Australian Citizenship for Children: The Complete 2026 Guide

1. Children Born Overseas (Citizenship by Descent) If your child was born outside Australia, they do not automatically become a citizen. You must apply for Citizenship by Descent. The Eligibility Criteria The Parental Link: At least one parent must have been an Australian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. The 2-Year Residence Rule: If the parent acquired their own citizenship by descent or adoption overseas, they must have lived in Australia for a total of at least 2 years at some point before the child can apply. Character Requirement: If the child is 18 years or older at the time of application, they must pass the "Good Character" test. 2026 Fees & Process Fee: $370 for the first child; $150 for each subsequent sibling applying at the same time. How to Apply: Lodge online via ImmiAccount. 2. Children Born in Australia to PR or Citizen Parents If a child is born in Australia and at least one parent is an Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR) at the time of birth, the child is an automatic citizen. Proving Their Status (Evidence of Citizenship) While they are citizens by birth, a birth certificate alone is often not enough to get a passport. You must apply for an Evidence of Australian Citizenship certificate. Document Checklist for PR Parents Child’s Full Birth Certificate: Must show both parents' names. Proof of Parent's PR Status: Visa Grant Notice or VEVO check showing PR status on the day of birth. Identity Declaration: Signed by an Australian citizen who has known the family for at least one year. Fee (2026): $280 Note for New Zealand Parents: Children born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are also automatic citizens at birth. 3. The "10-Year Rule" for Non-Citizen Parents If a child is born in Australia to parents on temporary visas (like 482 or 408) or even unlawful non-citizens, the child is not an automatic citizen. However, they have a pathway known as the Ordinary Resident Rule. How it Works The child becomes an Australian citizen automatically on their 10th birthday. Requirement: The child must have lived in Australia for most of those 10 years ("ordinarily resident"). Benefit: Once they turn 10, they are a citizen by operation of law. You simply apply for "Evidence of Citizenship" to get their certificate. 4. Including Children in Your Own Application If you are a Permanent Resident applying for your own citizenship (By Conferral), you can include children under 16 in your application. Cost: Nil ($0). There is no extra fee to include children on your Form 1300T. Condition: The child must be a Permanent Resident and be in Australia at the time the decision is made. Summary of Fees & Links (2026) Application Type 2026 Fee (AUD) Useful Link Citizenship by Descent $370 Link Evidence of Citizenship $280 Link Child included with Parent $0 Link Final Tip: Always ensure your documents are high-quality color scans. If a document is not in English, it must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator.