Introduction
The Commonwealth of Australia comprises the mainland of the Australian continent and many smaller islands. By area, it is the world’s sixth-largest country and is the only nation to govern an entire continent. Australia was one of the first countries to establish democracy in the modern world. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 and maintains a stable liberal democratic political system comprising six states and several territories. The population of 24 million is centred in urban areas in the east and in coastal areas.
Australia is a highly developed and wealthy country with the world’s 12thlargest economy; in 2015, it entered its 25thyear of uninterrupted annual economic growth, averaging 2.9% per year. It ranks second in the UN’s Human Development Index.
Australia is a member of ANZUS, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations, G20, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Pacific Islands Forum, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
All foreign nationals apart from New Zealand citizens must hold a visa prior to travelling to Australia.
There are two types of migration for non-Australian citizens: temporary and permanent. Temporary resident visas allow non-Australian citizens to remain in Australia for a specified duration for purposes that may include tourism, visiting family, study, work, medical treatment etc. Many temporary visas provide a pathway to permanent residence eligibility.
Citizenship in Australia
A child born in Australia to an Australian permanent resident or citizen parent will automatically be entitled to Australian citizenship. A child born outside of Australia to an Australian citizen parent will also be automatically entitled to Australian citizenship.
After four years of lawful residence in Australia, with at least the past 12 months as an Australian permanent resident, it is possible to apply for Australian citizenship. There is a Citizenship Appointment and Test that must be attended and passed, as well as a Pledge that must be made, before Citizenship will be granted.
It is compulsory for adult Australian citizens to vote in Federal, State and Local Government elections, and failure to do so may result in financial penalties. It is also a requirement for Australian citizens to exit and enter Australia using their Australian passport.
Australia allows dual citizenship.