How to apply

1. Citizenship test

If you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship you have to take a test before you submit your application. The test was introduced by Australian Government in 2007 and aims at evaluation of applicants' understanding of the English language and of Australia's history, national symbols, culture and way of life overall.

The test is free of charge and can be booked via registration at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by telephoning 131 880. The eligibility criteria for the test require your permanenet residentship and age between 18 and 60. Waiting times for an appointment to sit the citizenship test will vary depending on where you sit the test. When you call to make your appointment, the contact centre operator will advise you of waiting times and options. There are multiple locations across Australia where you can sit the test, so you may choose the one which is the nearest to you.

Once your booking has been made, you will receive a confirmation letter  with information on the test. The letter will also tell you which documents you will be required to bring with you to the test so you can establish your identity.

In order to pass the test, applicants must answer 20 multiple choice questions from a question bank of 200. The questions are given via computer and are drawn randomly. Each applicant has 45 minutes to complete the test. The test is only available in English, so you must have a sufficient knowledge of the English language before you apply.

2. Application Procedures

If you passed the test (you obtain at least 60% overall), you may apply for the citizenship. To do so you must download the citizenship form (usually it is form 1300t "Application for Australian Citizenship by Conferral - General Applicability", or select other form according to your situation) from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website (www.sitizenship.gov.au).

The application can be performed online. In such case the payment of the application fee should be done be credit card. If you apply by post you need to send the filled out application form  to the closest office of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship along with the receit of payment of the fee and other supporting documents mentioned on the website.

 The citizenship fee is $240 (general eligibility) or $120 (other situations). Allowed methods of payment include credit card, debit card, bank check or money order.

3. Citizenship ceremony

Most people are required to make the Pledge of Commitment as the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. Once their application has been approved, arrangements are made for them to attend a citizenship ceremony at which they make the Pledge. Once the Pledge had been made before a person delegated by the Minister the person is an Australian citizen.