Citizenship by descent

Citizenship for a person born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent.

OUR EXPERTISE

Descent

A child born outside Australia to an Australian parent is not automatically documented as a citizen. An application by descent is how that citizenship is recognised.

Requirements

The person was born outside Australia.
At least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the birth.
The identity of the applicant and of the parent can be verified.
An applicant who is 18 or over also meets the character requirement.
The application is made. Descent citizenship of this kind is applied for.

Evidence

The birth certificate, showing the parent.
Evidence the parent was a citizen when the child was born.
Identity documents.

Related pathways

People who are already citizens and need a document use evidence of citizenship.
Permanent residents applying to become citizens use conferral.

WHY CHOOSE CK MIGRATION

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READY TO START

Discuss citizenship by descent

We will tell you whether a parent’s citizenship at the date of birth can be proved.