To apply for Australian citizenship as a permanent resident, you generally need to have lived in Australia for 4 years (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident). You must pass the Australian Citizenship Test — 20 multiple-choice questions with a 75% pass mark. This guide explains the complete pathway for permanent residents.
The Australian Citizenship Test is the formal knowledge assessment that most permanent residents must pass before being granted Australian citizenship. To be eligible, you generally need to have been lawfully resident in Australia for 4 years immediately before applying, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. The test itself covers Australian values, history, government, and democratic beliefs.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, citizenship by conferral (the standard pathway for permanent residents) requires meeting residence requirements, passing the test, and demonstrating a commitment to Australia. This guide walks you through everything a permanent resident needs to know.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residents
Before you can sit the Australian Citizenship Test, you must meet all eligibility requirements. Here's what the Department of Home Affairs requires:
Residence Requirements
- Lived in Australia for 4 years immediately before applying
- Held permanent residency for at least 12 months of those 4 years
- Not been outside Australia for more than 12 months total in those 4 years
- Not been outside Australia for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Be aged 18 or over (different rules apply for children — see the Study Guide for details)
- Be of good character — no serious criminal history
- Have a basic knowledge of English sufficient to understand the test
- Understand the nature of the citizenship application
- Pass the Australian Citizenship Test
- Intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close relationship with the country
How the Australian Citizenship Test Works
The Australian Citizenship Test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test taken at an approved test centre. Here are the key details:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Number of Questions | 20 questions |
| Pass Mark | 75% (15 out of 20 correct) |
| Values Questions | 5 mandatory — must get ALL 5 correct |
| Time Limit | 45 minutes |
| Study Resource | "Our Common Bond" (free from Department of Home Affairs) |
| Results | Given immediately after completing the test |
The Four Test Categories
All questions in the Australian Citizenship Test come from these four categories in "Our Common Bond":
Category 1: Australian Values
This is the most critical section. The 5 mandatory values questions are drawn from here. Topics include:
- Freedom of speech, religion, and association
- Equality of men and women
- The rule of law and democratic participation
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts
- The spirit of a "fair go"
Category 2: Australia and Its People
Covers the history, culture, and people of Australia, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — the first Australians
- European settlement and the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788
- Federation on 1 January 1901
- National symbols, public holidays, and important dates
- Australia's cultural diversity and multiculturalism
Category 3: Democratic Beliefs, Rights and Liberties
Covers the rights and freedoms Australians enjoy, including:
- Right to vote and participate in democracy
- Freedom of religion, speech, and association
- Trial by jury and presumption of innocence
- Equal treatment under the law
Category 4: Government and the Law in Australia
Covers how Australia is governed, including:
- The three levels of government: federal, state/territory, and local
- The role of the Parliament, Senate, and House of Representatives
- The role of the Governor-General
- How voting works — preferential voting system
- The role of the courts and the judiciary
Start Preparing for Your Citizenship Test Today
Access free practice tests covering all four test categories — in the same format as the real Australian Citizenship Test.
Take a Practice TestStep-by-Step Application Process for Permanent Residents
- Check your eligibility — confirm you have met the 4-year residence and 12-month permanent residency requirements
- Study for the test — read "Our Common Bond" and take practice tests at CitizenshipPrep
- Submit your application — apply online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Pay the application fee — approximately $490 for adults (fee subject to change; confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website)
- Book your test — after your application is lodged, you will be invited to book your citizenship test appointment
- Sit the test — attend your appointment at the approved test centre
- Attend your citizenship ceremony — if approved, you will be invited to make the Australian citizenship pledge at a ceremony
Processing Times for Permanent Residents
According to the Department of Home Affairs, processing times vary depending on the complexity of your application. As a general guide:
- Simple applications (standard permanent residents, no character concerns): typically 13–18 months
- Applications requiring additional checks: can take longer, sometimes 2+ years
- Processing time begins from when your application is lodged, not when you sit the test
Processing times are not guaranteed. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current estimates before applying.
Special Exemptions for Some Permanent Residents
Certain permanent residents may be exempt from taking the Australian Citizenship Test:
- Applicants aged 60 or over
- Applicants with a permanent physical or mental incapacity affecting their ability to understand the test
- Applicants who have been hearing or visually impaired in certain circumstances
If you believe you qualify for a test exemption, discuss this with the Department of Home Affairs when lodging your application.
How to Prepare Effectively
Most permanent residents pass the Australian Citizenship Test with 2–4 weeks of structured preparation:
- Read "Our Common Bond" — the official study booklet, available free from the Department of Home Affairs
- Take practice tests — use CitizenshipPrep to test yourself on all four categories
- Focus on values questions first — these are mandatory and you must get all 5 right
- Review weak areas — use practice test results to identify which categories need more work
- Simulate test conditions — try timed practice tests to prepare for the 45-minute limit
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to be a permanent resident before applying for citizenship?
You must have held permanent residency for at least 12 months within the 4 years immediately before applying. The full 4-year requirement can include time on a temporary visa, but the 12-month permanent residency period must be met.
Can I sit the citizenship test before lodging my application?
No. You must lodge your application first, then you will be invited to book your citizenship test appointment. You cannot book the test independently.
What happens if I fail the Australian Citizenship Test?
If you fail, you can sit the test again. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and you do not need to reapply. You will be given another appointment. Use the experience to identify which areas to study more before your next attempt.
Do I need to speak English to pass the citizenship test?
The test is conducted in English, so you need a basic level of English to understand the questions. However, the Department of Home Affairs does not require a specific English test score. If you have significant language difficulties, discuss accessibility options when lodging your application.
Does time on a partner visa count towards the citizenship residence requirement?
Yes. Time spent in Australia on a temporary partner visa (subclass 820) counts towards the 4-year total residence requirement. However, you must have held a permanent partner visa (subclass 801) for at least 12 months to meet the permanent residency requirement.