abijahThis guide explains who is eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral, how the residence rule is calculated, who sits the citizenship test, what the test contains, how to prepare, what documents to bring, fees, processing, ceremonies, and special cases. It does not offer legal advice or guarantees. Always confirm details on official government websites.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for permanent residents, temporary residents approaching eligibility, international students mapping a future pathway, and educators or community workers who support new arrivals.
It focuses on citizenship by conferral, which is the common pathway for adult applicants. It also notes citizenship by descent, adoption, and resumption where relevant. The aim is clarity without jargon, with practical steps you can follow today.
What Australian Citizenship Provides
Australian citizenship allows full participation in civic life. Citizens can vote in federal and state elections, stand for parliament where eligible, apply for an Australian passport, and receive consular assistance overseas.
Many public service roles and some security-cleared positions require citizenship. Citizenship also provides a stronger sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and long-term stability for family decisions.
This guide explains the fair and transparent process designed to assess readiness for these responsibilities.
Pathways to Citizenship at a Glance
There are several pathways:
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Citizenship by Conferral – for eligible permanent residents and the main focus here.
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Citizenship by Descent – when at least one parent was an Australian citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth outside Australia.
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Citizenship by Adoption – applies in specific international adoption situations.
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Resumption – allows former citizens who lost citizenship under past laws to resume it.
Only the conferral pathway involves the computer-based citizenship test for most adult applicants.
General Eligibility for Citizenship by Conferral
Most adult applicants apply under general eligibility. The key elements are:
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Age
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Permanent residence status
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Time spent lawfully in Australia
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Limits on absences
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Intention to reside or maintain close and continuing association
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Good character
Applicants aged 18–59 usually sit the computer-based citizenship test. Applicants aged 60 or over generally do not and may instead demonstrate understanding at interview. Applicants aged 16 or 17 have tailored requirements.
Age and Identity
You must be at least eighteen years old to lodge a standard adult application. Your identity is verified through documents such as a passport, driver licence, or other approved photo identification.
Name changes should be supported with official certificates. At your appointment for test and interview, you present original photo identification so staff can confirm your identity.
Permanent Residence and Intention to Reside
You must hold permanent residence at the time of application. You should intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.
Evidence of ties can include employment, property, family, community involvement, or other indicators of commitment to the country.
Good Character
Good character is assessed across the qualifying period. The department may consider criminal history, compliance with visa conditions, truthfulness in applications, and community conduct.
If you spent time confined by order of a court during the qualifying period, that time does not count toward residence. Provide accurate disclosures and promptly supply any police certificates if requested.
The Residence Requirement in Detail
The residence rule confirms that applicants have built a settled life in Australia. It has three parts:
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You must have been lawfully present in Australia for four years immediately before the date of application.
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Within that period, you must have been a permanent resident for at least the last twelve months.
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There are caps on time spent outside Australia:
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Total absences in four years cannot exceed twelve months.
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Absences in the final year cannot exceed ninety days.
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Keep a simple travel log listing every trip with departure and return dates to avoid errors.
How to Calculate Your Dates Without Mistakes
Two habits reduce errors:
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Rely on your passport stamps and airline confirmations, not memory.
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Enter the dates in a simple table and count days outside Australia precisely.
If you exceed the ninety-day cap due to an urgent trip, delay lodgement until you are back within limits.
Travel During Processing
You can travel while your application is processed. However, your permanent residence must remain valid for re-entry.
If the travel facility on your visa has expired, you may need a Resident Return Visa. Plan travel thoughtfully so you can attend appointments and the ceremony.
Special Settings for New Zealand Citizens
Many New Zealand citizens hold a Special Category Visa (SCV). Recent settings allow some to count this status as permanent from specific dates.
Others hold a Skilled Independent visa (New Zealand stream) with tailored rules. The precise position depends on your visa and the dates held. Always check official guidance.
Who Must Sit the Citizenship Test
The computer-based test usually applies to applicants aged 18–59.
Applicants aged 60 or over are generally interviewed instead, and applicants aged 16–17 may attend an interview to show basic English and understanding.
Accommodations and interpreters are available for those with long-term physical or mental conditions.
The Citizenship Test Explained Clearly
The test checks knowledge of Australia’s democratic system, the law, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and Australian values.
It draws from the official booklet “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.”
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20 multiple-choice questions
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Must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly
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Must score at least 15 correct answers overall
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45 minutes to complete
Candidates who completed 400 hours in the Adult Migrant English Program may access longer sittings in some locations.
What the Questions Cover
Topics include:
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History of Australia and its people
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Foundational democratic beliefs
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Rights, liberties, and law
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Australian values (freedom, respect, equality, fair go, community participation)
You must answer all values questions correctly to pass.
Test Day Routine
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Arrive early and bring photo identification.
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Short identity check and brief interview.
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Read each question carefully and use the review function.
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Aim to finish with five to ten minutes spare.
A Practical Study Plan That Works
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Read the official booklet completely.
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Re-read testable sections and the values chapter.
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Summarize each chapter on one page.
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Attempt practice questions.
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Review wrong answers and restudy.
Study 20–30 minutes daily for 2–3 weeks instead of long cramming sessions.
If English is developing, read Australian news in simple English and listen to the official podcast.
Memory Techniques That Help Under Pressure
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Use spaced repetition (review summaries every second day).
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Use the teach-back method (explain topics aloud).
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Create flashcards for key terms and dates.
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Practice calm breathing before your test.
Booking, Identification, and the Appointment
After lodging online and paying the fee, you’ll be invited to a test and interview appointment.
Bring:
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Appointment letter
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Passport
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One additional approved photo ID
Originals only — no photocopies. If missing, your appointment will be rescheduled.
Documents You Should Prepare
Most adult applicants prepare:
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Passport biodata page and another photo ID (driver licence or proof of age card)
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Evidence of permanent residence (visa grant notices)
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Travel history for the last four years
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Name change documents (if any)
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Character documents (police certificates if required)
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Evidence of close and continuing association (employment, family, community involvement)
Fees, Costs, and Payment
Fees are paid online when you lodge.
They vary by application type and may change.
Always refer to the official citizenship fee page for up-to-date figures.
Keep your payment receipt for your records.
Processing Times and What Influences Them
Processing time depends on:
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Application volume
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Completeness of documents
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Security or character checks
Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
The department publishes general time guides so you can set expectations.
Approval, Ceremony, and the Pledge
After approval, you’ll receive a notification and be invited to a local citizenship ceremony.
Bring your approval letter and arrive early. After making the pledge, you become an Australian citizen and receive your citizenship certificate, which allows you to apply for a passport.
Keep the certificate safe and make certified copies for official use.
Special Circumstances and Reasonable Adjustments
If you have a long-term physical or mental condition affecting participation, the department can provide reasonable adjustments.
Interpreters are available for interviews, though the test remains in English.
Mention your needs when applying or booking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying before meeting residence rules
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Forgetting that time in prison doesn’t count toward residence
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Misstating travel dates
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Bringing photocopies instead of originals
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Ignoring department requests
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Relying on unofficial sources
Always confirm details on official government websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a migration agent to pass the test?
No. The official booklet, practice questions, and podcast are free and sufficient.
2. How many questions are in the test and what is the pass mark?
20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly and get at least 15 right overall.
3. Is there a time limit for the test?
Yes, 45 minutes. Longer sittings may be available in certain cases.
4. What happens if I fail the test?
You can retake it. Review your mistakes and book another appointment when ready.
5. Can I travel while my application is in progress?
Yes, but ensure your permanent residence remains valid and your travel facility is active.
6. Do applicants aged 60 or over sit the computer test?
No. They are generally interviewed to confirm identity and understanding.
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