The Short Answer
You need 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, the last 12 months of them as a permanent resident, limited time abroad, and a passed citizenship test. Transita estimates about 2 years to permanent residence and 6 years to citizenship for a typical skilled migrant.
| Requirement | Rule (Home Affairs) |
|---|---|
| Residence | 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, immediately before you apply |
| Permanent residence | Held for the last 12 months before you apply |
| Absences, whole 4 years | No more than 12 months in total |
| Absences, final 12 months | No more than 90 days in total |
| Citizenship test | 75% or more, plus all 5 values questions correct |
| Status at decision | Still a permanent resident, in Australia in most cases |
The General Residence Requirement
The Home Affairs conferral page sets three conditions that all have to be true on the day you apply. You have lived in Australia on a valid visa for the 4 years immediately before. You have held a permanent visa for the last 12 months. And you have not been absent for more than 12 months in total in those 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
The useful detail is that the 4 years do not all need to be on a permanent visa. Time on a 482 work visa, a student visa or a graduate visa counts, as long as you were living in Australia lawfully. That changes the maths for anyone who arrives on a temporary visa and converts to PR later.
The 90-day trap
The final-year absence limit is the one most people break. A long trip home in the year before you apply can push your eligibility date back. Check your travel against the 90-day limit before you lodge.
Which Visa Gets You There First
Because the 12 months must be on a permanent visa, a visa that is permanent on grant starts both clocks at once. Here is how the main skilled routes compare in Transita's data:
| Route | Government fee | Processing | Permanent residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | $3,035 | 6–18 months | Permanent on grant |
| Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) | $3,035 | 9–18 months | Permanent on grant |
| Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) | $4,640 | 6–18 months | About 3 years |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) | $2,770 | 2–5 months | About 3 years |
The 189 and 190 are permanent from the day they are granted. The 491 and the 482 are provisional or temporary, so your 12 months as a permanent resident only start once you move to a permanent visa.
The Citizenship Test
Most applicants sit a test on what it means to be an Australian citizen. You pass with 75% or more, and you must answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly. The test also confirms a basic knowledge of English. People 60 and over, and those with some incapacities, follow a different process.
How Australia Compares
At about 6 years from arrival in Transita's data, Australia is mid-table: Canada is about 5 years and the US about 11 years on the same measure. See the easiest countries ranking for the full picture, or how Canadian citizenship works for the closest comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to live in Australia to become a citizen?
Home Affairs requires 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa immediately before you apply, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident. You can be absent for no more than 12 months in total over those 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
Do I need permanent residency before applying for Australian citizenship?
Yes. You must be a permanent resident (or a New Zealand citizen on a Special Category visa) both when you apply and when the decision is made, and you need at least 12 months on that permanent visa before applying.
What is the pass mark for the Australian citizenship test?
75% or more, and you must answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly. The test checks basic English, an understanding of what citizenship means, knowledge of Australia and commitment to Australian values.
Does time on a temporary visa count towards Australian citizenship?
Yes, for the 4-year part. The rule is 4 years living in Australia on a valid visa, so time on a work, student or bridging visa counts, as long as the last 12 months are on a permanent visa.
What is the fastest visa to Australian citizenship?
A permanent visa from day one. The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas are permanent on grant, so your 12 months as a permanent resident start when you arrive. Transita estimates about 6 years from arrival to citizenship for a typical skilled migrant.
Related guides
See which Australian visa gets you to PR first
Transita scores your points, occupation and age against every Australian route and estimates the time to permanent residence. Answer 8 questions and your routes, documents and dates are set up for you. Free.
Build my workspaceofficial sources: SC 189 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 189 success-rate data · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 190 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·491 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·TSS 482 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au