Citizenship After Australia PR (Subclass 858 NIV) – Full Guide for 2025

Obtaining Australian PR through the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858 – NIV) is a major achievement. But the next and most exciting milestone is becoming an Australian Citizen.

Citizenship gives you full rights, responsibilities, voting ability, and eligibility to apply for an Australian passport — one of the most powerful passports in the world.

This guide explains exactly how you can apply for Australian citizenship after receiving PR through Subclass 858, following the latest official rules from the Department of Home Affairs.

• Who Can Apply for Australian Citizenship?

  
  

Once you receive Permanent Residency (PR) under Subclass 858, you become eligible for Australian Citizenship by Conferral after meeting the residency, character, English and test requirements.

This applies equally to:

• NIV visa holders

• Their partner/spouse included in PR

• Dependent children who meet the age and residency criteria

  
  

• Residency Requirements for Citizenship (MOST IMPORTANT)

  
  

You must meet the 4-year residency rule and the 1-year PR rule.

You must have lived in Australia:

• 4 years on any valid visa, and

• At least 12 months as a Permanent Resident, and

• No more than 12 months outside Australia in the last 4 years, and

• No more than 90 days outside Australia in the last 12 months before applying.

  
  

Example:If your PR was granted on 1 January 2024, you can apply for citizenship any time after 1 January 2025, as long as you already completed 4 years total stay.

• Other Citizenship Requirements

1. Good Character Requirement

Applicants aged 18+ must prove they are of "good character", which includes:

• No serious criminal record

• Good immigration history

• Honest behaviour in the community

Police clearances are mandatory.

2. English Language Requirement

There is no separate English test, but you need:

• Basic English to pass the Citizenship Test

  
  

3. Pass the Australian Citizenship Test

Applicants between 18–59 years must take the test.

The test covers:

• Australian values

• Government, laws, and civic responsibilities

• History, symbols, and national identity

Passing Score:

• 75% (15 out of 20 questions correct)

The test is computer-based and available in English only.

4. Ongoing Connection to Australia

You must show:

• You plan to live in Australia permanently

  OR

• Maintain a close connection (job, home, family, business)

• Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Australian Citizenship

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm:

• Time spent in Australia

• PR period

• Travel days

• Good character status

  
  

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

• Passport

• PR visa grant letter

• Birth certificate

• National ID (Aadhaar for Indians)

• Police clearances

• Travel history report

• Residential proof

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Identity declaration form

  
  

Step 3: Submit Online Application

• Apply through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

• Upload documents and pay the application fee online.

Step 4: Biometrics (If requested)

Some applicants receive biometrics request for fingerprints and photograph.

Step 5: Attend Citizenship Test / Interview

Department will schedule your:

• Citizenship Test,

  
  

  OR

• Interview (depending on age and category)

Step 6: Receive Citizenship Approval

Processing time varies:

• Typical timeframe: 6–12 months

Step 7: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

This is the final and most important step.

At the ceremony, you will:

• Take the Australian Citizenship Pledge

• Receive your Citizenship Certificate

Only after this are you officially an Australian Citizen.

• What You Can Do After Getting Citizenship

Once you get citizenship, you can:

• Apply for an Australian Passport

• Vote in federal and state elections

• Access full government services

• Sponsor family members for PR

• Enjoy visa-free travel to 190+ countries

• Final Thoughts Citizenship After Australia PR (Subclass 858 NIV)

  
  

The journey from Subclass 858 PR to Australian Citizenship is straightforward as long as you follow the residency timeline and maintain a clean record.

Becoming an Citizenship After Australia PR (Subclass 858 NIV) is the final step that gives you complete rights, security, and global mobility. If you’re a Subclass 858 PR holder, planning your citizenship timeline early can help you prepare better.

If you're planning to explore the NIV pathway, partnering with an expert can significantly boost your chances of approval.

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