Since its inception in 1948, Australian citizenship legislation has undergone several major transformations. One of the most significant shifts occurred in 1984, when the automatic dual citizenship status—Australian and British—was abolished. At that time, many individuals lost their Australian citizenship by choosing to retain their British nationality.
Although the path to Australian citizenship has become more complex since then, some earlier routes to citizenship remain legally valid. A pivotal reform in 2007 reintroduced the possibility of dual citizenship.
Crucially, it also created a pathway for former Australian citizens to reclaim their lost status—and extended that opportunity to their children.
Common scenarios include:
- Born in Australia before August 1986? You may already be an Australian citizen by birth.
- Parent born in Australia before August 1986? You could qualify for citizenship by descent.
- Parent lost Australian citizenship due to the former ban on dual nationality? You might still be eligible to reclaim citizenship under current legislation.
- Parent is an Australian citizen by descent and has lived in Australia for at least two years? You may also be eligible for citizenship by descent.
When applying for Australian citizenship—especially in cases involving former citizens—it’s essential to understand that the responsibility for providing evidence lies with the applicant. The Department of Home Affairs often holds limited records, particularly for individuals who lost citizenship under earlier legislation.
As a result, applicants must supply clear and comprehensive documentation to support their claim. Whether you’re seeking to reclaim citizenship or apply by descent, gathering the right paperwork is a critical step in the process.
Book a consultation to review your eligibility, understand the requirements, and get practical advice on preparing your documents.