From passing the test to the Home Affairs decision

In Australia you apply for citizenship by conferral before you sit the test: you lodge the application in ImmiAccount and pay the fee at that stage (current amounts in Form 1298i, adjusted every 1 July; no fee for children 15 or younger on a parent's application). Most applicants aged 18 to 59 are then invited to a test appointment, which includes an interview. To pass the computer-based test you must answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly and score at least 75% overall (15 of 20).

• You receive the result on the day, and an officer checks your identity documents at the same appointment.
• The Department of Home Affairs then decides your application, checking residence, character and identity. According to Home Affairs (September 2026), 90% of conferral applications are decided within 5 months; missing documents and character checks can take longer.
• You are told the decision in writing. Approval does not yet make you a citizen.

Citizenship ceremony and the pledge

• For most people aged 16 or older, making the Australian citizenship pledge (pledge of commitment) at a ceremony is a legal requirement. You become a citizen only when you make the pledge.
• The invitation comes from your local council or Home Affairs about four weeks before the ceremony; you cannot choose the date or place. Home Affairs reports that 90% of approved applicants can attend a ceremony within 6 months of approval.
• There are two versions of the pledge, one mentioning God and one not; both have the same legal effect.
• You receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony, or by post if it is not ready.
• If you do not attend a ceremony within 12 months of approval without an acceptable reason, the approval may be cancelled.
• Before the ceremony you travel as a permanent resident on your current passport, so your visa's travel facility must still be valid.

ID and passport

• After the pledge, wait at least 10 days before applying for an Australian passport, so your citizenship shows in the system. Apply online with the Australian Passport Office and lodge in person at Australia Post or a passport office.
• A 10-year adult passport costs AUD 422 (fees as of 1 January 2026). Allow at least 6 weeks; Priority (2-day, +AUD 308) and Fast Track (5-day, +AUD 107) processing cost extra.
• Australia has no national ID card; a driver licence, Medicare card, passport or citizenship certificate serve as ID.

Your previous citizenship

• Australia allows dual citizenship; you do not have to give up your other nationality.
• Your other country's law decides whether you keep its nationality: some countries withdraw it automatically when you naturalise elsewhere, others require permission or a declaration. Check with its embassy or consulate before the ceremony.
• As an Australian citizen you should enter and leave Australia on your Australian passport.

Tax and social security

• Citizenship does not change your tax status. The ATO's residency tests decide whether you are taxed on worldwide income (residents) or only on Australian income (foreign residents).
• Medicare, the Age Pension and most Centrelink payments depend on residence, not citizenship, so little changes for permanent residents. One clear change: citizens can get HECS-HELP loans for university fees.

Voting and other rights

• Enrolling and voting are compulsory for all citizens aged 18 or older. Enrol online with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC); your citizenship number can serve as ID. You then vote in federal, state and local elections and referendums.
• Not voting at a federal election without a valid reason leads to an AUD 20 administrative penalty from the AEC; state elections have their own penalties.
• Citizens can be called for jury duty, apply for jobs that require citizenship (including most of the Australian Public Service) and stand for parliament. Candidates for federal parliament must not hold another citizenship, so dual citizens must take steps to renounce it before nominating.

Children

• Children 15 or younger included in your application become citizens at the same time as you and do not need to attend the ceremony.
• A child born in Australia is an Australian citizen by birth if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.
• A child born overseas after you become a citizen can apply for citizenship by descent.

FAQ

How long from application to the ceremony? Home Affairs reports that half of applicants go from application to ceremony in about 7 months and 90% within 12 months (2026 figures; check the current processing times).

Which pledge should I choose? Choose the version that fits your beliefs. Both have the same legal effect.

What if I don't vote? The AEC sends a notice. You can show you voted, give a valid reason or pay the AUD 20 penalty; unpaid penalties can lead to a court fine.

Can I apply for a passport before the ceremony? No. You become a citizen at the ceremony, and you should wait at least 10 days after the pledge before applying.

Useful links

• Department of Home Affairs — Citizenship by conferral: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident
• Citizenship processing times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times/citizenship-processing-times
• Australian Electoral Commission (enrolment): https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/
• Australian Passport Office: https://www.passports.gov.au