The dream of obtaining U.S. citizenship is shared by many immigrants all over the globe, including Australians. For those considering moving to USA from Australia, the country’s uniqueness in culture, economy, and geopolitical influence makes it an appealing destination. Immigrants from all corners of the globe aspire to make their dwelling here. For Australians, being an American citizen means more than just being part of America’s dream—it is about opening up Australian perspectives and experiencing the way of life in America.
Here, we will discuss the intricate process of how to get American citizenship from an Australian perspective. Whether you’re considering how to move from Australia to USA or exploring the steps to begin your next chapter of life, we will cover everything from the importance of obtaining American citizenship to actionable steps to achieve this goal.
Understanding USA Citizenship
The United States is a nation founded upon the principles of liberty, democracy, and opportunity. For those moving from Australia to USA, becoming an active participant in this system means embracing the ability to vote and being politically engaged, as it allows one to help steer the country toward a place where it can prosper. Besides, being an American citizen brings many rights: religious freedom, freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial by jury, the right to vote in elections, the right to apply for federal employment, the right to run for office, and the freedom to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. North American citizens are also bound by duties: supporting and defending the Constitution, participating in the democratic process, respecting and obeying the law, respecting the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others, paying taxes in a timely manner, and attending jury duty when summoned, among others.
Eligibility and Requirements for Australians to Get American Citizenship
Australians hoping to qualify for U.S. citizenship will need to meet certain requirements. These criteria may change depending on your chosen Pathways to U.S. citizenship. However, some fundamental and common eligibility criteria will apply:
- Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status: To be eligible for naturalisation in the U.S., you have first to be an existing lawful permanent resident. It often entails acquiring permanent residency through employment-based green cards, enabling you to reside in the U.S. permanently.
- Length of Residency: U.S. citizenship requirements and waiting times may vary based on your category of classification. For example, in general, you must wait at least 5 years as long as you have held a green card before you qualify to apply for naturalisation.
- Physical Presence: The law states that you need to have lived in the United States of America for the last five years to apply for naturalisation as a citizen. The condition you need to have is being able to maintain continuous residence.
- Good Moral Character: The applicant must demonstrate good morals and showcase them throughout the course of the residency. Your criminal history, delinquent taxes, and some unsavoury behaviours are also reasons you may not qualify.
- English Language Proficiency: Many also require fluency in English. This means learning how to read, write and speak English.
- Knowledge of U.S. Government and History: People who wish to become naturalised citizens have to pass an examination on U.S. History and Government. This test is only available in English.
- Attachment to the U.S. Constitution: Your oath of allegiance is to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and, if needed, bear arms in defence of the United States.
- Oath of Allegiance: Lastly, you will need to swear an Oath of Allegiance to the USA. It’s a commitment that you agree to be loyal to America and its values as an aspiring American.
How to Get US Citizenship From Australia?
| 1. Birthright Citizenship | 2. Citizenship through Parents | 3. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen |
| 4. Employment-Based Immigration | 5. Naturalisation |
1. Birthright Citizenship
You’re automatically deemed a Citizen through birthright just for being born in the United States, even if your parents are not. It’s also important to note that children who are born in the United States will usually acquire U.S. Citizenship when their parents have been granted permission to be in the country permanently (i.e. they are “lawful permanent residents”). However, this will not apply if you are born to foreign diplomats or if you are a child of foreign government officials. For Australians exploring how to get American citizenship as an Australian, birthright citizenship is not an option unless one is born on U.S. soil or qualifies through specific parental ties.
2. Citizenship through Parents
Your parents could be Americans, and you could then be eligible for US naturalisation as a US national. A U.S.-born parent can pass their nationality onto their child through birthright citizenship. The rules governing citizenship through parents can be complex and depend on various factors. If you were born outside of the United States and have at least one U.S. citizen parent, then you could be eligible for citizenship in the U.S. Understanding how difficult it is to get US citizenship through this route often depends on demonstrating the necessary parental qualifications and fulfilling the legal requirements.
3. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Marrying an American citizen can prove a swift path to American citizenship. This is not however a direct path to citizenship, and it will involve obtaining a marriage-based green card (commonly just referred to as a “spouse visa”). With the Green Card, the spouse can apply for naturalisation and become a U.S. citizen. Naturalisation based on Marriage-based citizenship typically requires proof of bona fide marriage, holding a valid Green Card for a specified amount of time (usually three years or more after getting married to a U.S. citizen), and meeting other qualifications. For an Australian national married to a US citizens, it’s an available and visible pathway to go through if they want to immigrate to the United States of America.
4. Employment-Based Immigration
Employment-based immigration may provide a path to legal permanent residence (and then US citizenship). Permanent residents can receive a pathway to citizenship via the EB-2 or EB-3-based green card, each associated with employment. To become an immigrant through the EB-3 category, o will have to obtain a job offer from a US employer who agrees to sponsor you for a Green Card. If you do not meet the necessary prerequisites or have certain job-related requirements, with the Green card to U.S. citizenship, you can start the process of becoming a U.S. citizen by naturalisation.
5. Naturalisation
If you haven’t qualified for naturalisation because of being born a citizen or through the Child Citizenship Act, you must pursue naturalisation to become a Citizen.
You may become eligible for naturalisation if these criteria are satisfied:
● Must be a legal permanent US resident for more than five years (green card holder).
● You are married to a U.S. citizen and have been a lawful permanent resident (having a green card) for at least 3 years.
● naturalisation may also apply to other rare situations, such as LPRs who are spouses of U.S. citizens if they meet certain overseas employment criteria or service in the U.S. military.
Benefits of US Citizenship for Australians
Australians can obtain countless benefits, such as privileges to travel, work and live from the U.S. through acquiring U.S. citizenship. Here are some of the key U.S. citizenship benefits that make American citizenship an attractive prospect:
- Voting Rights: United States citizens can vote for their federal, state, and local governments. Voting is an important responsibility of all citizens to be involved in shaping the country’s political direction.
- Access to Government Benefits: The citizens can gain access to Government Benefits like Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid citizens are able to reach for more.
- Passport Privileges: Citizens from the United States do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travel but can travel using a valid U.S. passport for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to many countries across the globe. Being an American citizen brings some privilege of hassle-free global travel.
- Employment Opportunities: US citizens have the freedom to work in any profession they choose in the United States. They can work in any industry and do not need any further permission.
- Protection Abroad: U.S. embassies and consulates overseas give consular services and protection to U.S. citizens travelling or residing abroad. Such issues include helping in an emergency (like the loss of a passport or legal), etc.).
- Civic Engagement: Citizenship grants people the opportunity to participate more in civic and political activities in the US, thus influencing democracy and the country’s progress.
- Sponsorship Rights: As an American citizen, you can petition for family members who wish to come and live in the USA for the purpose of reunification.
- Eligibility for Federal Jobs: The federal government sometimes requires U.S. citizenship for some of its jobs and positions.
- Security and Stability: U.S. citizenship offers both protection and permanence. People who become U.S. Citizens cannot be deported from the United States.
5 Things Australians Need To Know About Moving to America
As Australians contemplate the prospect of Moving from Australia to the United States and pursuing American citizenship, it’s essential to be aware of several key considerations:
1. H1B Visa:
An H1B is a non-immigrant working visa which permits American employers to use foreign employees for expert work. Those looking for work in the US with an H1B visa might require an employer to offer a job, along with certain educational or work-related prerequisites.
2. E3 Work Visa:
This is why the E3 visa falls under the one-of-a-kind nonimmigrant visa category, which can only be acquired by an American citizen. It’s meant for Australian citizens in search of an H-1B visa speciality occupation job in the US. For an E3 visa, you will need to have a valid job offer from a US employer plus a labour condition application issued by the US Department of Labour.
3. Cost of Living:
Living expenses in the USA can be relatively expensive for some people, depending on the state or city you choose to reside in and your lifestyle. Anyone considering moving to America from Australia should look into the costs of housing, healthcare, education, and cost of living and prepare accordingly.
4. Healthcare:
The U.S. health system is complicated because it’s a combination of public and private plans and providers. It’s recommended that Australians residing in the US carry adequate health insurance coverage to cover their medical needs.
4. Drinking and Dining:
Drinking and eating norms vary between different parts of the United States in relation to cultural traditions. Not all states will agree on the legal drinking age or other statutes. Familiarise yourself with the rules and customs governing drinking and dining etiquette where you’re going.
Passport Legacy: Your Gateway To Becoming An American Citizen
It’s an inspiring journey from being an Australian resident to becoming an American citizen. As you navigate these pathways, eligibility criteria, and U.S. citizenship requirements, remember that having an American citizenship means much more than just a legal journey for a country. It is also a commitment to this nation and its culture for now.
With each step closer you take, your dream and hope of fulfilling the American dream of unlimited possibilities, rights, and responsibilities is becoming more of a reality. Whether you want to reunite with your family members, advance in your career, or start a fresh journey, the United States is ready for all your desires. If you need expert assistance and support on your quest towards US citizenship, you can always reach out to Passport Legacy.
Are you ready for the next phase in your pathway to becoming an American citizen? Get in touch with Passport Legacy for expert advisory and assistance.
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