Australian Citizenship Fees and Processing Times: What to Know
How Australian citizenship fees and processing times work, where to find current figures, and how to avoid common causes of delay.
Two of the most common questions people ask about Australian citizenship are: "How much does it cost?" and "How long will it take?" Both answers change over time, so rather than quoting numbers that may be out of date, this guide explains how fees and processing times work and where to find the current figures.
How Citizenship Fees Work
The Department of Home Affairs charges an application fee for citizenship applications. Key points to understand:
- Fees vary by application type. Citizenship by conferral, citizenship by descent, and applications for children can each have different fees.
- Concession fees may apply to some applicants, such as certain pensioners or people in specific circumstances.
- Some applicants may pay no fee — for example, some children included on a parent's application.
- Fees are usually paid when you lodge your application online.
- Fees are generally not refundable, even if your application is refused. That is why checking eligibility first is so important.
- Fees are reviewed periodically, often at the start of a new financial year on 1 July.
To find the current fee, use the fee information on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). The online application will also show the exact amount before you pay.
Other Costs to Budget For
Beyond the application fee, you may have other costs, such as:
- Accredited translations of documents not in English
- Passport-style photographs
- Police certificates from Australia or overseas
- Travel to your appointment and ceremony
- An Australian passport after you become a citizen (a separate application)
How Processing Times Work
Processing time is the period from when you lodge your application to when a decision is made — and then there is often a further wait before your ceremony. The Department publishes global processing times on its website, which show roughly how long it has taken to finalise a proportion of recent applications. These figures are a guide based on past applications, not a promise for yours.
What Can Affect Your Processing Time
- Incomplete applications or missing documents
- Errors in dates, names or travel history
- The time needed for character or identity checks
- How quickly you respond to requests for more information
- Demand in your location for appointments and ceremonies
How to Avoid Unnecessary Delays
- Apply only when you clearly meet the residence requirement
- Upload clear, complete documents with accredited translations
- Keep your email and phone number up to date in ImmiAccount
- Respond to Department requests promptly
- Be ready for your test — needing to resit can add time
Use the Waiting Time Wisely
Passing the test at your first attempt is one of the simplest ways to keep your journey moving. While you wait for your appointment, CitiZen AU helps you study in short, focused sessions — practise by category, try full mock tests, and track your progress over time, in English and Vietnamese.