Key Points
- The average age of migrants who acquired Australian citizenship by conferral over the past decade is 33, according to data from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Only 21,220 people aged 70 to 79 gained Australian citizenship in the last 10 years.
- Between 2019-20 and 31 December 2024, the oldest person to acquire Australian citizenship by conferral was 101 years old.
The majority of migrants who obtained Australian citizenship between 2014-15 and 2024-25 were aged between 30 and 39, according to data supplied to SBS Gujarati from the Department of Home Affairs.
Over the past decade, 593,000 individuals in this age group acquired Australian citizenship by conferral as of December 2024.
However, Vipin and Bharti Shah, an Indian-Australian couple, defied this trend. They are part of a much smaller group of only 21,220 people aged 70 to 79 who gained Australian citizenship during the same period.
The Shahs became Australian citizens at ages 78 and 74 respectively.
Arriving in Australia
The couple first came to Australia in 1999 on a visitor visa to attend their son’s graduation.
We loved the culture and visited many places across the country. We continued to visit Australia annually to spend time with our sons, who had settled in Perth.Vipin Shah
In 2005, they applied for permanent residency, which was granted in 2014.
Although they have a well-established family business in India, the Shahs frequently visit Australia and officially became Australian citizens last year.
Vipin and Bharti are deeply connected to their family, especially their grandchildren, who are being raised in Australia.
"At this stage in our lives, we want to be with them," Bharti said.
The attraction of peaceful and friendly environment
The peaceful and welcoming environment of Australia also appealed to Vipin and Bharti.
"I personally love the calm and friendly atmosphere here, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time," he added.
Vipin noted that their sons’ interest in cricket may have influenced their choice of Australia for further education.
Bharti and Vipin Shah with their family in Australia. Credit: Supplied / Vipin Shah
They are also part of a senior citizens’ group, where they organise events and practice yoga weekly.
Between 2019-20 and 31 December 2024, the oldest person to acquire Australian citizenship by conferral was 101 years old.
Department of Home Affairs statistics show that, between 2014-15 and 2024-25, a total of 288,452 Indian nationals became Australian citizens by conferral, with the average age of acquiring citizenship being 30.
Choosing Australia over other countries
Meanwhile, Richa and Chintan Panwala, both 36, will officially gain Australian citizenship on 26 January after residing in the country for six years.
Chintan, who works as telecommunications engineer in Western Australia’s mining company, previously spent six years working in Kuwait.
He admits, "I didn’t know much about Australia before I started the visa process."
Richa and Chintan Panwala will receive Australian Citizenship on 26 January. Credit: Supplied / Chintan Panwala
"Moving to Australia was the best decision I made," Chintan said.
Australia offers best resources and facilities
Chintan is particularly attracted to Australia’s abundance of natural resources and excellent medical facilities, while Richa appreciates the country’s multicultural society, work-life balance, and education system.
"I am very proud of my Indian heritage and feel blessed to have been born in India. Though it’s bittersweet to give up my Indian passport, home is where you live, and I am excited to become an Australian citizen," she said.
SBS Gujarati is a part South Asian, the destination channel for all South Asians living in Australia.
Tune in to SBS Gujarati live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our .
You can also enjoy programs in 10 South Asian languages, plus content in English. It is also available on
