australian Citizen Through Marriage

Can You Become an Australian Citizen Through Marriage?

Many people wonder if getting married to an Australian citizen automatically grants them citizenship. While marriage to an Australian citizen certainly opens up pathways to citizenship, it does not guarantee it. In this blog post, we will discuss the process and requirements for obtaining Australian citizenship through marriage.

The Basic Process

Marriage to an Australian citizen does not grant you immediate citizenship. Instead, it allows you to become eligible to apply for a partner visa, which is the first step towards citizenship.

The process involves the following steps:

  1. Obtaining a temporary partner visa: After getting married to an Australian citizen, you can apply for a temporary partner visa, which allows you to reside in Australia for a specified period. This visa is valid for two years.
  2. Obtaining a permanent partner visa: Once you have held the temporary partner visa for two years and meet the necessary requirements, you can then apply for a permanent partner visa.
  3. Applying for citizenship: After holding the permanent partner visa for a certain period, which is usually four years from the time of application, you become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Requirements for the Partner Visa

In order to obtain the partner visa, you need to meet certain requirements set by the Australian government. These requirements include:

  • You must be legally married to an Australian citizen, or be in a de facto relationship (same-sex relationships are recognized).
  • You must provide evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian partner.
  • You must have sufficient knowledge of the English language.
  • You must meet certain health and character requirements.

Applying for Australian Citizenship

Once you have held the permanent partner visa for the required period, typically four years, you become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. However, there are additional requirements to be met:

  1. You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years.
  2. You must have held a permanent residency visa for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship.
  3. You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months during the four-year period.
  4. You must provide evidence of your integration into the Australian community, such as employment, membership in community organizations, or involvement in social activities.
  5. You must pass a citizenship test, which assesses your knowledge of Australian society, values, and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my marriage breaks down before I can obtain citizenship?

If your marriage breaks down before you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you may still be able to apply for a permanent partner visa if you can demonstrate that your relationship was genuine and you have compelling circumstances.

Q: Can I apply for citizenship immediately after getting married?

No, you cannot apply for citizenship immediately after getting married. You need to go through the process of obtaining a partner visa and then a permanent partner visa before becoming eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Q: Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for citizenship through marriage?

While having an immigration lawyer is not a requirement, it can be beneficial to seek legal advice, especially if you face any complications or have concerns about your eligibility.

Obtaining Australian citizenship through marriage is a multi-step process that requires meeting specific criteria and holding the necessary visas. It is essential to familiarize yourself with all the requirements and seek professional guidance if needed. Good luck on your journey to becoming an Australian citizen!

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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