Permanent Resident vs Australian Citizen: What Changes?

As a permanent resident you can already live and work in Australia. Citizenship adds [responsibilities and privileges](/learn/our-common-bond/responsibilities-and-privileges/) that Our Common Bond lists clearly.

New responsibilities

As a citizen you must obey the laws of Australia, vote in federal and state or territory elections and in a referendum, defend Australia should the need arise, and serve on a jury if called. Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 or over.

New privileges

Citizens can vote, apply for children born overseas to become citizens by descent, apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service or the Australian Defence Force, seek election to parliament, apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely, and ask for consular help from Australian officials overseas.

Who can apply

Under the general residence requirement you must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before applying, including the last 12 months on a permanent visa, and you must not have been absent for more than 12 months in total in those 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

What it costs

The fee for Form 1300t (general eligibility) is $595 AUD, or $85 AUD with a Pensioner Concession Card (Form 1298i, design date 07/26). Children under 16 on the same form are free, and the test is included in the fee.

Travel: permanent resident vs citizen

As a permanent resident, you travel on the passport of your current country, and you can only return as a permanent resident while the travel facility on your permanent visa is valid. Once it expires, you need a Resident Return Visa. After you become a citizen, you can apply for an Australian passport, and Australian citizens should use it to enter and leave Australia.

How long the step takes

According to the Home Affairs processing times page updated on 21 September 2026, 90% of conferral applications are decided within 5 months, and 90% of approved applicants have the chance to attend a ceremony within 6 months of approval. From application to ceremony, 90% took 12 months or less. These figures are a guide only, and you become a citizen only when you make the pledge.