Obtaining an Australian passport is an ambitious and challenging goal. It will take serious commitment and planning. You want to get it right. If you commit your life to this goal you want to ensure you are on the right path and you must be certain you will be successful. The rewards however, are well worth the effort. Knowing that you are guaranteeing the freedom and right to live in Australia for yourself and your future generations.
How to Get an Australian Passport
Apply for a Temporary or Permanent Australian Visa
Reside in Australia for 4 years on any temporary or permanent visa and
Reside in Australia for 12 months on a permanent visa
Apply for Australian Citizenship
Attend a Citizenship Test and Interview
Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
Apply for an Australian Passport
How Long will it Take to Obtain an Australian Passport
It will only take 2 business days to obtain an Australian passport via priority processing. However, there are many steps to complete before you can submit your passport application.
Generally it will take 5+ years to obtain an Australian Passport. The process includes 24 hrs to 16+ years to obtain an Australian visa, 4 years living in Australia and then 1 – 2 years for the Citizenship application to be processed. However, there is a Fast Track option to obtaining an Australian Passport in 6 months
Fast Track Option to obtain an Australian Passport in 6 – 9 months
Are you of Exceptional Talent and Benefit to Australia?
You may be granted citizenship after residing in Australia on any temporary or permanent visa for 180 days in the 2 years before submitting your application for Citizenship. During this 6 month period you must have resided in Australia for at least 90 days whilst holding a permanent visa.
If you are granted an 858 Distinguished Talent Visa or your work is considered critical to Australia you and your family may be granted a travel exemption to enter Australia during Covid.
You must agree to remain a resident in Australia for 2 years beginning on the day your Australian citizenship is granted, and spend at least 6 months physically in Australia during that 2 year period.
In order to qualify for this fast track option you must be engaged in activities that are considered of benefit to Australia. You must must work in one of the occupations in Table A.
Table A
A writer granted a Distinguished Talent Visa
Actor, performer or otherwise engaged in the visual or performing arts and granted a Distinguished Talent Visa
A medical specialist, internationally renowned in their field
Scientist employed by an Australian university or Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, a medical research institute which is a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) and who has attained a PhD in their field of speciality and is undertaking research and development of benefit to Australia
Standard Process for Obtaining an Australian Passport
Apply for a Temporary or Permanent Australian Visa
The first step towards obtaining an Australian passport is to obtain a permanent visa for Australia. You will either need to apply via employer sponsorship, family sponsorship, skilled migration or business and investment migration. There are also options for humanitarian visas and eligible New Zealand citizens. However, we will not be covering those options in this article.
There are over 100 Australian visas and each migration stream listed below has several visa options contained within them. Fast track applicants will usually apply for an 858 Distinguished Talent Visa. Each visa is called a visa subclass and has a three digit number. For instance, an offshore partner visa falls under the Family Migration Stream, subclass 309 Partner visa. Detailed information for each migration stream and each visa subclass is provided by clicking on the below headings or via our main website drop down menu at the top of this page.
Processing times for Australian Visas
Processing times for Australian visa applications vary significantly. From 24 hours for tourist visas, 2 -3 years for Spouse visas, 6 – 12 months for employer sponsored visas, 4 – 16 years+ for some parent visas.
Student Visa
A student visa is a temporary visa. There is no direct pathway to permanent residency via a student visa. However, some student visa holders can apply for a 485 temporary graduate visa following their studies. This may lead to gaining work experience in Australia and employer sponsorship via a 407 Training Visa or 482 Temporary Work Visa. These visas may then lead to a permanent employer sponsored visa or skilled migration visa or even a spouse visa if they form a relationship with an Australian permanent resident, citizen or eligible New Zealand Citizen.
You will need an Australian business or overseas business to sponsor you to work full time in Australia. Only limited occupations are eligible for employer sponsorship. The lists of eligible occupations are updated frequently. The skill level, experience and qualification requirements vary for each visa subclass and occupation. You may be able to come to Australia on a temporary or permanent visa under the employer sponsorship stream.
If you are the child, parent or spouse of an Australian permanent resident, Australian Citizen or Eligible New Zealand Citizen who is usually resident in Australia, you may qualify for a temporary or permanent visa under the Family Sponsorship Migration Stream
If you have the qualifications(usually a trade qualification or bachelor degree) and experience in an occupation in demand in Australia, you may be able to apply for a temporary or permanent visa under the Skilled Migration Stream. Skilled Migration has reduced significantly and only applicants with occupations on the Priority Occupations List are likely to succeed under this pathway in 2021.
You can apply for skilled migration on based on your own skills and experience without employer sponsorship. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest and DHA will invite suitable applicants from the pool to lodge a visa application. State and Territory Governments also produce their own lists of occupations and criteria for State Sponsorship. There are opportunities to be invited to apply for a visa under this migration stream from each State and Territory Government.
The Australian Government is keen to attract highly successful and talented business owners, entrepreneurs and investors to migrate to Australia. We are currently compiling more information regarding this migration stream and will update this article in due course.
Frequent Changes to Australian Visa Requirements
The Australian migration legislation and regulations change frequently in response to economic demand and developing migration programs. The information on this website is intended for general information only. You must engage the services of a registered migration to thoroughly examine your personal situation and future intentions against the backdrop of current legislation and policy. Only then, should you proceed to submit an Australian visa application.
How long do you need to live in Australia to get Citizenship?
Unless you qualify for the fast track option outlined above, once you have lived in Australia for 4 years on any temporary visa and lived in Australia for 12 months on a permanent visa, you may qualify for Australian Citizenship. You may travel outside Australia during this four year period as long you don’t spend more than 12 months’ cumulatively outside Australia in the 4 years immediately before you submit your Citizenship application. You must also reside in Australia for 9 months out of the last 12 months immediately before submitting your application.
Apply for Australian Citizenship
Upon lodgment of your Australian Citizenship application, majority of applications are finalised in 1 – 3 years. The Department of Home Affairs publishes standard processing times for 75 – 95% of cases. At time of writing this article there are 161,000 applications for citizenship lodged with the DHA. DHA state that from the date of citizenship application submission to the citizenship ceremony is 19 – 20 months. In our experience, processing times vary significantly.
At the time you apply for Australian Citizenship you must have been:
living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years
a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen for the past 12 months
away from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months
You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia while overseas.
Close and continuing association with Australian may be demonstrated by:
a child who is an Australian citizen
a partner who is an Australian citizen and your time together
extended family in Australia
time spent in Australia
operating an Australian bank account
employment in Australia
history of paying income tax in Australia
owning property in Australia
Attend a Citizenship Test and Interview
DHA will contact you to arrange a time for your citizenship test and interview. The test is multiple choice and completed on a computer. You must score at least 75% in the citizenship test. The interview is conducted in person. The aim of this process is to ensure you have:
a basic knowledge of the English language
an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen
an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
an understanding and commitment to Australian values based on freedom, respect and equality
Attend the Australian Citizenship Ceremony
Most applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the Australian Citizenship Pledge. This completes the process to become an Australian citizen. You will receive your Australian citizenship certificate at your ceremony.
Once you hold Australian Citizenship you must apply for an Australian Passport. Australia places no restrictions on holding multiple passports and Australia does not required to renounce your citizenship from any other country.
Apply for an Australian Passport
Once you have received your Australian Citizenship Certificate you must apply for Australian passport to travel back into Australia. The passport application process can take approx 3 weeks or 2 days via priority processing.
Looking for Help?
My name is Michelle Firth, I have been an registered Australian migration agent for over 20 years. I founded Australian Visa Group in 2007. I have lived in Perth, Western Australia since 1982. I have also resided on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Due to Covid I have returned to Perth, Western Australia and continue to offer my service via phone and e-mail to clients around the world.
If you would like to explore your pathway to gaining an Australian passport please contact me for an initial phone consultation.
Michelle helped us throughout my visa process, and I’m very grateful for her support. She made the entire process smooth and much less stressful. Within two years of starting the application process, I received my permanent residency.
Michelle was always available to guide us and answer all of our questions clearly and patiently. Her knowledge, professionalism, and support gave us confidence throughout the journey. I highly recommend Michelle to anyone looking for assistance with their visa application.
Response from the owner:Dear Dee, thank you so much for writing such a great review. Reviews really help my business and I appreciate the time and effort it takes to submit. It was a pleasure working with you and Tim and I wish you both all the happiness for your life in Australia.
I honestly cannot thank Michelle at The Australian Visa Group enough for helping me achieve my permanent residency in Australia. Right from the start, she was incredibly supportive, reassuring and knowledgeable making a daunting process seem much easier to navigate and making it possible.
Despite us being in the UK whilst processing our application, Michelle was very helpful and accommodating and always got back to us quickly even with the time difference. She kept us updated throughout every step and guided us through the application ensuring that every single part was completed accurately and we had enough evidence ready to lodge our visa. She has been professional and showed so much attention to detail and genuine care, this assured me that my application was in the best hands.
I truly believe that without The Australian Visa Group, I wouldn’t have been able to complete and lodge a thorough application or have received the 189 visa, Michelle was dedicated to ensuring we got the outcome we wanted and I’ll always be extremely grateful for her help in having the opportunity to start a life in Australia.
I could not recommend them enough, anyone looking for a trustworthy and dedicated visa agent, The Australian Visa Group is the place to come to.
Response from the owner:Dear Jack, I am so glad that I helped make your journey less stressful and we achieved a successful outcome for you. Thank you so much for your detailed and comprehensive review. I really means so much to me. Its helps my business to have such a long and descriptive review published. It takes time to write that and I am extremely grateful. All the best for your life in Australia 🙂
Michelle has been nothing short of amazing to work with. When I was initially searching for a migration agent, I met with four different agencies, and unfortunately, none of them inspired confidence. I was often left with more questions than answers, and it seemed like they were relying on Google rather than their own expertise.
That all changed when I spoke with Michelle. Her knowledge and professionalism were immediately apparent, and she has been incredibly responsive throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer my emails and phone calls, no matter how big or small the question.
Everything has gone smoothly from start to finish, and I have had complete peace of mind throughout. I cannot recommend Australian Visa Group highly enough. Michelle’s dedication, expertise, and support have made what could have been a stressful experience an easy one.
10/10 service all the way through!
Response from the owner:Dear Danny, I am so very grateful to receive such a wonderful, detailed and supportive review. I really appreciate the time you took to write that. Have a great day and we will speak again soon. 🙂
Michelle guided me through what turned out to be a fairly complex process for a work visa, with a few hiccups along the way. Whilst the longest wait was out of our hands, she remained steady, responsive, and professional throughout. I appreciated her willingness to help bring everything across the line and I’m genuinely grateful she was there when it mattered.
Response from the owner:Dear Raf, thank you so much for writing a review. That was very thoughtful and reviews really do help my business. Thank you aswell for trusting me with the plan and hanging in there. I'm so happy for you to finally have your grant notice. Congratulations and well done 🙂
Top class service. Michelle was extremely helpful and very informative. She went above and beyond to help me. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you Oisin, I really appreciate your review. Glad we managed to obtain a good outcome for you. All the best with your plans.
Michelle was the only agent who took our case, one say we can go back to our own country cause we run out of options, but she is a blessings to us.From 407 visa to 186 visa, now because of her we can call Australia our home now. Thank you Michelle.
Response from the owner:Thank you Aireen 🙂 I really apprecaite your review and it has been wonderful to see you and your family obtain permanent residency. Congratulations and all the best for your life in Australia.
Visa Group , headed by Michelle Firth is a very professional migration agency that is underrated . The accuracy of the information given to myself and my wife is implacable. We have been Michelle’s clients since 2018. My wife who
Was my girlfriend then has now a Visa 820 and we waiting to apply for a permanent residency. This follows the PMV. She is the only agent we have worked with and would recommend her to
Anybody willing to embark on a similar journey like us. The fees are reasonable for the true professional effort that she puts for her clients. For the accurate advise and service , Michelle is the one !
Response from the owner:Thank you Remi, I really appreciate you writing such a nice review. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you both over the years. Thanks again 🙂
Whole process of getting the visa was so smooth! Darren and Misty are both very helpful and attentive. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Dear Li, unfortunately you have written a review for the wrong company. We do not have staff with those names. Kind regards Michelle
I would highly recommend Australian Visa Group as they did an amazing job with my visa application
I had the opportunity to have Michelle as my visa agent ,and all I can tell you that she was very professional and extremely efficient
I could not be happier with my results
Thank you so much for everything Australian Visa Group
Response from the owner:Thank you for writing such a great review. I really appreciate it. Well done on becoming permanent residents and all the best for your life in Australia.
We came to Australia in 2018. Since I got my job in Sydney we have been working with Australian Visa Group more specifically having Michelle Firth as agent.
Michelle has been beyond fantastic, she has been always attentive to our emails and questions, explaining every detail of the process carefully. Michelle got us 2 working visas and consequently our PR in Australia.
We highly recommend Australia Visa Group and Michelle Firth as immigration agent, she is accurate when it comes to documentation and knows the process from A to Z, she gets great results, she has a good knowledge of timing for lodging applications and so on.
Definitely, we are very happy with the services provided and will recommend her for sure.
Response from the owner:Hi Juan, thank you so much for the great review! I really appreciate your business and have enjoyed working with you both over the years. Congratulations on achieving your permanent residency.
Always grateful to Michelle from Australian Visa Group for successfully processed my two visa. No doubt the best migration agent for me. My case was challenging but her professional knowledge, flexibility and expertise made everything possible. Since lodging my 482 and now a granted 186 I couldn't ask for more considering what we've been through during the process.
I will difinitely recommend Australian Visa Group and choose Michelle if I need to choose again.
Thank you again and keep up the great service and support.
--Joever | HD Mechanical Fitter | WA Limestone Group
Response from the owner:Thank you for your very kind words and 5 star rating Joever. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years. I am thrilled you are now Australian permanent residents. Congratulations 🙂
I can’t recommend them enough. When I first contacted Michelle last year I was in a really difficult situation regarding my visa. However, Michelle reassured me and has done a fantastic job at organising a new visa for me. I have never been left in the dark or ever worried that she wasn’t doing a thorough job. Michelle has been there to answer any questions, she is so reliable and very friendly. They are a very trustworthy agency and incredible at what they do.
Response from the owner:Thank you Grace. I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a nice review. It was lovely to finally give you the good news. All the best to your family and your future in Australia.
Can not recommend Michelle @ Australian Visa Group highly enough!!!
Michelle's professionalism & knowledge was second to none, ensuring all the I's were dotted and T's were crossed to make the process of applying for Wife's spousal visa as easy and stress free as possible for us.
In just approx 6 months from submission of application the visa was granted.
Response from the owner:Hi Jamie, thank you very much for writing such a nice review. It was a pleasure working with you both. All the best for your future in Australia.
We are grateful that we chose Australia Visa Group for my 820/801 visa application. Michelle is knowledgeable and professional. She guided us throughout the process and made the application easy and stress free. Approximately 6 months after the application was submitted, I am now Permanent Resident of Australia!!
I highly recommend Australia Visa Group to anyone who requires visa assistance.
Thank you Michelle & AVG for everything.
Response from the owner:Thank you for writing such a lovely review. It really means alot to me and really helps my business. I am thrilled you achieved your dreams so quickly. Congratulations on becoming an Australian permanent resident!
Great support and we finally got our visa application through! Michelle has done a fantastic job and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking for this service
Response from the owner:Thank you Sindhu 🙂 I really appreciate you taking the time to write a review.
My Employer & Myself reached out to Michelle to manage the nomination & application for our 186 visa.
From the very start, Michelle was very helpful and always provided me with clear instructions and reassurance when it was needed.
Engaging with Michelle was the best thing we have done after 5 years of trying to obtain Permanent residency.
Michelle was professional & responsive and made the whole process very smooth.
I cannot recommend Michelle enough! If you are researching and looking for an agent to help you, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks again Michelle.😊
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review Ryan. I really appreciate it. Reviews are essential for our business. It was such a pleasure working with you. Congratulations on obtaining your permanent residency.
Michelle has been absolutely amazing throughout my whole visa process. After she had successfully helped my mum it was only right for me to go with her! She made the process so easy, was available whenever to answer any of my questions and kept me informed and in the loop throughout everything. Couldn't recommend her enough - thanks so much, Michelle!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for writing a review Francesca. I really appreciate it.
Michelle did such a fantastic job through my partners Visa application. Because of her professionalism and support, the process was so easy and not at all stressful. I would highly recommend her to anyone
Response from the owner:Hi Madison, thank you so much for your kind review. It was a pleasure working with you.
Before the engagement for my 820/801 visa, I had been recommended Michelle by one of my close friends, whom she had helped to get his PR.
I would recommend Michelle to anybody.
She is professional, very knowledgeable, and is a pleasure to deal with. She replies promptly to emails, and is always at the end of the phone if there is any queries.
Thank you Michelle.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write a review Alistair. It is very much appreciated.
Michelle is really professional. I highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for a migration lawyer/agent. For almost one year, she always replies to my emails if not on the same day it will be definitely the next day. The cost of her services is very competitive and reasonable. She knows exactly the requirements of DHA, which reduces the assessment time.
I wish you all the best Michelle :).
Response from the owner:Thank you for writing such a nice review Khaled. Congratulations on your permanent visa grant 🙂
Michelle was such a massive help for me to get my visa. She was incredibly responsive and knowing she was handling the process from start to finish put my mind at ease. She also simplified everything to the point where we breezed through a process which initially seemed so daunting!
Response from the owner:Hi Anahit, thank you so much for writing such a nice review. I'm glad I could help make the process run smoothly for you. Thanks again, I really appreciate your review 🙂
our permanent residency application has just been approved and I wanted to thank Michelle Firth for everything she done for us, very knowledgeable and was always quick in her responses no matter the day or time.
Can’t recommend Michelle enough.
Thanks again
Response from the owner:Hi Craig, thank you so much for writing a review. I really appreciate it 🙂
Obtaining an Australian passport is an ambitious and challenging goal. It will take serious commitment and planning. You want to get it right. If you commit your life to this goal you want to ensure you are on the right path and you must be certain you will be successful. The rewards however, are well worth the effort. Knowing that you are guaranteeing the freedom and right to live in Australia for yourself and your future generations.
My name is Michelle Firth, I have been an registered Australian migration agent for over 20 years. I founded Australian Visa Group in 2007. I have lived in Perth, Western Australia since 1982. I have also resided on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Due to Covid I have returned to Perth, Western Australia and continue to offer my service via phone and e-mail to clients around the world.
