Where to live in Australia is the topic for this part of our guide to emigrating to Australia…

Sydney, the largest city Australia has to offer, is situated on Australia’s south eastern coast. Despite being regarded as an expensive city, it’s a major destination for immigrants. A hub of business activity for the entire pacific region, it’s the headquarters of nearly all of Australia’s banks and at least half of Australia’s top companies, and the regional headquarters for around 500 multinational corporations.

Melbourne, the second most inhabited city in Australia, is the capital of the State of Victoria. Repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, it’s also viewed as Australia’s cultural and sporting capital and is a centre for commerce, industry, education, arts and tourism. It’s seen noteworthy population and employment growth in recent years and there has been substantial overseas investment in the city’s industries and property market.

Brisbane, one of the major business hubs in Australia, is the state capital of Queensland. Blue-collar industries include petroleum refining, paper milling and metalworking, and white-collar ones include information technology, financial services and public sector administration. It’s also noted as being a particularly multicultural city, with over 20% of its residents being born overseas (the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Africa being the primary contributors).

Adelaide, a costal city in the state of South Australia, has a history of attracting immigrants from non-English speaking countries, which has contributed to it becoming a welcoming multicultural place. It’s noted for its many sporting events and festivals, its culture, food and wine, and its beautiful beachfronts, and ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. The economy there is primarily dependent on Exporting, manufacturing, and defense technology and research form the base of the the economy there.

Perth is looked upon as the center for business and government for the entire western side of Australia. It’s the fourth largest city in Australia, and has a growth rate consistently higher then the national average. British-born residents are plentiful there, and it’s also been a particularly popular destination for South African and Chinese immigrants. Manufacturing aside (due to its substantial distance from other populous Australian cities), lots of business opportunities are on offer there.

We’re looking at becoming an Australian citizen in this part of our emigrating to Australia guide…

To become a formal member of Australian society you need to apply for citizenship there. If you do so and are accepted then your rights, privileges and opportunities will be equal to those who were born in the country, and you’ll no longer need to apply for visas to reside there.

Certain criteria are in place for you to be eligible for Australian citizenship; you should have been residing there for the last 2-4 years (exactly how long differs on personal circumstances), you must be planning to live there long-term, you should over 18 years old, and must be of good character (which is judged on references you provide and your criminal record). Additionally, a computerized test of 20 multiple choice questions on a range of aspects of Australia must be passed.

Information and advice regarding methods of application, the application process and fees can be found on the website of the Department of Immigration and Culture (DIAC). Carefully read through this before downloading an application form from the website or collecting a paper version from a branch of the Australian High Commission. At $200 per application, it isn’t cheap, so be sure that you’re eligible and have all the necessary documentation before proceeding.

You could also consult with a migration agent, as they’re experienced in the citizenship application process. Failed applications won’t affect your permanent residence visa or your ability to continue living in Australia, but you won’t get your application fee refunded.

Once the application process is complete, and you’ve satisfied all of the citizenship requirements, you’ll be required to make the Pledge of Commitment. This is done at a special ceremony, which will culminate in you being presented with a Citizenship Certificate by an official from the Australian government.