The test
The Australian citizenship interview
Check your identity documents above, then see what the interview is for and how it differs from the test appointment.
Independent, non-government site: tests, applications and appointments are handled only on the Home Affairs website.
Do my identity documents cover everything?
Identity documents
1 missing
| Documents asked for | 3, together covering all four |
| Missing | residential address |
| Copies | online: scans; paper: certified copies |
The citizenship interview is a meeting with a Home Affairs officer to confirm your identity and discuss your application. It takes two forms. Applicants aged 18 to 59 meet an officer at the start of their test appointment, before they sit the test. Applicants who do not sit the test, such as people aged 16 or 17, people aged 60 or over and people with an incapacity, may be called to an interview on its own. At 16 or 17, the officer may check that you understand the nature of your application, have a basic knowledge of English and understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. From 60, or with a hearing, speech or sight impairment, the check is that you understand what you are applying for, and a family member or another person can come with you; an interpreter can be arranged. Bring an original photo ID: copies and phone images are refused.
Do I have to sit the citizenship test?
Citizenship test
Yes, you sit the test
| Ages who sit it | 18 to 59 |
| Test fee | included in the application fee |
| Interview | at the test appointment |
Questions, dates and fees by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · How questions and dates are built
Two settings, one purpose
| Test appointment | Interview on its own | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | most applicants aged 18 to 59 | people who do not sit the test, if Home Affairs asks |
| What happens | identity and eligibility checked, photo taken, then the test | identity confirmed and application discussed |
| Someone with you | no, the test is sat alone | a family member or another person, in the cases listed |
| Interpreter | no; the test is in English with a listen option | can be arranged in the cases listed |
| ID | original photo ID | original photo ID |
What the officer checks, by situation
Aged 16 or 17. Teenagers of this age apply on their own form and do not sit the test, but they may have to show three things: that they understand the nature of the application, that they have a basic knowledge of English, and that they understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Reading the responsibilities of citizens and the values in Part 4 of the booklet is good preparation.
Aged 60 or over, or with a hearing, speech or sight impairment. The officer may check that you understand what you are applying for. A family member or another person can attend, and an interpreter can be arranged. There is no knowledge test.
With a permanent or enduring incapacity. The department may need to verify the claim of incapacity, usually through the medical evidence provided with the application. Again, someone can attend with you and an interpreter can be arranged.
Identity documents
Bring an original photo identity document, such as a passport, an Australian driver licence or an Australian proof of age card. The department does not accept certified copies or electronic images, and an appointment without photo ID is moved to a later date. The identity documents provided with the application are a separate matter: Home Affairs asks for 3 documents that together show your birth name, date of birth and sex, a photo, a signature and your current address. The checklist at the top of this page tells you which element is missing.
After the interview
Processing continues and the department writes when it needs more information or when it has decided. If the application is approved and a ceremony is required, the invitation usually arrives about 4 weeks before the date. If no ceremony is required, for example for a child under 16 on a parent's form, the certificate is posted by registered mail once the application is approved. The page on the steps after the test gives the current official waits.
Preparing without stress
Read your own application again before the interview, because the questions are about it. Bring any document the letter mentions, and note changes since you applied (a new address, a new passport, a trip) so you can mention them. If you sit the test at the same appointment, the test day page covers the rest of the morning.