Eligibility Criteria & Residence Requirements
Before applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, the Department of Home Affairs mandates that you meet strict lawful residence, character, and permanent residency prerequisites:
4-Year Visa Rule
You must have lived in Australia on a valid Australian visa for the past 4 years immediately prior to lodging your application.
Permanent Residency Rule
You must have been a permanent resident (PR) for at least the last 12 months immediately before applying.
Absence Limits & Overseas Travel
Total absence from Australia must not exceed 12 months across the 4-year qualifying period. Furthermore, you must not have been out of Australia for more than 90 days during the 12-month period right before applying.
Required Document Checklist
When submitting your online application via ImmiAccount, you will need to upload clear, scanned color copies of specific identity and background documents:
Identity Documents (Proof of ID)
- Current passport (photo page & visa labels)
- Australian driver's licence or proof of age card
- Birth certificate showing parentage details
Character & Residence Records
- Australian National Police Check (AFP certificate)
- International police checks if lived overseas
- Proof of residential address history (utility bills/lease agreements)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Create and Access Your ImmiAccount
Log into the official Department of Home Affairs portal, complete the online application form for Australian Citizenship by Conferral, and attach your digital documents.
Pay Application Fee & Submit
Pay the required Department processing fees securely online. Once submitted, you will receive a transaction reference number (TRN).
Receive Test Invitation & Book Appointment
After initial processing, the Department will email you an appointment notice to book your computerized test at an approved test centre.
Application Fees & Fee Concessions
General Application
$490 AUD
Covers document processing, interview administration, and test evaluation.
Eligible Pensioners / Concession Cards
Reduced Fee / Exempt
Holders of valid Australian government concession cards (e.g., Pensioner Concession Card) may qualify for reduced pricing.
Test Format & Passing Rules
The actual citizenship test is a computerized exam taken at a Department of Home Affairs test centre. Here are the core specifications:
20 Questions
Multiple choice
45 Minutes
Computerized exam
75% Minimum
15 / 20 correct
English Only
Mandatory policy
In addition to achieving at least 75% overall, you must answer all 5 questions (100%) in the Australian values section correctly. Missing even a single values question results in an automatic fail, regardless of your total score.
What Happens If You Fail the Test?
Failing your first attempt is a setback, but it is not a dead end. The Department of Home Affairs outlines clear protocols for retesting that protect your application status:
No Extra Fees
Retaking the test is completely free. The cost is fully covered under your original citizenship application fee.
Application Stays Active
Failing does not cancel your application or affect your permanent residency status. You can continue living in Australia normally.
Rebooking & The 3-Attempt Guideline
While you cannot retake the test on the exact same day if you fail, there is no mandatory multi-week waiting period—you can book your next slot as soon as one opens up. However, note that the Department of Home Affairs generally expects you to pass within three test appointments; failing across multiple consecutive attempts can eventually lead to application refusal.
Test Day Protocols & Exemptions
What to Bring on Test Day
Bring your booking confirmation email and the exact original photo identification documents (such as your passport) used when booking your appointment.
Test Exemptions
Certain applicants are exempt from sitting the citizenship test, including individuals aged 60 and over, or those with permanent hearing, sight, or speech impairments.
Post-Test Process, Approval & Ceremony
Passing your citizenship test is a major milestone, but it does not mean you are instantly an Australian citizen. Here is what to expect in the final stages of your journey:
1. Immediate Results
Your score is displayed instantly on screen at the end of your computer exam so you will know your pass/fail status immediately.
2. Application Decision
The Department continues assessing character, identity, and residency records before issuing a formal written approval notice.
3. The Ceremony & Pledge
You receive a local council invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony, make the pledge, and collect your official certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Australian citizenship test?
The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You are given 45 minutes to complete the computer-based exam.
What happens if I fail the Australian values section?
You must answer all 5 questions (100%) in the Australian values section correctly. Missing even a single values question results in an automatic fail, regardless of your overall score.
What is the overall passing mark?
You must achieve an overall mark of at least 75%, which means correctly answering 15 out of the 20 total questions.
Can I retake the test if I fail?
Yes. Retaking the test is completely free and your application stays active. While you cannot retake it on the same day, there is no mandatory multi-week waiting period. You generally have up to three attempts to pass.
Is the test available in languages other than English?
No. While official study materials like the Our Common Bond booklet are translated into various community languages, the actual test administered at the centre is conducted strictly in **English only**.
Ready to Ace Your Citizenship Test?
Put your preparation to the test with our 45-minute timed simulator featuring the exact 100% values tracking rule.