Learn about citizenship

Before 26 January 1949, the status of Australian citizen did not exist, and people born in Australia were British subjects.

The legal concept of Australian citizen was created on 26 January 1949 with the enactment of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948, now known as the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. On that date, people born in Australia became Australian citizens automatically, whether they were in Australia or outside Australia.

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