AUD 575 for the application, 20 questions on the test (and if you get even one of the five values questions wrong, you’ve failed the whole thing), plus 3-6 months waiting for a ceremony after approval. Getting Australian citizenship isn’t just a formality after a few years of living here. It’s a full process with specific requirements for documents, translations, and knowledge about the country. If you’re a Ukrainian with permanent residency in Australia and thinking about citizenship - here’s everything you need to know so you don’t waste time and money on repeat applications.
We’ve already covered NAATI translation for Australian immigration and Skills Assessment in detail - now it’s time to talk about the final step: going from PR to passport.
Who Can Apply for Australian Citizenship¶
To apply for Australian Citizenship by Conferral (form 1300t), you need to meet several criteria simultaneously. Not just one of them - all of them.
Residency Requirements¶
As the Department of Home Affairs states:
You must have been living in Australia on a valid Australian visa for four years immediately before the day you apply, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
In plain terms:
- 4 years of lawful residence in Australia on any valid visa (including temporary ones)
- The last 12 months must be as a permanent resident
- You can’t have been outside Australia for more than 12 months total during those 4 years
- No more than 90 days outside Australia in the last 12 months
This is a big deal for Ukrainians: if you’ve been flying back to Ukraine or Europe to visit family - count your days. Exceed 90 days in the final year and your application gets rejected, even if everything else is perfect. The Department of Home Affairs has a Residence Calculator where you can check your eligibility before applying.
Other Requirements¶
- Age: 18 or older (kids under 16 have a separate process)
- Good character: no serious criminal offenses. If you lived in any country for more than 12 months after turning 16, you’ll need a police clearance from that country
- Intention to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing connection with the country
- Basic English: not a formal test (like IELTS), but the ability to pass the interview and citizenship test in English
For Ukrainians who came through the Temporary Humanitarian Stay pathway, there’s a catch: accepting a Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa may limit your future visa options. Before accepting any offer, talk to a registered migration agent first.
Citizenship Test: 20 Questions That Decide Everything¶
The citizenship test isn’t a rubber stamp. If you’re thinking “I’ll just read through it the evening before” - that’s a bad strategy. There are specific rules, and getting one type of question wrong means automatic failure.
Test Format¶
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 20 (multiple choice) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 75% (minimum 15 correct out of 20) |
| Values questions | 5 questions - ALL must be correct |
| Language | English only |
| Age | 18-59 (60+ are exempt) |
| Retakes | Unlimited attempts |
The critical point: even if you score 15 out of 20, but get one of the five Australian values questions wrong - the test doesn’t count. It’s the only section with a zero-error tolerance.
What the Test Covers¶
All questions are based on the booklet Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, which you can download for free from the Department of Home Affairs website. The test covers four topics:
- Australia and its people - geography, history, Indigenous peoples, national symbols
- Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties - democratic principles, freedom of speech, equality before the law
- Government and the law - three levels of government, parliament, elections
- Australian values - respect, freedom, rule of law, equal opportunity
The values questions aren’t just “list the Australian values.” They’re scenario-based: you’re given a real-life situation and need to pick the answer that reflects Australian values. For example, a question about religious freedom in the workplace or about gender equality.
How to Prepare¶
- Read the Our Common Bond booklet cover to cover - it’s about 60 pages. Don’t skip
- Take the official practice test on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Pay extra attention to the values section - zero mistakes allowed there
- There are plenty of free resources with 500+ practice questions available online
As one applicant shared on a community forum:
I studied the book for about a week, did practice tests every evening. The values questions were the trickiest - they present scenarios where multiple answers seem right, but only one truly reflects Australian values. Don’t skip the practice tests.
Tip: if English isn’t your first language, start preparing at least 2-3 weeks ahead. The questions are clearly worded, but some have nuances that are easy to miss if you’re not a native speaker.
Which Documents Need Translation for a Citizenship Application¶
If you’ve already gone through the translation process for an Australian visa, you’ll have some documents ready. But citizenship may require additional ones.
Required Documents¶
| Document | NAATI translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Yes | Full version with parents’ names |
| Foreign passport | No (if in English) | But if there’s a Ukrainian insert - translate it |
| Police clearance (Ukraine) | Yes | Valid for 90 days - watch the clock |
| Marriage certificate | Yes (if applicable) | Or divorce certificate |
| Change of name certificate | Yes (if applicable) | Each change separately |
| Children’s documents | Yes | If children are included in the application |
Police Clearance from Ukraine¶
This is one of the trickiest documents for Ukrainians in Australia, especially with the ongoing war. Here’s what you need to know:
- The certificate is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
- It’s valid for 90 days from the date of issue for overseas submissions
- You need an apostille (done in Ukraine)
- Then a NAATI translation into English
The chain looks like this: get the certificate → get the apostille → send it to Australia → get a NAATI translation → submit with your application. All within 90 days. If the certificate expires - start over.
If you’ve lived in other countries (Germany, Poland, Canada) for more than 12 months after turning 16, you need a separate clearance from each country. For Ukrainians who lived in Germany or Poland before moving to Australia, that means collecting documents from multiple countries at once.
Documents Proving Residency¶
Besides translated documents, you’ll need:
- Visa grant notices - already in English, no translation needed
- International Movement Records - order through Freedom of Information from the Department of Home Affairs
- Proof of address - utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements. If they’re in English - no translation needed
How Much Does NAATI Translation Cost for Citizenship¶
If you’re living in Australia, your translations MUST come from a NAATI-accredited translator. This isn’t a suggestion - it’s a Department of Home Affairs requirement. A translation done in Ukraine (even a notarized one) won’t be accepted for applications lodged from within Australia.
NAATI Translation Prices in 2026-2027¶
| Document | Price (AUD) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | 60-90 | 2-5 business days |
| Marriage certificate | 60-90 | 2-5 business days |
| Police clearance | 60-80 | 2-5 business days |
| Change of name certificate | 60-80 | 2-5 business days |
| Urgent translation (24 hrs) | 90-120 per document | 24 hours |
| Super urgent (12 hrs) | 120-150 per document | 12 hours |
A typical citizenship package (birth certificate + police clearance + marriage certificate) will run you AUD 180-270 at standard turnaround times.
Where to find a NAATI translator for Ukrainian:
- Official NAATI Directory - search by language pair Ukrainian-English
- TIS National - free telephone interpreting service for communicating with government agencies (not for document translation, but useful for communication)
If you need a draft translation to understand your documents or prepare text before visiting a NAATI translator, you can upload your document to ChatsControl and get an AI translation in minutes. But for official submission - NAATI only.
Total Cost and Timeline for Getting Citizenship¶
Application Fees¶
As reported by the Department of Home Affairs, from 1 July 2025:
The application charge for Australian Citizenship by Conferral is AUD 575.
| Application type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by Conferral (standard) | 575 |
| Concession rate (eligible applicants) | 80 |
| Children under 16 (with parent applicant) | 0 |
| Citizenship by Descent | 370 |
The AUD 80 concession rate is available for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders or those receiving certain government payments.
Processing Times¶
The process from application to passport has several stages:
- Submit application (form 1300t online through ImmiAccount)
- Application processing: 50% of applications are processed within 3 months, 75% within 5 months, 90% within 7 months
- Test and interview scheduling - after preliminary approval
- Ceremony wait: 3-6 months after approval (depends on your local council)
- Ceremony - taking the Pledge of Commitment
Total from application to ceremony - 6 to 13 months. If your documents are incomplete or there are questions about good character - it could take longer.
Important: if you don’t attend a ceremony within 12 months of approval, your citizenship approval may be cancelled. The ceremony isn’t optional - it’s a mandatory step.
Step-by-Step Guide: From PR to Passport¶
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility¶
- Check your dates using the Residence Calculator
- Count your days of absence (maximum 12 months over 4 years, 90 days in the last year)
- Make sure you’ve had PR for at least 12 months
Step 2: Gather Documents¶
- Birth certificate + NAATI translation
- Police clearance from every country where you lived 12+ months after turning 16
- Marriage/divorce certificate + NAATI translation (if applicable)
- Passport (copies of all pages with visas and stamps)
- Two identity declarations from eligible referees (Australian citizens)
- International Movement Records (order in advance - can take up to 30 days)
Step 3: Order Translations¶
- Find a NAATI translator for Ukrainian through the NAATI directory
- Order the police clearance LAST (90-day validity!)
- Standard translation turnaround is 2-5 business days, urgent is 24 hours
Step 4: Submit Your Application¶
- Register on ImmiAccount
- Complete form 1300t online
- Upload all documents and translations
- Pay the AUD 575 fee
Step 5: Test and Interview¶
- After submission, you’ll receive an invitation for the test
- The test takes place at a Department of Home Affairs office
- Bring your passport and visa grant notice
- If you fail the test, you can retake it (unlimited attempts)
Step 6: Ceremony¶
- You’ll receive an invitation 3-4 weeks before the date
- The ceremony is conducted by your local council or the Department of Home Affairs
- You take the Pledge of Commitment
- You receive your Australian Citizenship Certificate
After the ceremony, you can apply for an Australian passport - that’s a separate process with its own fee (AUD 398 for adults).
Specific Considerations for Ukrainians¶
Temporary Protection and the Path to Citizenship¶
For Ukrainians in Australia on a temporary humanitarian visa, the path to citizenship looks like this:
- Temporary visa (subclass 786 or other)
- Transition to a permanent visa (Protection visa subclass 866 or another permanent visa)
- 12 months on PR
- Apply for citizenship
As Services Australia explains:
Ukrainian nationals and their family members in Australia can access support services and explore visa pathways including skilled, family, student and visitor visa programs.
Time on a temporary visa counts toward the 4-year total residency requirement. So if you’ve been on a temporary visa for 3 years + 1 year on PR - you meet the requirements.
Name Transliteration¶
A classic problem for Ukrainians: your name appears differently across documents. Your birth certificate has it in Cyrillic, your passport in Latin script (and possibly using different transliteration systems). If you have discrepancies in how your name is spelled, prepare an explanatory statement (statutory declaration) and translations of all variations.
Dual Citizenship¶
Australia allows dual citizenship. You can keep your Ukrainian citizenship while gaining Australian citizenship. It works both ways. We’ve covered dual citizenship in more detail separately.
As for Ukraine - the dual citizenship law is still being developed, but in practice Ukraine doesn’t penalize people for holding a second citizenship.
Comparison: Australia vs Canada vs Germany vs UK¶
If you’re still choosing a country for naturalization or comparing options:
| Criteria | Australia | Canada | Germany | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. residence | 4 years (1 year PR) | 3 of 5 years (PR) | 8 years (or 6-7 with integration) | 5 years + 1 year ILR |
| Application fee | AUD 575 | CAD 630 | EUR 255 | GBP 1,580 |
| Test | 20 questions, 75% | 20 questions, 75% | 33 questions, 50% | 24 questions, 75% |
| Language test | Built into citizenship test | CLB 4+ | B1 | B1 |
| Dual citizenship | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Processing time | 6-13 months | 5-13 months | 3-12 months | 6 months |
| Translation type | NAATI | CTTIC/certified | Beeidigte Übersetzung | Certified |
Australia is one of the few countries where dual citizenship is allowed without restrictions, and where the language test is built into the citizenship test (no separate IELTS or equivalent needed). But the fee is among the highest of developed nations.
Common Mistakes When Applying¶
- Applying too early - if you haven’t hit 4 years or 12 months of PR, it’s an automatic refusal. No refunds
- Expired police clearance - 90 days fly by, especially when you’re waiting for mail from Ukraine
- Forgetting a country of residence - lived in Poland for 13 months and didn’t submit a clearance? That’s a problem
- Non-NAATI translation - a translation from Ukraine or from a non-accredited translator won’t be accepted
- Missing the ceremony - don’t show up within 12 months = approval cancelled
- Poor test preparation - ignored the values questions = fail even with 19/20 on everything else
Tip: submit your documents through ImmiAccount - it has a checklist that won’t let you forget important documents. And keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit.
Free Resources for Ukrainians¶
Australia has one of the best migrant support systems among English-speaking countries:
- TIS National - free telephone interpreting service in 150+ languages (including Ukrainian). Helps you communicate with government agencies
- Settlement Services - free consultations for newly arrived migrants
- Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) - up to 510 hours of free English classes
- Practice test on the Department of Home Affairs website - the official practice test
You can also connect with Ukrainian communities in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide - they often run info sessions and help with document preparation.
FAQ¶
How much does Australian citizenship cost in total?¶
The application fee is AUD 575 (from July 2025). The concession rate is AUD 80. Children under 16 applying with a parent are free. Add NAATI translation costs (AUD 60-90 per document) and police clearance fees. Total budget for a single applicant - roughly AUD 800-1,000.
How long does the whole process take from application to passport?¶
From application to ceremony - usually 6-13 months. 50% of applications are processed within 3 months, but then there’s another 3-6 months waiting for a ceremony. After the ceremony, passport processing takes another 2-3 weeks. Realistically, expect 8-15 months total.
Can I fail the citizenship test and try again?¶
Yes, there’s no limit on retakes. But each retake means a separate trip to a Department of Home Affairs office, and there’s usually a few weeks between attempts. Better to prepare properly the first time.
Will they accept a translation done in Ukraine?¶
For applications lodged from within Australia - no. The Department of Home Affairs requires NAATI-certified translation. A translation done in Ukraine (even a notarized one) technically won’t be accepted. If you’re applying from overseas, a translation by a “qualified translator” is theoretically acceptable, but NAATI is always the safer bet.
Do I need a police clearance from every country I’ve lived in?¶
Yes, from every country where you lived for more than 12 months after turning 16. For Ukrainians who lived in Poland, Germany, or the Czech Republic before moving to Australia, that means a clearance from each of those countries. Each one with a NAATI translation.
Can I keep my Ukrainian citizenship?¶
Yes. Australia fully allows dual citizenship. You don’t need to give up your Ukrainian passport. Ukraine also de facto tolerates dual citizenship, even though the legislation isn’t fully settled yet.
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