Have you ever wondered what happens if you apply for Australian Citizenship? Two important components to your application will include an interview and a test! Here’s what you need to know:
Interview
All applicants who are required to sit the test will have an interview first. Most applicants aged between 18 and 59 at the time of application have to sit the test. Applicants aged 16 or 17 years and some applicants who are 60 and over, are also required to have an interview. If you have children included in your application they do not need to attend the appointment.
For applicants required to sit the test
Before you sit the test, the Department will:
- check your original documents
- confirm your identity
- confirm you are eligible to sit the test
Applicants aged 16 and 17 years old
At your interview, the Department will check:
- your original documents
- that you have a basic knowledge of English
- that you understand what becoming an Australian citizen means
- that you understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
Applicants aged 60 years old and over
The Department will check:
- your original documents
- that you understand what becoming an Australian citizen means
- that you understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship
What to bring to the interview
At your interview, it is important that you bring the original documents for the copies that you lodged with your application, all of your original identity documents, and any other documents that you have been asked to bring. If you don’t bring all the documents your interview will be changed to a later date and the Department does not accept certified copies.
Citizenship test
The citizenship test is also part of the application process for most applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral. You need to pass the citizenship test to show that you have:
- a basic knowledge of the English language
- an understanding of what it means to become an Australian citizen
- an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
Who sits the test
Generally, if you are between 18 and 59 years old you must sit the test. You will have the opportunity to sit the test after the Department has checked your eligibility and verified your identity at your interview.
Who doesn’t sit the test
If you are applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, you do not need to sit the test if you:
- are under 18 years old at the time you apply for citizenship
- are aged 60 or over at the time you apply for citizenship
- were born to a former Australian citizen who automatically lost Australian citizenship because they become a citizen of another country when they were an adult
- were born in Papua before 16 September 1975 to an Australian citizen born in Australia (as Australia is now)
- were stateless when born in Australia and are not entitled to the citizenship of another country
- have a substantial impairment to or permanent loss of hearing, speech or sight
- have a permanent or enduring mental or physical incapacity, that means that you cannot:
- understand the nature of your application
- show that you have a basic knowledge of English
- show that you have an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
Time and location
An appointment will be created for you after application has been assessed. You will be notified of the date, time and place of your appointment. The time you have to wait from when you apply to your appointment date will vary. Usually if you have to sit the citizenship test, this will be organised for you t after your interview.
Cost
Free! You will not be charged to sit the citizenship test. The citizenship application fee that you paid covers the cost.
What happens on the day?
1. Arrive on time.
2. At the test centre, a staff member will:
- interview you
- verify your identity
- check your original documents
- take your photo
- confirm if you can take the test
3. You will use a computer to take the test, and your result will show straight after you complete it.
What happens if you pass the test?
Good news! The processing of your application will continue! The Department will write to you when a decision has been made on your application. If your application is approved and you are required to attend a citizenship ceremony, you will receive a letter of invitation to attend the ceremony from either your local council or us. Generally, your ceremony will be held within 6 months from the time your application has been approved. Although waiting times can vary, especially now during the coronavirus restrictions.
What happens if you fail the test?
You can:
- retake the test on the same day if possible
- re-book the test for another time, especially if you need more time to prepare.
You will not be charged for taking the test again. Failing the test does not affect your permanent visa or stop you from living in Australia. So never stop trying!
Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you want to know more about applying for Australian Citizenship, whether you are in Australia or overseas, or if you have applied and you have been affected by the current pandemic, contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
