Australian Citizenship Application Forms: Online, Paper & Over-60s
Which Australian citizenship application form do you need? Online vs paper applications, forms for over-60s and children, and where to get them.
Most people lodge their Australian citizenship application form online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs online portal. Paper forms still exist for some situations, and there are separate applications for different pathways — conferral, descent, evidence of citizenship and more. Applicants aged 60 and over use the same conferral application as younger adults; they generally just do not sit the test.
This guide helps you work out which application you need and how to get the current version. Form names and numbers change from time to time, so always download forms from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Applying Online vs Paper
Online Through ImmiAccount
For most people applying by conferral, the online application is the standard option. The benefits include:
- Built-in prompts that reduce missed questions
- Uploading documents directly instead of posting copies
- Paying the fee online
- Receiving updates and messages in one place
Our step-by-step guide walks through the online process.
Paper Forms (PDF)
Paper forms are available for some application types and circumstances — for example, where an online option is not available for your situation. Download the PDF only from the Department's website, check that it is the current version, and follow its instructions on certified copies and lodgement.
Which Citizenship Application Form Do You Need?
- Citizenship by conferral — for permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the residence requirement. See conferral explained.
- Citizenship by descent — for people born overseas to an Australian citizen parent. See citizenship by descent.
- Evidence of Australian citizenship — for people who are already citizens and need proof. The paper version is Form 119. See evidence of citizenship.
- Other applications — there are separate processes for renouncing citizenship, resuming citizenship, and some special categories such as children adopted overseas.
Applying Aged 60 and Over
If you are 60 or older, you apply by conferral in the same way as other adults, and you still need to meet the eligibility requirements. The main difference is that you are generally not required to sit the citizenship test. Instead, you usually attend an interview at your appointment. You still make the pledge at a ceremony. See who is exempt from the test for details.
Applications for Children
- Under 16: children can usually be included in a parent's conferral application. They do not sit the test.
- 16 and 17: children usually apply in their own right. They generally do not sit the test, but they usually make the pledge.
- Children applying without a parent, or with only one parent consenting, may need additional documents.
Getting Help With the Form
You can complete a citizenship application yourself; you do not need a lawyer or migration agent. Some people choose professional help for complex cases, such as a history of visa problems or character concerns. If you do, use a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner. Family members can help you fill in the form, but you are responsible for the answers, so read every page before you submit. If English is hard for you, the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) can help you communicate with the Department.
Tips for Completing Any Citizenship Form
- Use the current version — old forms may be rejected.
- Match every name and date to your identity documents.
- List your travel accurately; the Department checks movement records.
- Answer character questions honestly.
- Prepare your documents first with our documents checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for citizenship on paper?
Paper forms exist for some application types and circumstances. Check the Department's website to see what applies to you.
Is there a separate form for over-60s?
Not generally. People aged 60 and over apply by conferral like other adults; they are just not usually required to sit the test.
Where do I download citizenship forms?
Only from the Department of Home Affairs website, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Avoid copies from other websites, which may be out of date.
Do I have to pay when I lodge the form?
Yes, most applications have a fee. Current fees are listed on the Department's website.
After the Form: The Test
Once your form is lodged, the next big step for most adults is the citizenship test. CitiZen AU helps you prepare with category practice, full 20-question mock tests and progress tracking, in English and Vietnamese.