Can I apply for citizenship with an Australian student visa?

No, you cannot directly apply for Australian citizenship while holding an Australian student visa. To be eligible for citizenship, you must first obtain the status of Australia PR. To apply for Australian citizenship, you must have resided in Australia for at least four years, including having an Australia PR visa for at least 12 months.

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Who can apply for Australian citizenship? 

Foreign nationals are granted Australian citizenship, if they fulfill any of the conditions mentioned below.

• By Birth – If you were born in Australia, either parents are Australian citizens or permanent residents. 
• By Descent – If either or both parents had Australian citizenship at the time of your birth. 
• By Australia PR – If you have a valid Australia PR visa, you can apply for citizenship after 12 months of obtaining it. 

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Pathways to Australia PR for international student

You can apply for Australia PR using the following pathways.

• Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) = This is a two-year visa that allows you to work without restrictions. You must have graduated from a two-year full-time study program with a bachelor's or master's degree. The Australian post-study work visa makes you eligible for Australia PR. 
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189 Visa) – The visa offers points-based selection on the basis of age (18 to 49), proficiency in English language, work experience, and other academic qualifications. You do not require sponsorship from an Australia-based employer or family member or nomination from an Australian state/territory. However, applicants must score at least 65 points on the point system. 
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491 Visa)—If you want to live and work in regional Australia, you can apply for a Skilled Work Regional visa. It allows you to live and work in regional Australia for a maximum period of 5 years. 
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 Visa) – To be eligible for this visa, you must have a temporary visa (subclass 482), work in Australia for a minimum of 3 years with a sponsoring employer, and then apply for Australia PR.

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Eligibility for Australia PR 

The eligibility criteria for Australian permanent residence are given below. You must:

• Have scored at least 65 out of 130 points 
• Be employed in a job listed in the skilled occupation list of Australia
• Have at least seven bands in IELTS General or academic training or 65 points in PTE for English language proficiency. 
• Qualify the skill assessment in Australia
• Meet the health and character requirements in Australia.

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Steps to apply for Australian citizenship

After you have obtained the Australia PR, you can follow the procedure given below to apply for Australian citizenship.

Step 1: Evaluate if you are eligible for Australian citizenship.

Step 2: Organize the required document for the citizenship application.

Step 3: Submit the duly filled application form for citizenship.

Step 4: Attend the test and Interview for citizenship. 

Step 5: After gaining Australian citizenship, attend the Citizenship Ceremony
 

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