arrangements for applications to resume and applications to renounce Australian citizenship

Embassy of Australia

United States of America

Embassy address: 1601 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington DC 20036 - Telephone: (202) 797 3000 - Fax: (202) 797 3168

Changes to lodgement arrangements for applications to resume and applications to renounce Australian citizenship for applicants outside of Australia -
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

From 5 November 2011, arrangements for the lodgement of applications to resume Australian citizenship (Form 132) and applications for renunciation of Australian citizenship (Form 128) by applicants who are outside Australia will change.

How do I lodge my application to resume or application to renounce (give up) Australian citizenship if I am outside of Australia?

If you are outside of Australia, you need to lodge your application by post or courier directly with the department’s Melbourne office at the following address:

Postal address:
Overseas Citizenship Unit (OCU)
DIAC Melbourne
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001
AUSTRALIA

Courier access:
Overseas Citizenship Unit (OCU)
DIAC Melbourne
Level 2, Casselden Place
2 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
AUSTRALIA

Your completed application form needs to be lodged with certified copies of the documents which are listed on the application form, together with the application fee.

How do I pay the application fee?

Payment of the application fee should be made by credit card. If you do not have access to a credit card, contact your nearest immigration office outside of Australia to find out about alternative forms of payment. Please do not send cash through the post.
The fee is to be paid before or at the time you lodge your application.

Can I lodge my application online?

No, it is not possible to lodge your application online.

I lodged my application before 5 November 2011. Where is my application now?

If you lodged your application at your nearest immigration office outside of Australia before 5 November 2011, your application will be processed by the department’s Overseas Citizenship Unit (OCU) which is located in Melbourne, Australia.

How long will it take to process my application?

The department endeavours to decide 80% of applications within 77 calendar days. A complete application submitted with all the required documentation will assist the department to meet this service standard.
Please note that overseas penal clearance certificates may take a long time to obtain, and may cause significant delays in the processing of your application to resume Australian citizenship. To avoid such delays, it would be to your advantage to apply for them beforehand and attach them to your application.

Why have lodgement arrangements changed?

The department is undergoing a wide-ranging transformation program. The direct lodgement of applications to the processing office will reduce delays in processing your application.
For more information visit the citizenship website at www.citizenship.gov.au