Citizenship
Citizenship criteria was significantly changed in 2007. The changed rules require an applicant to have lived in Australia for a cumulative period of 4 years (previously 2 years). Although at least one year must be as a permanent resident, up to 3 years of legal temporary residence can be counted towards the 4 years.
Persons who obtained permanent residence prior to 1 July 2007 need to meet the previous residential requirement of at least two years of permanent residence.
Citizenship confers the right to vote & to hold an Australian passport.
It is not compulsory for permanent residents to become Australian citizens.
