Australian Citizenship for Children in Vietnamese-Australian Families
How Australian citizenship works for children: citizenship by birth, including children in a parent's application, and key points for Vietnamese families.
When Vietnamese-Australian parents plan for citizenship, one of the first questions is: "What about our children?" The answer depends on where and when your children were born, and on your own immigration status. This article gives a general overview. Because every family is different, always check your situation with the Department of Home Affairs.
Children Born in Australia
A child born in Australia is generally an Australian citizen by birth if, at the time of the birth, at least one parent was:
- An Australian citizen, or
- An Australian permanent resident
In this case, the child does not need to apply for citizenship. You may still choose to apply for evidence of Australian citizenship (a certificate), which can be useful as proof.
If neither parent was a citizen or permanent resident when the child was born in Australia, the child may automatically become an Australian citizen on their 10th birthday if they have been ordinarily resident in Australia throughout those ten years. Other pathways may also be available.
Children Born Overseas
Children born outside Australia — for example, in Vietnam before the family migrated — generally need to become citizens through an application.
Including Children in a Parent's Application
Children under 16 can usually be included in a parent's citizenship application. Generally, they must be permanent residents themselves. Children included in a parent's application:
- Do not have to sit the citizenship test
- Do not usually need to meet the residence requirement in the same way as adults
- Are not required to make the pledge, although they are welcome to attend the ceremony with their family
Teenagers Aged 16 and 17
Children aged 16 or 17 usually apply in their own right. They generally do not have to sit the test, but they usually need to make the pledge at a ceremony.
Children Born Overseas to an Australian Parent
If a child is born overseas and at least one parent was already an Australian citizen at the time, the child may be eligible for citizenship by descent, which is a separate application.
Practical Tips for Vietnamese Families
- Translate documents properly — Vietnamese birth certificates (giấy khai sinh) need accredited English translations
- Check name spellings — make sure names match across passports, birth certificates and translations, including the order of family name, middle name and given name
- Get consent if needed — if one parent is not applying, you may need evidence of their consent to include the child
- Think about dual citizenship — whether your child can also hold Vietnamese citizenship depends on Vietnamese law; check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate
- Celebrate together — attending the ceremony as a family is a moment your children will remember
Teaching Children About Their New Country
Even though children do not sit the test, learning about Australia together is valuable. Children often learn about Australian history and government at school, and they can become great study partners for their parents — practising questions at the kitchen table, in English and Vietnamese.
Tóm tắt bằng tiếng Việt
Trẻ em dưới 16 tuổi thường có thể được đưa vào đơn xin quốc tịch của cha hoặc mẹ và không phải thi. Trẻ sinh ra tại Úc có cha hoặc mẹ là công dân Úc hoặc thường trú nhân vào thời điểm sinh thì thường đã là công dân Úc từ khi sinh ra. Hãy kiểm tra thông tin mới nhất trên trang web của Bộ Nội vụ Úc (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
Prepare as a Family
While children may not need to sit the test, parents aged 18 to 59 usually do. CitiZen AU helps the whole family prepare with bilingual English and Vietnamese practice questions, full mock tests and progress tracking — so the family can reach the ceremony together.