Australian citizenship is the final destination of the migration pathway for many Vietnamese people. Australian citizenship requires meeting a residence period and passing a test. This article explains the details.
Australian citizenship: residence requirements
Australian citizenship requires meeting the prescribed Residence Requirement. Specifically: having lived in Australia as a permanent resident (PR) for at least the most recent 12 months before applying, and having lived in Australia for a total of 4 years within the last 4 years.
Within the 4-year residence period, absences from Australia must not exceed 12 months. Within the final 12 months as a PR, absences must not exceed 90 days. Time held before becoming a PR (e.g., on a student visa or a temporary visa) counts toward the total 4 years but not toward the final 12 months.
Other requirements for Australian citizenship
Australian citizenship also requires: meeting the Character requirement (no serious criminal record), passing the Australian Citizenship Test, intending to reside permanently in Australia, and understanding the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
The Citizenship Test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions on Australian history, culture, and the political system, plus five special questions on Australian values. A pass requires 75% (15/20) and all 5 values questions correct. The test is taken in English.
Privileges of Australian citizenship
After becoming an Australian citizen, a naturalized person has full citizen rights: the right to vote (voting is mandatory in Australia for citizens 18+), the right to an Australian passport, the right to live and work without restriction in Australia and New Zealand (via the TTV), and the right to sponsor relatives under citizen-based visa categories.
Australia allows dual citizenship—renouncing the original nationality is not required. However, Vietnam has its own regulations on nationality; Vietnamese citizens naturalizing in Australia should look into Vietnam’s rules on retaining Vietnamese nationality. Regulations may be updated.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Australian citizenship requires: having lived in Australia as a PR for the most recent 12 months, a total of 4 years within the last 4 years, absences not exceeding 12 months/4-year total and 90 days/final 12 months. It requires meeting the Character requirement, passing the Citizenship Test (20 MCQs + 5 values questions, 75% pass mark plus all 5 values correct, in English), and intending permanent residence. Privileges: mandatory voting, an Australian passport, travel to New Zealand via the TTV. Australia allows dual citizenship; note Vietnam’s own regulations.
