Commonwealth: Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth)

Australian Citizenship Act 2007 No. 20, 2007 Compilation No. 31 Compilation date: 14 October 2024 Includes amendments: Act No. 39, 2024 About this compilation This compilation This is a compilation of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 October 2024 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law. Uncommenced amendments The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law. Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes. Editorial changes For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes. Modifications If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law. Self‑repealing provisions If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes. Contents Part 1—Preliminary 1 Short title 2 Commencement 2A Simplified outline 3 Definitions 4 Australian citizen 5 Permanent resident 6 Responsible parent 6A National security offences 7 Children born on ships or aircraft or after death of parent 8 Children born as a result of artificial conception procedures or surrogacy arrangements 9 Confinement in prison or psychiatric institution 10 Personal identifiers 11 Operation of Act Part 2—Australian citizenship Division 1—Automatic acquisition of Australian citizenship 11A Simplified outline 12 Citizenship by birth 13 Citizenship by adoption 14 Citizenship for abandoned children 15 Citizenship by incorporation of Territory Division 2—Acquisition of Australian citizenship by application Subdivision A—Citizenship by descent 15A Simplified outline 16 Application and eligibility for citizenship 17 Minister's decision 18 Registration 19 Day citizenship begins 19A When a person does not become a citizen despite the Minister's approval Subdivision AA—Citizenship for persons adopted in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or a bilateral arrangement 19B Simplified outline 19C Application and eligibility for citizenship 19D Minister's decision 19E Registration 19F Day citizenship begins Subdivision B—Citizenship by conferral 19G Simplified outline 20 Requirements for becoming a citizen 21 Application and eligibility for citizenship 22 General residence requirement 22A Special residence requirement—persons engaging in activities that are of benefit to Australia 22B Special residence requirement—persons engaged in particular kinds of work requiring regular travel outside Australia 22C Special residence requirement—legislative instruments 23 Defence service requirement 23A Citizenship test 24 Minister's decision 25 Minister may cancel approval 26 Pledge of commitment must be made 27 How pledge of commitment is to be made 28 Day citizenship begins etc. Subdivision C—Resuming citizenship 28A Simplified outline 29 Application and eligibility for resuming citizenship 30 Minister's decision 31 Registration 32 Day citizenship begins again etc. Division 3—Cessation of Australian citizenship Subdivision A—Simplified outline of this Division 32A Simplified outline of this Division Subdivision B—Citizenship renunciation and revocation 33 Renunciation by application 34 Revocation by Minister—offences or fraud 34A Revocation by Minister—special residence requirements 36 Children of responsible parents who cease to be citizens Subdivision C—Citizenship cessation 36A Purpose of this Subdivision 36B Cessation of citizenship if citizenship cessation order made by court etc. 36C Citizenship cessation order if person is convicted of serious offence 36D Application by the Minister for a citizenship cessation order 36L No resumption of citizenship if citizenship ceases under this Subdivision Division 4—Evidence of Australian citizenship 37 Evidence of Australian citizenship 38 Surrender of evidentiary notice 39 Altering evidentiary notice Division 5—Personal identifiers Subdivision A—Obtaining personal identifiers 40 Request for personal identifiers 41 Provision of personal identifiers Subdivision B—Obligations relating to identifying information 42 Accessing identifying information 43 Disclosing identifying information 44 Unauthorised modification or impairment of identifying information 45 Destroying identifying information Part 3—Other matters Division 1—Bogus documents 45A Prohibition on, and forfeiture of, bogus documents 45B Seizure of bogus documents 45C Document condemned as forfeited 45D Dealing with a document after it is condemned as forfeited Division 2—Other 46 Application requirements 47 Notification of decisions 48 Computerised decision‑making 49 Evidence of whether computer program is functioning correctly 50 False statements or representations 51 Geographical jurisdiction for offences 51A Things seized under Crimes Act search warrant and information about such things 51B Reports to Parliament 52 Review of decisions 53 Delegation 54 Regulations Schedule 1—Pledge of commitment as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia 1 Form of pledge no. 1 2 Form of pledge no. 2 Endnotes Endnote 1—About the endnotes Endnote 2—Abbreviation key Endnote 3—Legislation history Endnote 4—Amendment history An Act relating to Australian citizenship Preamble The Parliament recognises that Australian citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, uniting all Australians, while respecting their diversity. The Parliament recognises that persons conferred Australian citizenship enjoy these rights and undertake to accept these obligations: (a) by pledging loyalty to Australia and its people; and (b) by sharing their democratic beliefs; and (c) by respecting their rights and liberties; and (d) by upholding and obeying the laws of Australia. The Parliament of Australia enacts: Part 1—Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. 2 Commencement (1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms. Commencement information Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Provision(s) Commencement Date/Details 1. Sections 1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. 15 March 2007 2. Sections 2A to 54 A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 1 July 2007 However, if any of the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the first day after the end of that period. (see F2007L01653) 3. Schedule 1 At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 2. 1 July 2007 Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent. (2) Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act. 2A Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Act: What this Act covers This Act sets out how you become an Australian citizen, the circumstances in which you may cease to be a citizen and some other matters related to citizenship. Becoming an Australian citizen There are a range of ways you can become an Australian citizen. Acquiring citizenship automatically Generally, you become an Australian citizen automatically if you are born in Australia and one or both of your parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents when you are born. There are some other, less common, ways of automatically becoming a citizen. Division 1 of Part 2 has details about acquiring citizenship automatically. Also, if you were a citizen under the old Act immediately before the day that this section commences, you will continue to be a citizen: see subsection 4(1). Acquiring citizenship by application The other way to become an Australian citizen is to apply to the Minister. This is covered by Division 2 of Part 2. There are 4 situations in which you can apply for citizenship. The first is citizenship by descent. Generally, you would apply for this if you were born outside Australia and one or both of your parents were Australian citizens when you were born. Citizenship by descent is covered by Subdivision A. The second is citizenship for persons adopted in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or a bilateral arrangement: see Subdivision AA. The third is citizenship by conferral. Generally, you would need to be a permanent resident and willing to make a pledge of commitment to apply for citizenship by conferral. You may need to successfully complete a citizenship test. There are some less common circumstances in which you can apply for citizenship by conferral. Citizenship by conferral is covered by Subdivision B. The fourth is resuming citizenship. In certain cases where you previously ceased to be an Australian citizen, you can apply for your citizenship to resume. Resuming citizenship is covered by Subdivision C. The Minister must be satisfied of your identity for you to acquire citizenship by application. Rules about identification are in Division 5 of Part 2. The Minister may be required to refuse your application on national security grounds. Ceasing to be an Australian citizen There are a number of ways that you can cease to be an Australian citizen. You can renounce your citizenship. If you did not automatically become an Australian citizen, the Minister can revoke your citizenship in certain circumstances. There are some other, less common, ways of ceasing to be a citizen. Division 3 of Part 2 has details about ceasing to be a citizen. Evidence that a person is an Australian citizen You can apply to the Minister for evidence of your Australian citizenship. This is covered by Division 4 of Part 2. 3 Definitions In this Act: adverse security assessment has the meaning given by section 35 of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. artificial conception procedure includes: (a) artificial insemination; and (b) the implantation of an embryo in the body of a woman. Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the external Territories. Australian citizen has the meaning given by section 4. Australian law means a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory. bogus document has the same meaning as in subsection 5(1) of the Migration Act 1958. child: without limiting who is a child of a person for the purposes of this Act, each of the following is the child of a person: (a) an adopted child, stepchild or exnuptial child of the person; (b) someone who is a child of the person within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975. commencement day means the day on which sections 2A to 54 (as originally enacted) commence. de facto partner has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. disclose, in relation to identifying information that is a personal identifier provided under Division 5 of Part 2, includes provide unauthorised access to the personal identifier. Note: Section 42 deals with authorised access to identifying information. entrusted person means: (a) the Secretary of the Department; or (b) an APS employee in the Department; or (c) a person engaged under section 74 of the Public Service Act 1999 by the Secretary of the Department; or (d) a person engaged by the Commonwealth, the Minister, the Secretary of the Department, or by an APS employee in the Department, to do work for the purposes of this Act or the regulations or of the Migration Act 1958 or the regulations made under that Act. Foreign Affairs Minister means the Minister administering the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1967. foreign law means a law of a foreign country. identifying information means the following: (a) any personal identifier provided under Division 5 of Part 2; (b) any meaningful identifier derived from any such personal identifier; (c) any record of a result of analysing any such personal identifier or any meaningful identifier derived from any such personal identifier; (d) any other information derived from: (i) any such personal identifier; or (ii) any meaningful identifier derived from any such personal identifier; or (iii) any record of a kind referred to in paragraph (c); that could be used to discover a particular person's identity or to get information about a particular person. national security offence means: (b) an offence against Division 72 of the Criminal Code; or (c) an offence against Part 5.1 of the Criminal Code (treason and related offences) other than section 83.4 (interference with political rights and duties); or (ca) an offence against Division 91 of the Criminal Code (espionage); or (cb) an offence against Part 5.3 (terrorism) of the Criminal Code; or (d) an offence against the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979; or (e) an offence against the Intelligence Services Act 2001; or (f) an offence covered by a determination in force under section 6A. New Guinea: (a) has the same meaning as the Territory of New Guinea had in the Papua New Guinea Act 1949 immediately before 16 September 1975; and (b) in relation to any time before 4 June 1969—includes a reference to the Island of Nauru. old Act means the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 as in force at any time before the commencement day. ordinarily resident: a person is taken to be ordinarily resident in a country if and only if: (a) he or she has his or her home in that country; or (b) that country is the country of his or her permanent abode even if he or she is temporarily absent from that country. However, the person is taken not to be so resident if he or she resides in that country for a special or temporary purpose only. Papua has the same meaning as the Territory of Papua had in the Papua New Guinea Act 1949 immediately before 16 September 1975. permanent resident has the meaning given by section 5. permanent visa has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958. personal identifier has the meaning given by section 10. prison includes any custodial institution at which a person convicted of an offence may be required to serve the whole or a part of any sentence imposed upon the person because of that conviction. psychiatric institution includes a psychiatric section of a hospital. qualified security assessment has the meaning given by section 35 of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. responsible parent has the meaning given by section 6. serious offence has the meaning given by subsection 36C(3). serious prison sentence means a sentence of imprisonment for a period of at least 12 months. serious repeat offender: a person is a serious repeat offender in relation to a serious prison sentence if the sentence was imposed on the person for an offence committed by the person at a time after the person ceased to be confined in prison because of the imposition of another serious prison sentence. special category visa has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958. special purpose visa has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958. Stateless Persons Convention means the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, done at New York on 28 September 1954 [1974] ATS 20. Note: The text of the Convention is set out in Australian Treaty Series 1974 No. 20. In 2008, the text of a Convention in the Australian Treaty Series was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au). stepchild: without limiting who is a stepchild of a person for the purposes of this Act, someone is the stepchild of a person if he or she would be the person's stepchild except that the person is not legally married to the person's de facto partner. unlawful non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958. visa has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958. 4 Australian citizen (1) For the purposes of this Act, Australian citizen means a person who: (a) is an Australian citizen under Division 1 or 2 of Part 2; or (b) satisfies both of the following: (i) the person was an Australian citizen under the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 immediately before the commencement day; (ii) the person has not ceased to be an Australian citizen under this Act. Citizenship under the old Act (2) If, under this Act, it is necessary to work out if a person was an Australian citizen at a time before the commencement day, work that out under the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 as in force at that time. 5 Permanent resident (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is a permanent resident at a particular time if and only if: (a) the person is present in Australia at that time and holds a permanent visa at that time; or (b) both: (i) the person is not present in Australia at that time and holds a permanent visa at that time; and (ii) the person has previously been present in Australia and held a permanent visa immediately before last leaving Australia; or (c) the person is covered by a determination in force under subsection (2) at that time. (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that: (a) persons who hold a special category visa or a special purpose visa; or (b) persons who have held a special category visa; or (c) persons who are present in Norfolk Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; and who satisfy specified requirements are, or are during a specified period, persons to whom this subsection applies. Permanent resident under the old Act (3) If, under this Act, it is necessary to work out if a person was a permanent resident at a time before the commencement day, work that out under the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 as in force at that time. 6 Responsible parent (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is a responsible parent in relation to a child if and only if: (a) the person is a parent of the child except where, because of orders made under the Family Law Act 1975, the person no longer has any parental responsibility for the child; or (b) under a parenting order the child is to live with the person (whether or not the person is a parent of the child); or (c) under a parenting order the person has parental responsibility for the child's long‑term or day‑to‑day care, welfare and development (whether or not the person is a parent of the child); or (d) the person (whether or not a parent of the child) has guardianship or custody of the child, jointly or otherwise, under an Australian law or a foreign law, whether because of adoption, operation of law, an order of a court or otherwise. (1A) In paragraph (1)(a): parental responsibility has the same meaning as in Part VII of the Family Law Act 1975. (2) Expressions used in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) have the same meaning as in the Family Law Act 1975. 6A National security offences (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that: (a) an offence against a specified provision of a specified Australian law or a specified foreign law; or (b) an offence against an Australian law or a foreign law involving specified conduct; is a national security offence for the purposes of paragraph (f) of the definition of national security offence in section 3. (2) A determination under subsection (1) applies in relation to: (a) applications made under this Act after the determination takes effect; and (b) applications made under this Act before the determination takes effect that have not been decided before the determination takes effect. 7 Children born on ships or aircraft or after death of parent Persons born on ships or aircraft (1) For the purposes of this Act: (a) a person born on a ship or aircraft registered in Australia or a foreign country is taken to have been born at the place at which the ship or aircraft is registered; and (b) a person born on a ship or aircraft not registered in Australia or a foreign country and belonging to the government of a country is taken to have been born in that country. Persons born after death of parent (2) For the purposes of this Act, the status of a parent of a person at the time of the person's birth is, for a parent who died before the birth, taken to be the status of the parent when the parent died. 8 Children born as a result of artificial conception procedures or surrogacy arrangements (1) This section applies if a child is: (a) a child of a person under section 60H or 60HB of the Family Law Act 1975; and (b) either: (i) a child of the person's spouse or de facto partner under that section; or (ii) a biological child of the person's spouse or de facto partner. (2) The child is taken for the purposes of this Act: (a) to be the child of the person and the spouse or de facto partner; and (b) not to be the child of anyone else. 9 Confinement in prison or psychiatric institution Confinement in prison (1) For the purposes of this Act, the period during which a person is confined to a prison includes a period: (a) during which the person is an escapee from the prison; or (b) during which the person is undergoing a sentence of periodic detention in the prison. (2) For the purposes of this Act, the period during which a person is confined to a prison does not include a period during which the person has been so confined by reason only of the person serving a sentence relating to a conviction that is later quashed. Confinement in psychiatric institution (3) For the purposes of this Act, the period during which a person is confined in a psychiatric institution by order of a court includes a period during which the person is an escapee from the institution. 10 Personal identifiers (1) For the purposes of this Act, a personal identifier is any of the following (including any of the following in digital form): (a) fingerprints or handprints of a person (including those taken using paper and ink or digital livescanning technologies); (b) a measurement of a person's height and weight; (c) a photograph or other image of a person's face and shoulders; (d) an iris scan; (e) a person's signature; (f) any other identifier prescribed by the regulations (except an identifier the obtaining of which would involve the carrying out of an intimate forensic procedure within the meaning of section 23WA of the Crimes Act 1914). (2) Before the Governor‑General makes regulations for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f) prescribing an identifier, the Minister must be satisfied that: (a) obtaining the identifier would not involve the carrying out of an intimate forensic procedure within the meaning of section 23WA of the Crimes Act 1914; and (b) the identifier is an image of, or a measurement or recording of, an external part of the body; and (c) obtaining the identifier is necessary for either or both of the following purposes: (i) assisting in the identification of, and to authenticate the identity of, a person making an application under Part 2 or seeking to sit a test approved in a determination under section 23A; (ii) combating document and identity fraud in citizenship matters; 11 Operation of Act External Territories (1) This Act extends to the external Territories. Application outside Australia (2) This Act extends unless the contrary intention appears: (a) to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia; and (b) to all persons, irrespective of their nationality or citizenship. State and Territory laws (3) It is the intention of the Parliament that this Act apply to the exclusion of any provisions of a law of a State or Territory that provide for Australian citizenship (whether the law was made before or after the commencement day). Part 2—Australian citizenship Division 1—Automatic acquisition of Australian citizenship 11A Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Division: The most common way you become an Australian citizen under this Division is by being born in Australia and by having a parent who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident at the time of your birth. There are some other, less common, ways of becoming an Australian citizen under this Division. These cover: • citizenship by being born in Australia and by being ordinarily resident in Australia for the next 10 years: see section 12; and • citizenship by adoption: see section 13; and • citizenship for abandoned children: see section 14; and • citizenship by incorporation of territory: see section 15. 12 Citizenship by birth (1) A person born in Australia is an Australian citizen if and only if: (a) a parent of the person is an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, at the time the person is born; or (b) the person is ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period of 10 years beginning on the day the person is born. Enemy occupation (2) However, a person is not an Australian citizen under this section if, at the time the person is born: (a) a parent of the person is an enemy alien; and (b) the place of the birth is under occupation by the enemy; unless, at that time, the other parent of the person: (c) is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident; and (d) is not an enemy alien. 13 Citizenship by adoption A person is an Australian citizen if the person is: (a) adopted under a law in force in a State or Territory; and (b) adopted by a person who is an Australian citizen at the time of the adoption or by 2 persons jointly at least one of whom is an Australian citizen at that time; and (c) present in Australia as a permanent resident at that time. 14 Citizenship for abandoned children A person is an Australian citizen if the person is found abandoned in Australia as a child, unless and until the contrary is proved. 15 Citizenship by incorporation of Territory (1) A person is an Australian citizen if: (a) any territory becomes a part of Australia; and (b) the person is included in a class of persons specified in a determination under this section. Determination (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified classes of persons are Australian citizens from a specified day because of their connection with that territory. Day citizenship begins (3) The person becomes an Australian citizen on that day. Retrospective application of instruments (4) Subsection 12(2) (retrospective application of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to the instrument. Division 2—Acquisition of Australian citizenship by application Subdivision A—Citizenship by descent 15A Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision: You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen under this Subdivision in 2 situations: • you were born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 and a parent of yours was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth: see subsection 16(2); or • you were born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 and a parent of yours was an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949: see subsection 16(3). You must make an application to become an Australian citizen. The Minister must approve or refuse you becoming an Australian citizen. You must be eligible to be an Australian citizen to be approved. The Minister may be required to refuse your application on grounds relating to: • non‑satisfaction of identity: see subsection 17(3); or • national security: see subsections 17(4) to (4B); or • cessation of citizenship: see subsection 17(5). You will be registered if the Minister approves you becoming an Australian citizen. You do not become an Australian citizen, even if the Minister approves you becoming an Australian citizen, unless a parent of yours was an Australian citizen at a particular time: see section 19A. 16 Application and eligibility for citizenship (1) A person may make an application to the Minister to become an Australian citizen. Note: Section 46 sets out application requirements (which may include the payment of a fee). Persons born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 (2) A person born outside Australia on or after 26 January 1949 is eligible to become an Australian citizen if: (a) a parent of the person was an Australian citizen at the time of the birth; and (b) if the parent was an Australian citizen under this Subdivision or Subdivision AA, or section 10B, 10C or 11 of the old Act (about citizenship by descent), at the time of the birth: (i) the parent has been present in Australia (except as an unlawful non‑citizen) for a total period of at least 2 years at any time before the person made the application; or (ii) the person is not a national or a citizen of any country at the time the person made the application and the person has never been such a national or citizen; and (c) if the person is or has ever been a national or a citizen of any country, or if article 1(2)(iii) of the Stateless Persons Convention applies to the person, and the person is aged 18 or over at the time the person made the application—the Minister is satisfied that the person is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Persons born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 (3) A person born outside Australia or New Guinea before 26 January 1949 is eligible to become an Australian citizen if: (a) a parent of the person became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949; and (b) the parent was born in Australia or New Guinea or was naturalised in Australia before the person's birth; and (c) if the person is or has ever been a national or a citizen of any country, or if article 1(2)(iii) of the Stateless Persons Convention applies to the person—the Minister is satisfied that the person is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. 17 Minister's decision (1) If a person makes an application under section 16, the Minister must, by writing, approve or refuse to approve the person becoming an Australian citizen. (1A) The Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen unless the person is eligible to become an Australian citizen under subsection 16(2) or (3). (2) Subject to this section, the Minister must approve the person becoming an Australian citizen if the person is eligible to become an Australian citizen under subsection 16(2) or (3). Identity (3) The Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen unless the Minister is satisfied of the identity of the person. Note: Division 5 contains the identity provisions. National security (4) If the person is not covered by subsection (4B), the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen at a time when an adverse security assessment, or a qualified security assessment, in respect of the person is in force under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 that the person is directly or indirectly a risk to security (within the meaning of section 4 of that Act). (4A) If the person is covered by subsection (4B), the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen if the person has been convicted of a national security offence. (4B) A person is covered by this subsection if: (a) at the time the person made the application under section 16, the person: (i) is not a national of any country; and (ii) is not a citizen of any country; and (b) at the time of the person's birth, the person had a parent who was an Australian citizen. Cessation of citizenship (5) If the person has at any time ceased to be an Australian citizen, the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen during the period of 12 months starting on the day on which the person ceased, or last ceased, to be an Australian citizen. 18 Registration If the Minister approves the person becoming an Australian citizen, the Minister must register the person in the manner prescribed by the regulations. 19 Day citizenship begins A person becomes an Australian citizen under this Subdivision on the day on which the Minister approves the person becoming an Australian citizen. 19A When a person does not become a citizen despite the Minister's approval Despite section 19, a person does not become an Australian citizen under this Subdivision, even if the Minister approves the person becoming an Australian citizen, unless: (a) if the person was born on or after 26 January 1949—a parent of the person was an Australian citizen at the time of the person's birth; or (b) if the person was born before 26 January 1949—a parent of the person became an Australian citizen on 26 January 1949. Subdivision AA—Citizenship for persons adopted in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or a bilateral arrangement 19B Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision: You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen under this Subdivision if you are adopted outside Australia by at least one Australian citizen in accordance with: (a) the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption; or (b) a bilateral arrangement. You must make an application to become an Australian citizen. The Minister must approve or refuse you becoming an Australian citizen. You must be eligible to be an Australian citizen to be approved. You may be refused citizenship even if you are eligible. The Minister may be required to refuse your application on grounds relating to: • non‑satisfaction of identity: see subsection 19D(4); or • national security: see subsections 19D(5) to (7A); or • cessation of citizenship: see subsection 19D(8). You will be registered if the Minister approves you becoming an Australian citizen. 19C Application and eligibility for citizenship (1) A person may make an application to the Minister to become an Australian citizen. Note: Section 46 sets out application requirements (which may include the payment of a fee). Eligibility (2) A person (the applicant) is eligible to become an Australian citizen if: (a) the applicant is adopted in a Convention country or a prescribed overseas jurisdiction by: (i) a person (the adopter) who is an Australian citizen at time of the adoption; or (ii) 2 persons jointly, only one of whom (the adopter) is an Australian citizen at the time of the adoption; or (iii) 2 persons jointly, both of whom (the adopters) are Australian citizens at the time of the adoption; and (b) an adoption compliance certificate issued in that country is in force for the adoption; and (c) under the Intercountry Adoption regulations or the Bilateral Arrangements regulations, as applicable, the adoption is recognised and effective for the laws of the Commonwealth and each State and Territory; and (d) the legal relationship between the applicant and the individuals who were, immediately before the adoption, the applicant's parents has been terminated; and (e) if subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii) applies and the adopter is an Australian citizen under Subdivision A or this Subdivision at the time of the adoption—the adopter satisfies subsection (3); and (f) if subparagraph (a)(iii) applies and each adopter is an Australian citizen under Subdivision A or this Subdivision at the time of the adoption—either or both of the adopters satisfy subsection (3); and (g) if the applicant is aged 18 or over at the time the applicant made the application—the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. (3) An adopter satisfies this subsection if the adopter has been present in Australia (except as an unlawful non‑citizen) for a total period of at least 2 years at any time before the applicant made the application. Definitions (4) In this section: adoption compliance certificate: (a) for an adoption in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption—has the same meaning as in the Intercountry Adoption regulations; and (b) for an adoption in accordance with a bilateral arrangement—has the same meaning as in the Bilateral Arrangements regulations. Bilateral Arrangements regulations means prescribed regulations made under the Family Law Act 1975. Convention country has the same meaning as in the Intercountry Adoption regulations. Intercountry Adoption regulations means prescribed regulations made under the Family Law Act 1975. prescribed overseas jurisdiction has the same meaning as in the Bilateral Arrangements regulations. 19D Minister's decision (1) If a person makes an application under section 19C, the Minister must, by writing, approve or refuse to approve the person becoming an Australian citizen. (2) The Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen unless the person is eligible to become an Australian citizen under subsection 19C(2). (3) The Minister may refuse to approve the person becoming an Australian citizen despite the person being eligible to become an Australian citizen under subsection 19C(2). Identity (4) The Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen unless the Minister is satisfied of the identity of the person. Note: Division 5 contains the identity provisions. National security (5) If the person is not covered by subsection (7), the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen at a time when an adverse security assessment, or a qualified security assessment, in respect of the person is in force under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 that the person is directly or indirectly a risk to security (within the meaning of section 4 of that Act). (6) If the person is covered by subsection (7), the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen if the person: (a) if subparagraph (7)(b)(i) applies to the person: (i) has been convicted of a national security offence; or (ii) subject to subsection (7A), has been convicted of an offence against an Australian law or a foreign law, for which the person has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 5 years; or (b) if subparagraph (7)(b)(ii) applies to the person—has been convicted of a national security offence. (7) A person is covered by this subsection if: (a) at the time the person made the application under section 19C, the person: (i) is not a national of any country; and (ii) is not a citizen of any country; and (b) either: (i) the person was born in Australia; or (ii) the person was born outside Australia and, at the time of the person's birth, the person had a parent who was an Australian citizen. (7A) The Minister may decide that subparagraph (6)(a)(ii) does not apply in relation to a person if, taking into account the circumstances that resulted in the person's conviction, the Minister is satisfied that it would be unreasonable for that subparagraph to apply in relation to the person. Cessation of citizenship (8) If the person has at any time ceased to be an Australian citizen, the Minister must not approve the person becoming an Australian citizen during the period of 12 months starting on the day on which the person ceased, or last ceased, to be an Australian citizen. 19E Registration If the Minister approves the person becoming an Australian citizen, the Minister must register the person in the manner prescribed by the regulations. 19F Day citizenship begins A person becomes an Australian citizen under this Subdivision on the day on which the Minister approves the person becoming an Australian citizen. Subdivision B—Citizenship by conferral 19G Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision: You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen under this Subdivision in 7 situations: • you satisfy the general eligibility criteria and have successfully completed a citizenship test: see subsections 21(2) and (2A); or • you have a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity: see subsection 21(3); or • you are aged 60 or over or have a hearing, speech or sight impairment: see subsection 21(4); or • you are aged under 18: see subsection 21(5); or • you were born to a former Australian citizen: see subsection 21(6); or • you were born in Papua: see subsection 21(7); or • you are a stateless person: see subsection 21(8). You must make an application to become an Australian citizen. The Minister must approve or refuse you becoming an Australian citizen. You must be eligible to be an Australian citizen to be approved. You may be refused citizenship even if you are eligible. The Minister may be required to refuse your application on grounds relating to: • non‑satisfaction of identity: see subsection 24(3); or • national security: see subsections 24(4) to (4C); or • non‑presence in Australia: see subsection 24(5); or • offences: see subsection 24(6); or • cessation of citizenship: see subsection 24(7). You may need to make a pledge of commitment to become an Australian citizen. 20 Requirements for becoming a citizen A person becomes an Australian citizen under this Subdivision if: (a) the Minister decides under subsection 24(1) to approve the person becoming an Australian citizen; and (b) if the person is required to make a pledge of commitment to become an Australian citizen—the person makes that pledge. Note: Sections 21 to 25 deal with the Minister approving the person becoming an Australian citizen. Sections 26 and 27 deal with the making of a pledge of commitment. 21 Application and eligibility for citizenship (1) A person may make an application to the Minister to become an Australian citizen. Note 1: Subsections (2) to (8) deal with eligibility. Note 2: Section 46 sets out application requirements (which may include the payment of a fee). General eligibility (2) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that the person: (a) is aged 18 or over at the time the person made the application; and (b) is a permanent resident: (i) at the time the person made the application; and (ii) at the time of the Minister's decision on the application; and (c) satisfies the general residence requirement (see section 22) or the special residence requirement (see section 22A or 22B), or satisfies the defence service requirement (see section 23), at the time the person made the application; and (d) understands the nature of an application under subsection (1); and (e) possesses a basic knowledge of the English language; and (f) has an adequate knowledge of Australia and of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship; and (g) is likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if the application were to be approved; and (h) is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. (2A) Paragraphs (2)(d), (e) and (f) are taken to be satisfied if and only if the Minister is satisfied that the following apply: (a) the person has sat a test approved in a determination under section 23A; (b) the person was eligible to sit that test (worked out in accordance with that determination); (c) the person started that test within the period worked out in accordance with that determination and completed that test within the period (the relevant test period) worked out in accordance with that determination; (d) the person successfully completed that test (worked out in accordance with that determination) within the relevant test period. Permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity (3) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that the person: (a) is aged 18 or over at the time the person made the application; and (b) is a permanent resident: (i) at the time the person made the application; and (ii) at the time of the Minister's decision on the application; and (c) satisfies the general residence requirement (see section 22) or the special residence requirement (see section 22A or 22B), or satisfies the defence service requirement (see section 23), at the time the person made the application; and (d) has a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity, at the time the person made the application, that means the person: (i) is not capable of understanding the nature of the application at that time; or (ii) is not capable of demonstrating a basic knowledge of the English language at that time; or (iii) is not capable of demonstrating an adequate knowledge of Australia and of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship at that time; and (e) is likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if the application were to be approved; and (f) is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Person aged 60 or over or has hearing, speech or sight impairment (4) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that the person: (a) is: (i) aged 60 or over at the time the person made the application; or (ii) aged 18 or over at the time the person made the application and is suffering from a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech or sight at that time; and (b) is a permanent resident: (i) at the time the person made the application; and (ii) at the time of the Minister's decision on the application; and (c) understands the nature of the application at the time the person made the application; and (d) satisfies the general residence requirement (see section 22) or the special residence requirement (see section 22A or 22B), or satisfies the defence service requirement (see section 23), at the time the person made the application; and (e) is likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if the application were to be approved; and (f) is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Person aged under 18 (5) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that the person: (a) is aged under 18 at the time the person made the application; and (b) is a permanent resident: (i) at the time the person made the application; and (ii) at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Person born to former Australian citizen (6) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that: (a) the person was born outside Australia; and (b) a parent of the person was not an Australian citizen at the time of the person's birth; and (c) the parent had ceased to be an Australian citizen under section 17 of the old Act (about dual citizenship) before that time; and (d) if the person is aged 18 or over at the time the person made the application—the person is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Person born in Papua (7) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that: (a) the person was born in Papua before 16 September 1975; and (b) a parent of the person was born in Australia (within the meaning of this Act at the time the person made the application); and (c) the parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the person's birth; and (d) the person is of good character at the time of the Minister's decision on the application. Statelessness (8) A person is eligible to become an Australian citizen if the Minister is satisfied that: (a) the person was born in Australia; and (b) the person: (i) is not a national of any country; and (ii) is not a citizen of any country; and (c) the person has: (i) never been a national of any country; and (ii) never been a citizen of any country; and (d) the person: (i) is not entitled to acquire the nationality of a foreign country; and (ii) is not entitled to acquire the citizenship of a foreign country. 22 General residence requirement (1) Subject to this section, for the purposes of section 21 a person satisfies the general residence requirement if: (a) the person was present in Australia for the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application; and (b) the person was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen at any time during that 4 year period; and (c) the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident for the period of 12 months immediately before the day the person made the application. Overseas absences (1A) If: (a) the person was absent from Australia for a part of the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application; and (b) the total period of the absence or absences was not more than 12 months; then, for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the person is taken to have been present in Australia during each period of absence. (1B) If: (a) the person was absent from Australia for a part of the period of 12 months immediately before the day the person made the application; and (b) the total period of the absence or absences was not more than 90 days; and (c) the person was a permanent resident during each period of absence; then, for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), the person is taken to have been present in Australia as a permanent resident during each period of absence. Confinement in prison or psychiatric institution (1C) Subject to subsection (5A), the person is taken not to satisfy paragraph (1)(a) if, at any time during the 4 year period mentioned in that paragraph, the person was: (a) confined in a prison; or (b) confined in a psychiatric institution by order of a court made in connection with proceedings for an offence against an Australian law in relation to the person. Partial exemption—person born in Australia or former Australian citizen (2) Paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not apply if the person: (a) was born in Australia; or (b) was an Australian citizen at any time before the person made the application. Ministerial discretion—administrative error (4A) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the person was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen if the Minister considers the person was present in Australia during that period but, because of an administrative error, was an unlawful non‑citizen during that period. (5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident if the Minister considers the person was present in Australia during that period but, because of an administrative error, was not a permanent resident during that period. Ministerial discretion—confinement in prison or psychiatric institution (5A) The Minister may decide that subsection (1C) does not apply in relation to the person if, taking into account the circumstances that resulted in the person's confinement, the Minister is satisfied that it would be unreasonable for that subsection to apply in relation to the person. Ministerial discretion—person in Australia would suffer significant hardship or disadvantage (6) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident if: (a) the person was present in Australia during that period (except as a permanent resident or an unlawful non‑citizen); and (b) the Minister is satisfied that the person will suffer significant hardship or disadvantage if that period were not treated as one during which the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident. Ministerial discretion—spouse, de facto partner or surviving spouse or de facto partner of Australian citizen (9) If the person is the spouse, de facto partner or surviving spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen at the time the person made the application, the Minister may treat a period as one in which the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident if: (a) the person was a spouse or de facto partner of that Australian citizen during that period; and (b) the person was not present in Australia during that period; and (c) the person was a permanent resident during that period; and (d) the Minister is satisfied that the person had a close and continuing association with Australia during that period. (10) In subsection (9): surviving spouse or de facto partner of a person who has died means a person who was the person's spouse or de facto partner immediately before the person died and who has not later become the spouse or de facto partner of another person. Ministerial discretion—person in an interdependent relationship (11) If, at the time the person made the application, the person: (a) holds a permanent visa granted to the person because the person was in an interdependent relationship with an Australian citizen; and (b) is in that interdependent relationship; then, for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the person was present in Australia as a permanent resident if: (c) the person held that visa during that period and the person was in that interdependent relationship during that period; and (d) the person was not present in Australia during that period; and (e) the person was a permanent resident during that period; and (f) the Minister is satisfied that the person had a close and continuing association with Australia during that period. 22A Special residence requirement—persons engaging in activities that are of benefit to Australia (1) Subject to this section, for the purposes of section 21 a person (the applicant) satisfies the special residence requirement if: (a) the following apply: (i) the applicant is seeking to engage in an activity specified under subsection 22C(1); (ii) the applicant's engagement in that activity would be of benefit to Australia; (iii) the applicant needs to be an Australian citizen in order to engage in that activity; (iv) in order for the applicant to engage in that activity, there is insufficient time for the applicant to satisfy the general residence requirement (see section 22); and (b) the head of an organisation specified under subsection 22C(2), or a person whom the Minister is satisfied holds a senior position in that organisation, has given the Minister a notice in writing stating that the applicant has a reasonable prospect of being engaged in that activity; and (c) the applicant was present in Australia for a total of at least 180 days during the period of 2 years immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (d) the applicant was present in Australia for a total of at least 90 days during the period of 12 months immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (e) the applicant was ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period of 2 years immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (f) the applicant was a permanent resident for the period of 2 years immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (g) the applicant was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen at any time during the period of 2 years immediately before the day the applicant made the application. Ministerial discretion—alternative residence requirements (1A) The Minister may, by writing, determine that paragraphs (1)(d) to (g) do not apply in relation to the applicant if: (a) the Minister is satisfied that paragraphs (1)(a), (b) and (c) apply in relation to the applicant; and (b) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant satisfies: (i) paragraphs 21(2)(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h); or (ii) paragraphs 21(3)(a), (b), (d), (e) and (f); or (iii) paragraphs 21(4)(a), (b), (c), (e) and (f); and (c) the applicant was a permanent resident throughout the period of 90 days immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (d) the applicant was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen at any time during the period of 180 days immediately before the day the applicant made the application; and (e) the applicant has given the Minister an undertaking, in a form approved by the Minister under subsection (8), that, if the applicant becomes an Australian citizen in circumstances where the Minister exercises the power under this subsection: (i) the applicant will be ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period of 2 years beginning on the day the applicant becomes an Australian citizen; and (ii) the applicant will be present in Australia for a total of at least 180 days during that 2‑year period; and (f) the applicant has declared, in the undertaking, that the applicant understands the effect of section 34A. Note: See also subsections (6) to (11). (1B) If the Minister exercises the power under subsection (1A) in relation to the applicant, then, for the purposes of section 21, the applicant is taken to satisfy the special residence requirement. Confinement in prison or psychiatric institution (2) Subject to subsection (3), the applicant is taken not to satisfy paragraph (1)(c) if, at any time during the 2 year period mentioned in that paragraph, the applicant was: (a) confined in a prison; or (b) confined in a psychiatric institution by order of a court made in connection with proceedings for an offence against an Australian law in relation to the applicant. (3) The Minister may decide that subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the applicant if, taking into account the circumstances that resulted in the applicant's confinement, the Minister is satisfied that it would be unreasonable for that subsection to apply in relation to the applicant. Ministerial discretion—administrative error (4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f) or (1A)(c), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the applicant was a permanent resident if the Minister considers that, because of an administrative error, the applicant was not a permanent resident during that period. (5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(g) or (1A)(d), the Minister may treat a period as one in which the applicant was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen if the Minister considers the applicant was present in Australia during that period but, because of an administrative error, was an unlawful non‑citizen during that period. Rules relating to power under subsection (1A) (6) The power under subsection (1A) may only be exercised by the Minister personally. (7) The Minister does not have a duty to consider whether to exercise the power under subsection (1A), whether he or she is requested to do so by the applicant or by any other person, or in any other circumstances. (8) The Minister may, by writing, approve a form for the purposes of paragraph (1A)(e). (9) If the applicant becomes an Australian citizen in circumstances where the Minister exercised the power under subsection (1A), the Minister must cause to be tabled in each House of the Parliament, within 15 sitting days of that House after the day the applicant becomes an Australian citizen, a statement that: (a) states that the Minister has exercised the power under subsection (1A); and (b) states the activity covered by paragraph (1)(a); and (c) sets out the reasons for the Minister's exercise of that power, including why the Minister considers that engagement in that activity would be of benefit to Australia. (10) However, a statement under subsection (9) is not to include the name of the applicant. (11) A determination under subsection (1A) is not a legislative instrument. 22B Special residence requirement—persons engaged in particular kinds of work requiring regular travel outside Australia (1) Subject to this section, for the purposes of section 21 a person satisfies the special residence requirement if: (a) at the time the person made the application, the person is engaged in work of a kind specified under subsection 22C(3) and the person is required to regularly travel outside Australia because of that work; and (b) the following apply: (i) the person was engaged in that kind of work for a total of at least 2 years during the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application; (ii) for the whole or part of that 4 year period when the person was engaged in that kind of work, the person regularly travelled outside Australia because of that work; and (c) the person was present in Australia for a total of at least 480 days during the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application; and (d) the person was present in Australia for a total of at least 120 days during the period of 12 months immediately before the day the person made the application; and (e) the person was ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application; and (f) the person was a permanent resident for the period of 12 months immediately before the day the person made the application; and (g) the person was not present in Australia as an unlawful non‑citizen at any time during the period of 4 years immediately before the day the person made the application. Ministerial discretion—alternative residence requirements (1A) The Minister may, by writing, determine that paragraphs (1)(c) to (g) do not apply in relation to the person if: (a) the Minister is satisfied that paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) apply in relation to the person; and (b) the Minister is satisfied that the person's engagement in the kind of work concerned is of benefit to Australia; and (c) the Minister is satisfied that the person satisfies: (i) paragraphs 21(2)(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h); or (ii) paragraphs 21(3)(a), (b), (d), (e)