From student to Australian citizen: How long does it really take? My story and tips for getting there

Arriving in Australia on a student visa is just the first step in a journey that, for many, becomes a dream of residency and eventually, citizenship. But how long does it really take to go from student to citizen? What challenges and stages will you face along the way?

I’ve been asked this question thousands of times, and today I want to share my real experience after seven years in Australia—so you know what to expect, how to plan, and most importantly, how to make it happen.

My first steps: The student visa and planning to stay.

We arrived in Australia in 2018 on a student visa, excited to improve our English and start a new life. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to stay permanently.

With a lot of effort, I took the IELTS exam and submitted my skills assessment to apply for a points-based visa. However, the required score was high and the competition tough—especially for industrial engineers like me.

Looking for alternatives, we discovered the regional visa (at the time, subclass 489, now replaced by the 491). Tasmania, with its peaceful lifestyle and less-saturated environment, became our ideal destination to meet regional requirements and build our path toward temporary residency.

The regional visa: A bridge toward permanent residency.

We applied in 2018, and within a month, we were granted the regional visa. It was an exciting moment—going from students to temporary residents!

We fulfilled the two-year residence and work conditions in Tasmania, which were required for this visa, and later moved to the Gold Coast for personal and professional reasons.

From there, we applied for the 887 visa, which allows you to transition to permanent residency. This stage took longer than expected—almost three years—due to the pandemic and shifting government priorities.

The wait that’s worth it: Permanent residency and citizenship.

In 2023, we finally received permanent residency—a huge milestone that opened the door to apply for citizenship a year later.

The citizenship process is thorough: lots of paperwork, interviews, and even background checks involving family members in your home country. Plus, there's the citizenship test, which requires preparation—though today, digital tools and apps make studying much easier.

My husband and I took the test nervously but passed with good scores. Two months later, we received our official approval, filled with emotion and gratitude knowing that our effort and patience had paid off.

What I learned: Practical advice for those on the same path.

✅ Plan from Day One: Map out your visa pathway, goals, and timelines. Don’t leave anything to chance.

✅ Seek Professional Advice: A good migration agent can help you explore faster or more cost-effective pathways.

✅ Be Patient and Consistent: This journey can take years, but every step brings you closer to your goal.

✅ Prepare for the Citizenship Test: Use modern, practical resources—not just the traditional booklet.

✅ Don’t Lose Hope: Obstacles are part of the journey, but with dedication, they can be overcome.

Becoming an Australian citizen after arriving as a student is a long journey—but an achievable one. My experience taught me there are no magical shortcuts, but there are well-defined pathways.

With patience, preparation, and the right support, you too can transform your student visa into an Australian passport.

If you have questions about the process or need guidance, feel free to reach out to us via our new WhatsApp line for personalised support. At AustraliaPRO, our team of experts is here to assist you throughout your migration journey and make sure you meet all the requirements.

Click here to book your free consultation today.

Warm regards,

Mafe Garcia

Business Development Director

AustraliaPRO – Your trusted partner for migration to Australia