Ruqayyah Snyder
The Australian citizenship test has undergone changes, with new questions added that focus on Australian values such as freedom of speech, mutual respect, equality of opportunity, the importance of democracy, and the rule of law. The test, which is the final legal step to becoming an Australian citizen, consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, five of which relate directly to these values and must be answered correctly. The changes, which came into effect on November 15, 2020, were announced by the Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, who stated that the updates would ensure that potential citizens... understand and commit to our values. While there are concerns that the changes may cause delays in the application process, the government has stated that there will be no changes to English language or residency requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of changes announced | 15 November 2020 |
| Number of multiple-choice questions | 20 |
| Number of questions on Australian values | 5 |
| Pass mark | 75% |
| English language and residency requirements | No changes |
| Focus on English-language proficiency | Yes |
| Additional resources | Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond |
| Number of applications being processed | 159,846 |
| Average time taken for approval | 15 months |
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What You'll Learn
Focus on Australian values
The Australian government has decided to revamp the citizenship test, with new questions addressing Australian values. Alan Tudge, the acting minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services, and multicultural affairs, announced the changes, stating that Australian values are important and have helped shape the country. He added that individuals applying for citizenship should deeply understand the nation's values before making a commitment to the country.
The new Australian citizenship test will include five questions on Australian values, all of which must be answered correctly. The passing mark for the overall test is at least 75%. This change makes the new test harder to pass than the previous version.
The focus on Australian values in the citizenship test aligns with the government's goal of ensuring that new citizens understand and embrace the nation's core principles. By testing applicants' knowledge of these values, the government aims to promote social cohesion and a shared sense of national identity.
While the specific questions have not been disclosed, they are likely to cover various aspects of Australian values, such as democracy, freedom, equality, the rule of law, respect, and tolerance. Understanding these values is seen as essential for new citizens to fully integrate into Australian society and contribute to the country's diverse and inclusive culture.
The addition of Australian values to the citizenship test reflects the government's recognition of the importance of shared values in a multicultural society. By requiring applicants to demonstrate their understanding of these values, the government seeks to foster a sense of unity and belonging among all Australians, regardless of their background or origin.
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English-language proficiency
The Australian government is proposing stricter English language competency requirements for those seeking citizenship. The new requirements include a test of Australian values and proof of integration into Australian society, in addition to demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. The proposed English test for Australian citizenship has been criticised as an unfair barrier for those who do not have English as their mother tongue. It consists of a 50-word dictation test, a 1000-word reading comprehension exam with 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes, two essays, a 30-minute listening test, and a 15-minute speaking exam. To pass, aspiring citizens need to score a Band 6 on the general stream of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, which is the same score required for entry into Australia's top universities.
The Australian government offers 510 hours of free English tuition for aspiring citizens. However, research suggests that this falls short of the time required to achieve English language competency by about five years. To effectively increase the English language proficiency of aspiring citizens, the government must address the three key ingredients of successful language learning: motivation, opportunity, and good tuition. While the proposed English test may provide motivation, it is insufficient without providing adequate opportunities to learn and access to excellent tuition over an extended period.
The proposed English language test for Australian citizenship has sparked debates about fairness and effectiveness. Critics argue that the test sets an unfair standard for individuals who do not have English as their first language, potentially excluding them from achieving citizenship. Additionally, the test's focus on grammar and comprehension may not accurately assess an individual's ability to function and contribute to Australian society.
It is important to note that the English language test is just one aspect of the proposed changes to the Australian citizenship test. The Australian government also intends to introduce a values test and require proof of integration into Australian society. These additional requirements aim to ensure that aspiring citizens understand and embrace Australian values, contributing to a cohesive and inclusive society.
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Affirmation of Australian Values Statement
The Affirmation of Australian Values Statement is a requirement for visa applicants to Australia. By signing or accepting this statement, applicants confirm their willingness to respect Australian values and obey Australian laws. This step is vital for anyone seeking to live and work in Australia, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the values that define and shape the country.
The Australian Values Statement encapsulates the core principles and beliefs that underpin Australian society. These values include, but are not limited to, freedom, equality, fairness, and respect for diversity. By affirming these values, visa applicants acknowledge their importance in the Australian context and pledge to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these principles.
The statement serves as a mutual agreement between the applicant and the Australian government. Applicants commit to embracing and promoting Australian values in their daily lives, while the government recognises and supports their contribution to the country's cultural, social, and economic fabric. This affirmation ensures that individuals seeking to call Australia home are not just physically present but also actively embrace the values that make Australia unique.
Additionally, the Affirmation of Australian Values Statement promotes social cohesion and integration. By requiring visa applicants to affirm their respect for Australian values, the statement encourages newcomers to understand and embrace the local customs, traditions, and way of life. This promotes a sense of unity and shared identity within the diverse Australian community, fostering a society where individuals from various backgrounds can come together and thrive as Australians.
The statement also underscores the importance of obeying Australian laws. Applicants acknowledge that upholding the law is integral to maintaining the stability, safety, and fairness that Australian society values. By agreeing to abide by the legal framework, visa applicants demonstrate their commitment to contributing positively to the community and avoiding any actions that may harm or disrupt the peaceful coexistence Australia strives for.
Overall, the Affirmation of Australian Values Statement holds significant weight in the visa application process. It serves as a pledge by visa applicants to uphold and promote the values that define Australia, respect its laws, and actively contribute to its society. By accepting this statement, applicants take a crucial step towards becoming a part of the Australian community, not just as residents but as engaged and responsible citizens who embody the nation's values in their daily lives.
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Interview and test
The Australian government has decided to revamp the citizenship test, with new questions addressing “national values”. Alan Tudge, the acting minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services, and multicultural affairs, announced the changes, stating:
> Our Australian values are important. They have helped shape our country and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens. We are asking those who apply for citizenship to understand our values more deeply before they make the ultimate commitment to our nation.
The changes to the citizenship test will include an added focus on English-language proficiency. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stated that a strong command of English can improve employment outcomes for migrants. However, there have been concerns raised about a lack of consultation with local community organisations during the decision-making process.
In addition to the test, applicants need to attend an interview and meet various requirements, including providing character references and proof of residence. They must also have already been permanent residents for a set period. The entire process can take months, if not years, to be approved.
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Citizenship application delays
Processing times for Australian citizenship applications vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. While some applicants receive test invitations within a month, others may face prolonged waiting periods of up to six months or more after passing their tests before receiving approval. The total time from lodgement to attending a citizenship ceremony can be substantial.
In 2025, the average processing times for Australian citizenship applications saw some improvements compared to previous years. For citizenship by conferral, the most common type: 75% of applications are processed within 14 months, and 90% within 17 months. However, the total time from lodgement to attending a citizenship ceremony is longer: 75% of applicants complete the process within 17 months, and 90% within 21 months.
In recent years, 90% of citizenship by conferral applications were processed within 10-11 months. The Australian government has implemented several measures to enhance visa and citizenship processing times, resulting in improved processing times for various visa categories.
However, it is important to note that these are median processing times and may not reflect individual cases or specific citizenship application timeframes. Common reasons for delays in the citizenship application process include changes in immigration policies and the specific category of application. Understanding these potential roadblocks can help applicants manage their expectations and navigate the path to citizenship successfully.
In 2015, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) reported significant delays in the citizenship application process for permanent refugee visa holders, especially those who arrived in Australia by boat. The RCOA found that those surveyed had been waiting on average 215 days since lodging their application. For those who had completed the citizenship test but were yet to attend a ceremony, the average wait was 357 days from the time of their application. The RCOA attributed these delays to the additional barriers placed by the citizenship test on humanitarian entrants and called on the Minister for Immigration to resolve this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian government announced changes to the citizenship test in 2020, adding questions that address "national values" and require citizens to understand and commit to certain Australian values, including freedom of speech, mutual respect, equality of opportunity, the importance of democracy, and the rule of law.
Alan Tudge, the acting minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services, and multicultural affairs, stated that the changes were made because "Our Australian values are important. They have helped shape our country and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens." He also added that the new questions would require those applying for citizenship to understand Australian values more deeply before committing to the nation.
The changes to the Australian citizenship test came into effect on November 15, 2020.
The Australian government published the "Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond" resource to assist applicants in preparing for the updated citizenship test. This resource is available in English and 37 community languages. It covers three core aspects: "Australia and its people", "Australia's democratic beliefs, rights, and liberties", and "Government and the law in Australia".
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