To apply for Citizenship you need few things * If you became a permanent resident before July 1st 2007 then you need to have resided in Australia as a permanent resident for total of 2 years in last 5 years, including 12 months in last 2 years. Meaning if you are out of Australia for any reason, even a holiday, it is considered as not residing in Australia. Example, you go back to your country of origin for a month to visit those you left behind. You will be considered to have resided for 11 months in Australia for that year. For those who become permanent residents on or after July 1st 2007 you must have resided in Australia for 4 years immediately before applying, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident (in other words time as a temporary resident can count), and have been ab