General information

To check if you are eligible for a British passport, visit our passport eligibility page.

If you are not automatically eligible to apply for a British passport, you may still be eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen (see below). Once you have become naturalised, you are then able to apply for a British passport.

The processing time for registration and naturalisation categories is approximately 3 to 6 months.  We regret that applications cannot be prioritised.  All registrations and naturalisations are processed by the Home Office in London.

All applicants in Australia must send their application and supporting documents to the British High Commission in Canberra.

Please do not send your application direct to the Home Office in London.

If you have any queries please contact the British High Commission in Canberra:

British High Commission
Commonwealth Avenue
Yarralumla
Canberra
ACT
2600

Please note: this address is for citizenship enquiries only.  We regret that passport/nationality/visa enquiries sent to this address will not be answered.

Click here for passport enquiries

Click here for visa enquiries

Making your application

Applicants for a registration, naturalisation or renunciation at the British High Commission, Canberra must be in Australia at the time of application. Those currently outside Australia must contact their nearest British High Commission or Embassy.

Your original documents will be sighted by the British High Commission in Canberra and returned to you within 4 weeks of receiving the application.  Please ensure that you have all the correct documentation before sending your application.  Failure to send the correct documents will delay your application.  Once all the correct documentation has been received, your application is then forwarded to the Home Office in London for processing.

Please do not send an application for a British Passport (C1 or C2) with your application for registration or naturalisation.  You will only be able to apply for your passport once your application has been approved and you have attended a Citizenship ceremony at your nearest British Consulate.

Dual nationality

Under present legislation the United Kingdom recognises dual nationality, and if you acquire Australian citizenship this does not affect your right to hold a British passport or to live in the United Kingdom.  As regards your position in Australian law, you are advised to consult the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.