Australian citizenship applications by conferral require two identical 35×45mm photographs — the same size as an Australian passport photo. Plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last six months. Both photos must be printed from the same session; one must have your name and the witness's signature written on the back.
The fee is AUD 490 for an adult citizenship by conferral application. Processing takes 12–18 months from the time your application is complete. The photo is submitted with your initial application, not at the citizenship ceremony — so it needs to be right from the start.
Australian Citizenship Certificate Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35×45mm |
| Digital equivalent | 413×531 pixels |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos |
| Background | Plain white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Head size | 32–36mm from chin to crown |
| Finish | Glossy or matte (unlaminated) |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Why Two Identical Citizenship Certificate Photos?
The Department of Home Affairs requires two photos because one is attached to your application file and the other is used for further processing, including the citizenship record. "Identical" means both must come from the same session — the same pose, the same lighting, the same print batch. Two photos from different days don't qualify even if they look similar.
One photo goes into the application form. The second must have the following written on the back in pen: your full name, and the signature of an approved witness who can verify your identity. The approved witness writes "I certify this to be a true likeness of [full name]" and signs. This is a legal declaration — it can't be skipped.
Who Can Witness an Australian Citizenship Photo?
The Home Affairs approved witness list includes:
- Medical practitioners registered in Australia
- Pharmacists
- Police officers
- Bank officers with at least 5 years' service
- Teachers at an Australian school or tertiary institution
- Lawyers or Justice of the Peace
- Members of Parliament or local councillors
The witness must have known you for at least 12 months and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Australian government employee. They cannot be a relative.
Where to Get Australian Citizenship Photos Printed
Any passport photo service in Australia will produce compliant 35×45mm prints. Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Australia Post, and most camera shops can do this. Tell the operator it's for an Australian government application — the spec is identical to the passport, so the product will be the same.
If you're submitting the application online through ImmiAccount, you may be able to upload a digital photo instead. The upload specification is 413×531 pixels, JPEG format, maximum 5MB. The background still needs to be pure white, and the same compliance rules apply as for the printed version.
Before printing or uploading, the passportsize-photo.online checker can verify your photo against Australian government specifications. Background colour, head size, and lighting are the three most common rejection triggers — the checker flags all three in about 30 seconds.
The Citizenship by Conferral Application Process
Citizenship by conferral is for people who are eligible based on their residency history — typically permanent residents who have lived in Australia for four years (one of which as a permanent resident). The process:
- Complete Form 1300t — the Application for Australian Citizenship by Conferral, available through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Attach two passport-size photos — one signed and witnessed on the back.
- Gather supporting documents — passport, proof of identity, evidence of residence, character documents.
- Pay the AUD 490 application fee.
- Attend an interview (if required — not always necessary).
- Pass the Australian Citizenship Test (a 20-question multiple-choice test on Australian values and government).
- Attend the citizenship ceremony — where you make the Pledge of Commitment and receive your citizenship certificate.
The 12–18 month processing figure is an average. Complex cases, periods of high application volume, or any issues with supporting documents can extend this significantly.
Citizenship Photo Requirements for Children Under 16
Children applying alongside a parent have the same photo requirements — 35×45mm, white background — but with a small difference in head size. For children, the head can appear proportionally larger in the frame than the strict adult standard allows, because a young child's face relative to their head height is different. Home Affairs guidance allows some flexibility here, but the background and recency requirements are identical.
A separate witnessed photo must accompany each applicant's portion of the form, including children. If you have multiple children applying with you, each needs two photos with a witnessed back.
After Receiving Your Citizenship Certificate
The citizenship certificate is issued following the ceremony. It's a lifetime document. There's no expiry, no renewal, no fee after issuance. The certificate is the definitive proof of Australian citizenship — keep it in a safe place along with your passport.
Once you hold citizenship, applying for an Australian passport is straightforward. The passport photo requirements are identical to what you used for the citizenship application, so any leftover prints from the same session will work — provided you apply soon after the ceremony. For applications more than a few months later, new photos are safer.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Citizenship Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned without exception, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — permitted for religious or medical reasons; full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Australian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Certificate | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Australian Passport | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Driver's Licence | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Proof of Age Card | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
All Australian identity documents share the same 35×45mm / white background / no-glasses standard. One photo session covers every application.
Common Citizenship Certificate Photo Rejection Reasons
- Glasses present — even clear prescription lenses are rejected
- Non-white background — light blue, grey, or cream backgrounds fail
- Only one photo submitted — Home Affairs requires two identical prints
- Witness details missing — one print must have your name and the witness's signature on the back
- Photo too old — must be taken within the last 6 months
Quick Checklist for Citizenship Certificate Photos
- Size: 35×45mm (two identical prints)
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- One print signed by witness on back
- Application form completed
- Identity documents ready
- Application fee paid
For a full overview of Australian identity documents, visit the Australia documents page.
