First Migration Service Centre - MARA Registered Migration Agents Melbourne
Sydney Opera House at Sunrise
Free Eligibility Check

Australian Citizenship Residence Calculator

Determine your eligibility for Australian citizenship by conferral. This tool helps permanent residents verify they meet the lawful residence and absence requirements in minutes.

Start Calculation
Private & Secure
MARA Designed
Takes 2 Minutes
Accurate Calculation
Validates against all 4 legislative requirements including complex absence rules.
Privacy Focused
Your data is processed locally and securely. No personal data stored without consent.
Official Standards
Aligned with Department of Home Affairs policy guidelines for 2025.
Residence Period Information

Date you first arrived in Australia on any valid visa

Date you were granted PR or first entered on PR visa

When you plan to apply for citizenship

Travel History
Add all trips where you left Australia. Each trip reduces your residence time.

No travel entries recorded

How the eligibility calculation works

The calculator validates your inputs against the four residence requirements specified in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 for citizenship by conferral:

Time-Based Rules
  • Four-year lawful residence: You must have been lawfully present in Australia for at least 4 years (1,460 days) immediately before your intended application date on any valid visa.
  • Twelve-month permanent residence: You must have held a permanent visa or Special Category visa (subclass 444) for at least 12 months (365 days) immediately before your application date.
Absence Limitations
  • Four-year absence limit: Total absences from Australia must not exceed 12 months (365 days) during the 4-year qualifying period.
  • Twelve-month absence limit: Absences from Australia must not exceed 90 days during the final 12 months of the 4-year period.

Understanding the four residence requirements

1. Four years of lawful residence

You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for a total of 4 years (1,460 days) immediately before applying. This can include any combination of temporary and permanent visas, as long as you were lawfully present.

2. Twelve months as a permanent resident

During the 4-year period, the last 12 months (365 days) must have been spent as a permanent resident or Special Category visa (subclass 444) holder. This means you cannot apply immediately after receiving permanent residency.

3. Maximum 12 months total absence

You can travel outside Australia, but your total time away during the 4-year period must not exceed 12 months (365 days). Short trips for holidays or work are acceptable as long as the total remains under the limit.

4. Maximum 90 days recent absence

In the final 12 months before applying, you cannot have been absent for more than 90 days. This ensures you maintain strong ties to Australia in the period immediately before citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as 'lawful residence' for citizenship?

Lawful residence means any period you were in Australia on a valid visa. This includes temporary visas (student, graduate, partner provisional, work visas) and permanent visas. Time spent on bridging visas typically counts if the substantive visa you're bridging to/from was valid. Periods of unlawful stay or after visa cancellation do not count.

Can I include time on my student visa toward the 4-year requirement?

Yes. All time spent lawfully in Australia counts, including on student visas, graduate visas, working holiday visas, partner provisional visas, and any other valid visa. However, you must still meet the 12-month permanent residence requirement, meaning you need PR for at least the final 12 months before applying.

What if I traveled a lot for work or family reasons?

Work and family travel is common, but you must stay within the limits: no more than 365 days total absence in 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. If you exceed these limits, your 4-year qualifying period extends backward until you meet the requirements. The calculator will show your earliest eligible date.

Does the day I arrive and depart Australia count as absence?

Department of Home Affairs counts absences from the day after your departure to the day before your return. For example, if you depart Monday and return Friday, you're absent for 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). This calculator uses the same methodology based on standard departmental practice.

I have a complex visa history with gaps or cancellations — can I use this calculator?

This calculator is designed for straightforward pathways where you've maintained continuous lawful residence. If you've experienced visa cancellations, periods of unlawful stay, or hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444) as a New Zealand citizen, we strongly recommend booking a consultation for a detailed assessment.

When should I apply after seeing 'Eligible' in the calculator?

You can apply as soon as you're eligible. However, ensure all dates and travel records are accurate in your actual application. Small errors in travel dates can delay processing. We recommend downloading your travel records from ImmiAccount and cross-checking with passport stamps before lodging your application.

Reviewed by First Migration Service Centre (MARN 1569835). Last updated 8 October 2025.