The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Instrument (LIN 21/069) 2021 establishes specific criteria determining which periods of lawful residence in Australia count toward meeting the general residence requirement for citizenship under section 21 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. This latest consolidated version F2026C00270 reflects amendments made since the instrument's original commencement, updating provisions related to calculation of qualifying residence periods.

Individuals applying for Australian citizenship must ensure their residence history aligns with the requirements specified in this instrument. The Department of Home Affairs administers the instrument, and applicants should review the detailed provisions in Part 1 (Preliminary) and subsequent parts to confirm their eligibility. No specific compliance deadline applies to this administrative instrument; it governs assessment criteria for citizenship applications.