20 Frequently Asked Questions About the Australian Citizenship Test

1. 20 Frequently Asked Questions About the Australian Citizenship Test 1. What is the Australian citizenship test? The Australian citizenship test is part of the application process for most applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral. Passing the test will show you have a basic knowledge of the English language, an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen, and an awareness of Australian values, history, culture, and society. 2. Who needs to take the Australian citizenship test? Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged between 18 and 59 years will need to have an interview and sit the citizenship test. Some applicants aged 16 or 17 years, or who are aged 60 and over, may be required to have an interview but will not need to sit the citizenship test. The Department of Home Affairs will contact you if this applies to you. 3. How do I prepare for the Australian citizenship test? To prepare for the test, read the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond booklet, listen to the podcast, and do the practice test. The booklet is available in many languages and can be obtained from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/support-subsite/files/life-in-australia/life-in-australia.pdf. The podcast and the practice test can be accessed at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/prepare-for-test. The Department does not endorse or recommend any other package that claims will help you to pass the citizenship test. 4. How do I book the Australian citizenship test? You can book your appointment for the citizenship test online through your ImmiAccount after you have lodged your application for citizenship by conferral. You can choose a date and time from the available slots. You will receive a confirmation email with details of your appointment. You can also reschedule or cancel your appointment online if you need to. 5. Where can I take the Australian citizenship test?

2. You can take the citizenship test at one of the Department’s offices or at a participating Australia Post outlet. You can find a list of locations to take the test on https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/locations. 6. What do I need to bring to the Australian citizenship test? You need to bring your original identity documents (such as passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate) and a copy of your appointment confirmation email. You also need to wear a face mask and follow COVID-19 safety measures at the test venue. You are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, books, notes or other materials to the test room. 7. What is the format of the Australian citizenship test? The citizenship test is a computer-based multiple-choice test with 20 questions. The questions are randomly selected from a pool of questions based on the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond booklet. The test is conducted in English only and you have 45 minutes to complete it. 8. What are the passing criteria for the Australian citizenship test? To pass the test you must answer all 5 questions of the new chapter Australian values correctly, and get a mark of at least 75% overall. That means you need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly, including all 5 questions on Australian values. 9. What happens if I fail the Australian citizenship test? If you fail the test on your first attempt, you can book another appointment to retake the test. There is no fee for retaking the test. However, your application may be refused if you do not pass the test after three appointments. You can then apply for a review of the decision or lodge a new application for citizenship by conferral. 10. What happens if I pass the Australian citizenship test? If you pass the Australian citizenship test, you will receive a letter from the Department confirming that you have met this requirement for your citizenship application. You will then need to wait for further communication from the Department regarding your application status and your invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. 11.How long does it take to process my citizenship application after I pass the test? The processing time for your citizenship application depends on various factors, such as your personal circumstances, security checks, and availability of places. You can check the

3. current processing times at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times. 12. How do I check my citizenship application status? You can check your application status online through your ImmiAccount. You can also contact the Department by phone on 131 880 or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your application. 13. What is a citizenship ceremony? A citizenship ceremony is a formal event where you make the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your certificate of Australian citizenship. It is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. Citizenship ceremonies are usually hosted by local councils and presided over by a mayor or a council official. 14. How do I get invited to a citizenship ceremony? You will receive an invitation from the Department to attend a citizenship ceremony after your citizenship application has been approved. The invitation will include the date, time and location of your ceremony and instructions on what to bring and what to expect. If you have a valid reason, you should respond to the invitation as soon as possible to confirm your attendance or request a date change. 15. How long do I have to wait for a citizenship ceremony? The waiting time for a citizenship ceremony varies depending on the availability of places and the COVID-19 restrictions in your area. You can expect to attend a ceremony within 3 to 6 months from the date of your approval letter, but it may take longer in some cases. You can check the status of your ceremony invitation on https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/ceremony. 16. What do I need to bring to a citizenship ceremony? You must bring your original identity documents (such as passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate) and a copy of your ceremony invitation letter. You must also wear a face mask and follow COVID-19 safety measures at the ceremony venue. You are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, books, notes or other materials to the ceremony room. 17. What happens at a citizenship ceremony? A citizenship ceremony usually lasts for about an hour and consists of the following elements: – Welcome and introduction by the presiding officer – Acknowledgement of

4. Country and/or Welcome to Country by an Indigenous representative – Speech by a guest speaker (such as a local MP or a community leader) – Presentation of certificates of Australian citizenship to new citizens – Recitation of the Australian Citizenship Pledge by new citizens – Singing of the national anthem Advance Australia Fair by all participants – Closing remarks by the presiding officer 18. What is the Australian Citizenship Pledge? The Australian Citizenship Pledge is a statement that you make at your citizenship ceremony to affirm your loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people. There are two versions of the pledge, one mentioning God and one not. You can choose which version you prefer. The pledge is as follows: From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey. OR From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey. 19. What is the certificate of Australian citizenship? The certificate of Australian citizenship is an official document proving you are Australian. It contains your name, date of birth, gender, photograph and signature. It also shows when you became an Australian citizen and when the certificate was issued. You will receive your certificate at your citizenship ceremony after you pledge. 20. What are the benefits of becoming an Australian citizen? Becoming an Australian citizen means being fully accepted as a member of the Australian community and having the same rights and responsibilities as other Australians. Some of the benefits of Australian citizenship include: – The right to vote in federal, state and local elections and referendums – The right to apply for an Australian passport and travel freely in and out of Australia – The right to seek consular assistance from Australian diplomatic missions overseas – The right to register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent – The right to apply for certain jobs in the public service or defence force – The right to stand for parliament or local government – The right to access certain social security benefits and health care services – The right to serve on a jury