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Australian citizenship
What does it mean to be Australian?
“Where do you come from?” Some Germans, who have been living in Australia with their German citizenship and Australian permanent residency for some time, may remember times when they struggled answering this question, getting involved in a distinctive discussion about citizenship, residency, nationality and country of birth. Applying for the Australian citizenship may help to gain some clarity in this respect. However it is more than just a clear reference to your citizenship. With the Australian citizenship you declare your respect for Australian values und that you are willing to defend them, if necessary.
“Where do you come from?”, “I am Australian” may still not pass the lips of some Germans easily, even after obtaining the Australian citizenship. Other Germans may already feel “Australian” even without an Australian passport. Either way, the Australian citizenship is the “next step” to join the Australian community.
What are your rights and obligations as an Australian?
The Australian citizenship is more than just a document presented in a ceremonial act. It comes with specific rights and responsibilities such as:
The obligation to
· serve on a jury if requested to do so
· defend Australiaif necessary
· vote in elections and referendi
The right to:
· vote in elections and referendi
· apply for positions in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
· seek election to parliament
· re-enter Australia freely
· receive assistance from an Australian official while overseas
· register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.
How to become Australian?
As a permanent resident you must meet certain conditions to be eligible for citizenship, especially regarding the time you have been residing in Australia (for details see the website of the Department of Immigration under "Links". There are other requirements as well, such as that the Australian authorities must be convinced of your “good character”. Also you must undertake a citizenship - test in which you are being asked questions about what the Australian government considers crucial prerequisites for being worthy to become an Australian citizen (For more information see the chapter "Links"). For more information regarding these and potential other requirements visit the homepage of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (see "Links").
“Where do you come from?” Some Germans, who have been living in Australia with their German citizenship and Australian permanent residency for some time, may remember times when they struggled answering this question, getting involved in a distinctive discussion about citizenship, residency, nationality and country of birth. Applying for the Australian citizenship may help to gain some clarity in this respect. However it is more than just a clear reference to your citizenship. With the Australian citizenship you declare your respect for Australian values und that you are willing to defend them, if necessary.
“Where do you come from?”, “I am Australian” may still not pass the lips of some Germans easily, even after obtaining the Australian citizenship. Other Germans may already feel “Australian” even without an Australian passport. Either way, the Australian citizenship is the “next step” to join the Australian community.
What are your rights and obligations as an Australian?
The Australian citizenship is more than just a document presented in a ceremonial act. It comes with specific rights and responsibilities such as:
The obligation to
· serve on a jury if requested to do so
· defend Australiaif necessary
· vote in elections and referendi
The right to:
· vote in elections and referendi
· apply for positions in the Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force
· seek election to parliament
· re-enter Australia freely
· receive assistance from an Australian official while overseas
· register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.
How to become Australian?
As a permanent resident you must meet certain conditions to be eligible for citizenship, especially regarding the time you have been residing in Australia (for details see the website of the Department of Immigration under "Links". There are other requirements as well, such as that the Australian authorities must be convinced of your “good character”. Also you must undertake a citizenship - test in which you are being asked questions about what the Australian government considers crucial prerequisites for being worthy to become an Australian citizen (For more information see the chapter "Links"). For more information regarding these and potential other requirements visit the homepage of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (see "Links").