This is one of the most frequently asked questions by Persian-speaking families planning to apply for Australian citizenship. The answer depends entirely on the child’s age at the time of lodgement. In this article, Dr. Sirous Ahmadi, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 0854826), breaks down the age thresholds defined in the citizenship law and Department of Home Affairs procedures, so you know exactly which child can be included in your form, which needs a separate application, and how costs and testing apply to each group.
Short Answer
A child under 16 (e.g., 15 years old) who is a permanent resident can be included in the responsible parent’s citizenship application form without paying an additional fee. Children aged 16 and 17 must lodge their own separate application (Form 1290), which is signed by the responsible parent, and they are not required to sit the citizenship test. Children 18 and over—including a 25-year-old—must apply as completely independent applicants using Form 1300t, meeting the residency requirement and the citizenship test.
What the law says
The legal framework is defined in s 21 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, where the main threshold for “eligibility criteria” is 18 years of age; however, the threshold for “inclusion in a parent’s application” under the Department of Home Affairs procedural policy is 16 years of age.
Under the general eligibility criteria set out in s 21(2), an applicant must be aged 18 or over at the time of application and be a permanent resident at both the time of application and the time the Minister makes a decision. Additionally, they must demonstrate a basic knowledge of Australia and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, the likelihood of residing or maintaining a close and continuing association with Australia, and be of good character at the time of decision. The Department’s official policy describes this path as follows: People aged 18 and over must meet the general eligibility criteria and successfully pass the citizenship test under subsections 21(2) and 21(2A), while those under 18 fall under subsection 21(5) of the Act.
Subsection s 21(5) provides a separate and much simpler pathway for those under 18; the requirement is that the person is under 18 at the time of application and is a permanent resident at the time of application and at the time of decision. This is why the general residency requirement of s 22 and the citizenship test—which are tied to those 18 and over in the legislation—do not apply to children under 18. The official text of the law in the Federal Register of Legislation confirms this age structure and the permanent residency requirement at both the ‘time of application’ and ‘time of decision’.
At the form and procedural level, the official Form 1300t (for general eligibility) specifies that children aged under 16 can be included in the responsible parent’s application form, and if both parents are applying, children should be included in only one responsible parent’s application; furthermore, the applicant must be the responsible parent of any included child and, per policy, it is expected that the child lives with them, and evidence may be requested. Regarding costs, the form is clear: there is no fee for children under 16 included on a parent’s form. Conversely, children aged 16 or 17 must complete their own application and a fee applies.
Form 1290 (“Other situations”) details the criteria for this group: the 16 or 17-year-old applicant must be a permanent resident at the time of application and decision, have spent enough time in Australia to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the application, basic knowledge of English, and sufficient awareness of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and be likely to reside or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia. The same form notes that the good character requirement applies to applicants 18 and over, and for the under-16 group, it reiterates the requirement to be a permanent resident at the time of application and decision. The Department of Home Affairs also mentions on its official interview page that if you are 16 or 17, you may be required to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the application, basic English proficiency, and awareness of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and that applicants who are not required to sit the citizenship test may be interviewed to confirm their identity and ask questions about their application.
An additional point for families whose child wishes to apply independently: children can also apply independently, provided the responsible parent agrees to and signs the application. A “responsible parent” is defined in the law as a parent of the child, unless a family court order has removed their parental responsibility, or someone who has a parenting order that the child must live with them, even if they are not the parent.
Key Requirements by Child’s Age
| Age at time of application | How to apply | Main criteria | Citizenship test | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 (e.g., 15) | Included in the responsible parent’s application form — if both parents apply, only in one | Permanent residency at time of application and decision; under parental responsibility and, per policy, living with the parent | No | No additional fee on the parent’s form |
| 16 and 17 | Independent application using Form 1290 which the responsible parent must agree to and sign | Permanent residency at time of application and decision, sufficient time in Australia to show understanding of the application, basic English, and awareness of responsibilities and privileges, and likelihood to reside or maintain association with Australia — falls under s 21(5) | No; instead, an interview to assess understanding and basic knowledge may be required | Fee applies |
| 18 to 25 (and older) | Completely independent application, usually Form 1300t for those 18 and over and under 60 who are permanent residents, meet the residency requirement, are likely to reside or maintain association with Australia, and are of good character | 18 and over + permanent residency at time of application and decision, sufficient awareness of Australia and citizenship responsibilities/privileges, likelihood to reside/maintain association, and good character, plus the general residency requirement under s 22 | Yes; success in the citizenship test under subsections 21(2) and 21(2A) | Separate Form 1300t fee |
A practical tip: the assessment is based on the child’s age at the ‘time of application’; therefore, the timing of your lodgement creates a real difference in the pathway, cost, and documentation for families with children approaching their 16th birthday.
What this means for you
If your child is 15 and a permanent resident, you can rest easy: their name goes on your form, they do not take a test, and there is no extra fee; you just need to submit their identity documents with your application, as the absence of these documents delays processing. If your child is 16 or 17, their application is separate but the pathway is straightforward, without the burden of the citizenship test or the 4-year residency requirement. And if they are 18 or older—like a 25-year-old—they are a completely independent applicant with their own test, residency requirement, and good character check.
As Dr. Sirous Ahmadi, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 0854826), explains, most delays and confusion in this area stem from one thing: families assume the age threshold is 18, when for “inclusion in a parent’s application” the actual threshold is 16. By carefully assessing your children’s dates of birth, the date permanent residency commenced, and the family’s travel history, we can structure the applications correctly before lodgement; the experience gained from years of working with Persian-speaking families creates the most value at this exact stage.
Resources
- Form 1300t – Application for Australian citizenship: General eligibility — Department of Home Affairs (Current form version)
- Form 1290 – Application for Australian citizenship: Other situations — Department of Home Affairs (Current form version, design date 09/26)
- Persons 16 or 17 years of age — Immigration and citizenship — Department of Home Affairs (Updated October 2026)
- Learn about the citizenship interview — Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Citizenship Act 2007 – s 21 (Application and eligibility for citizenship) — AustLII
- Australian Citizenship Act 2007 – Compilation — Federal Register of Legislation
- Australian Citizenship Policy Statement — Department of Home Affairs
Finalise your family’s citizenship application with confidence
If you have a teenager nearing 16 or a child over 18 at home, proper structuring of applications before lodgement can both reduce costs and simplify the journey. For a precise review of your children’s dates of birth, permanent residency status, and travel history—and to determine exactly whose name goes on which form—you can book a private consultation with Dr. Sirous Ahmadi, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 0854826), and proceed for the whole family with a clear roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 15-year-old child be included in a parent’s citizenship application?
Yes. Children under 16 can be included in the responsible parent’s application form. If both parents are applying, the child should only be included in one of their applications. The main condition is that the child must be a permanent resident at both the time of application and the time of decision.
Is there a separate fee for a child under 16?
No. According to official Forms 1300t and 1290, there is no fee for children under 16 who are included on their responsible parent’s application form.
What should a 16 or 17-year-old do?
They must lodge their own independent application (Form 1290 – Other situations) with the agreement and signature of the responsible parent, and a fee applies. They fall under s 21(5) of the Citizenship Act, meaning they are not subject to the citizenship test or the s 22 general residency requirement, but they must be a permanent resident and have spent sufficient time in Australia to demonstrate an understanding of the application, basic English, and awareness of citizenship responsibilities and privileges.
What about an 18 to 25-year-old?
They are a completely independent applicant: typically using Form 1300t, requiring permanent residency, meeting the general residency requirement, demonstrating the likelihood of residing or maintaining a continuing association with Australia, being of good character, paying a separate fee, and passing the citizenship test under s 21(2) and s 21(2A).
Do 16 and 17-year-olds sit the citizenship test?
No. The citizenship test applies to applicants 18 and over; however, the Department of Home Affairs may require a 16 or 17-year-old applicant to demonstrate their understanding of the application, basic English proficiency, and awareness of citizenship responsibilities and privileges in an interview.
At what point is the child’s age assessed?
The age is based on the child’s age at the time of lodging the application; this is why the timing of the lodgement is practically significant for a child approaching their 16th birthday.
This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 31, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.