From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government will implement new citizenship application fees, reflecting the cost of processing applications. Each year, on 1 July, citizenship application fees are adjusted based on the consumer price index (CPI). This annual indexation ensures that the fees remain aligned with the administrative costs incurred by the Department of Home Affairs.
Updated Fees and Their Application
Application type |
Fee from 1 July 2024(amounts in AUD) |
|
Australian citizenship by conferral—General eligibility (Form 1300t) |
|
| Standard fee | $560 |
| Concession fee* | $80 |
| Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent / Fee exemption^ | Nil |
|
Australian citizenship by conferral—Other situations (Form 1290) |
|
| Standard fee | $345 |
| Concession fee* | $40 |
| Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent / Fee exemption^ | Nil |
|
Australian citizenship by descent (Form 118) |
|
| Single application / First sibling when two or more siblings apply |
$360
|
| Second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time | $150 |
|
Australian citizenship for children adopted under full Hague Convention or bilateral arrangements (Form 1272) |
|
| Single application / First sibling when two or more siblings apply | $360 |
| Second and each subsequent sibling applying at the same time | $150 |
|
Renunciation of Australian citizenship (Form 128) |
|
| Standard fee | $300 |
|
Resumption of Australian citizenship (Form 132) |
|
| Standard fee | $240 |
| Child/children under 16 years applying on the same form as a responsible parent | Nil |
|
Evidence of Australian citizenship (Form 119) |
|
| Standard fee | |
| Application for replacement of evidence of Australian citizenship lost, destroyed or damaged due to a natural disaster, | Nil |
The new fees apply to all citizenship applications received by the Department of Home Affairs from 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024. It is crucial to note that these changes will affect all applicants, with specific provisions for fee concessions and exemptions remaining unchanged.
Fee Concessions:
A fee concession is available for forms 1300t and 1290 to the following groups:
- Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs).
- Persons under 18 years listed as dependants on a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs).
To avail of this concession, applicants must provide a certified copy of both sides of their Pensioner Concession Card with their citizenship application. For online applications, a digital copy will suffice, but for paper applications, the copy must be certified.
Fee Exemptions:
Certain groups are exempt from paying the citizenship application fee for forms 1300t and 1290:
- British or Maltese former child migrants who arrived in Australia without parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. Applicants must submit a letter from the Child Migrants Trust confirming details of arrival and sponsorship with their application.
- Persons who have served at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. Evidence such as a letter or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force specifying service dates must accompany the application.
- Persons applying under the Statelessness provision (section 21(8) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007).
For more detailed information on fee concessions or exemptions, applicants should refer to the official guidelines provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying Online
For those applying online, it is important to note that the new fees will apply to all applications received from 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, regardless of when the application process was started. The application is considered submitted once it, along with the fee, is received by the Department.
Online applicants who pay via credit or debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay can typically expect their application and fee to be received on the same day. However, applicants must ensure that all supporting documents are included before submission. Incomplete applications may necessitate a new submission and payment of the relevant fee.
It is also crucial to be aware of the scheduled systems maintenance for ImmiAccount from 2 pm (AEST) on 30 June 2024 to 9 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024. During this period, online services, including ImmiAccount, may not be available. If your application is received at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, the new fees will apply without exception.
Paper Applications
For those opting for paper applications, it is essential to note that the application is considered submitted on the date the Department receives it, not the date it is posted. Therefore, any applications received at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024 will be subject to the new fees.
To mitigate the risk of postal delays, it is recommended to apply online where possible. If a paper application is received without the correct fee applicable on the date of receipt, it will not be considered until the full fee is paid. For those who have pre-paid a lower fee but fail to submit their application before the fee change, a ‘top-up’ payment can be made via ImmiAccount. Failure to pay the ‘top-up’ amount will result in the application being returned, necessitating a new submission with the correct fee.
Australian Legalities to Be Aware Of
Navigating the legal landscape of citizenship applications in Australia requires awareness of several key legalities:
Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for the specific citizenship application you are lodging.
Supporting Documentation: All required supporting documents must be provided, and in some cases, certified copies are necessary.
Application Deadlines: Be mindful of the submission deadlines and system maintenance schedules to avoid delays.
Fee Payment: Ensure the correct fee is paid at the time of application submission. Incomplete payments can result in delays or rejections.
Fee Concessions and Exemptions: Understand the criteria for fee concessions and exemptions and provide the necessary documentation to qualify.
Applying for Australian citizenship can be a complex process, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team at NB Migration Law is here to assist you with every step of your application, ensuring that you meet all legal requirements and avoid common pitfalls. Book a complimentary consultation with our expert migration lawyers today to discuss your specific needs and start your journey towards Australian citizenship with confidence.