ACT Will Australian Citizenship Be Refused Because of Criminal Record?

[mohamed]

Hi guys,
Does the DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) refuse to grant Australian citizenship if the person has a criminal record?

 

[JS79]

In order to gain Australian citizenship, you have to demonstrate that you are of good character.
You must inform the Department of Immigration and Border Protection if you have been convicted and received a fine, a good behaviour bond, suspended sentence or a period of imprisonment. In saying this minor speeding fines and parking fines are not included.

A person would usually find it hard to obtain citizenship if they have committed a serious offence.

The only time you would not have to disclose a conviction is if you have not been convicted of a minor offence for the 10 years prior to applying for citizenship.

 

[yobt]

In order to gain Australian citizenship, you have to demonstrate that you are of good character.
You must inform the Department of Immigration and Border Protection if you have been convicted and received a fine, a good behaviour bond, suspended sentence or a period of imprisonment. In saying this minor speeding fines and parking fines are not included.

A person would usually find it hard to obtain citizenship if they have committed a serious offence.

The only time you would not have to disclose a conviction is if you have not been convicted of a minor offence for the 10 years prior to applying for citizenship.

I have opted to have a parking infringement heard in court. It did not occur to me that this might result in a criminal record if unsuccessful. However, now I am aware of this possibility I am concerned that I may not be able to apply for citizenship this year as planned but clearly this would seem to be a relatively minor offence. Would the Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection consider me of good character despite this offence (assuming I lose in court)?

 

[Sophea]

I don't think this would place you at serious risk of being denied citizenship. I know of people who have served prison sentences who have obtained Australian citizenship.