Refugees and humanitarian entrants can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residence (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident). The standard citizenship test applies, but special assistance provisions — including language support and modified testing arrangements — are available. Most humanitarian entrants qualify for citizenship and are encouraged to apply.
Refugees and humanitarian visa holders make up a significant and valued part of Australia's multicultural society. Once you have met the residence requirements, the Australian Citizenship Test is the same for all applicants — but special provisions exist to ensure the process is fair and accessible, regardless of your background or English proficiency.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia accepts approximately 13,750 people through its Humanitarian Program each year. The vast majority of these individuals go on to become Australian citizens and full members of the community.
Who Qualifies as a Humanitarian Entrant?
Australia's Humanitarian Program covers two main streams:
- Refugee stream — people resettled from overseas who are assessed as refugees under the UNHCR criteria, including subclass 200, 201, 203, and 204 visas
- Special Humanitarian Programme (SHP) — subclass 202 visas for people living outside Australia who face substantial discrimination amounting to a gross violation of human rights
- Onshore protection — temporary protection visa (TPV) holders and safe haven enterprise visa (SHEV) holders may also qualify once granted a permanent visa
Citizenship Residence Requirements for Humanitarian Entrants
To be eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must have:
- Lived in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before applying
- Held a permanent visa for at least 12 months of that 4-year period
- Not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the 4 years (and no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying)
- Been of good character
- Intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close association with Australia
Many refugees who arrived in Australia years ago and have been building their lives here are already eligible — or will be soon. The Department of Home Affairs actively encourages eligible humanitarian entrants to apply.
The Australian Citizenship Test: What Humanitarian Entrants Need to Know
The Australian Citizenship Test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official resource "Our Common Bond." You must correctly answer at least 15 questions (75%) to pass, including all 5 mandatory questions about Australian values and the pledge of commitment.
| Test Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 20 multiple choice |
| Mandatory questions | 5 (must all be answered correctly) |
| Pass mark | 15 out of 20 (75%) |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
| Format | Computer-based at an approved testing centre |
Special Provisions and Assistance for Humanitarian Entrants
The Department of Home Affairs recognises that some humanitarian entrants may face additional challenges. The following assistance options are available:
Language and Literacy Support
- The test is available in English only, but you can request extra time if you have low English literacy
- An interpreter can be present to explain instructions — but not to translate test questions
- You may request a reader/writer assistant if you have literacy difficulties
Test Exemptions
Some individuals are exempt from sitting the citizenship test entirely:
- Applicants aged 60 or older
- Applicants who are deaf, blind, or have a permanent physical or mental incapacity that prevents them from understanding the nature of the application
- Applicants under 18 years of age
Studying for the Test as a Humanitarian Entrant
The official study resource is "Our Common Bond" — available free from the Department of Home Affairs website. It covers Australian values, history, government, and laws. Focus on these key areas:
- Australian values — democracy, the rule of law, equal rights, freedom of speech and religion
- Government structure — federal, state/territory, and local government; Parliament; the role of the Prime Minister and Governor-General
- Australian history — Indigenous history, European settlement, Federation in 1901
- Rights and responsibilities — what it means to be an Australian citizen
Prepare with Confidence
Practice with real citizenship test questions tailored to help you pass on your first attempt.
Start Free Practice TestsSettlement Services and Free Study Support
If you are a humanitarian entrant, you may be eligible for free support through Australia's settlement services network:
- Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) — free English classes for eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants
- Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) — assistance navigating the citizenship application process
- Community organisations — many ethnic and refugee community organisations run free citizenship test preparation sessions
After You Pass: The Citizenship Ceremony
Once your application is approved, you will be invited to attend an Australian citizenship ceremony where you make the Pledge of Commitment. This is a meaningful moment — you will formally join the Australian community alongside other new citizens.
The Pledge of Commitment reads:
"From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."
For many humanitarian entrants, this moment represents the culmination of a long and difficult journey. It marks the beginning of a new chapter as a full member of the Australian community with all the rights and responsibilities that brings — including the right to vote and the ability to hold an Australian passport.
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Sign Up FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for citizenship if I arrived on a TPV?
Not directly from a TPV. You must first be granted a permanent visa (such as a Resolution of Status visa or a permanent protection visa), and then meet the 4-year residence requirement including 12 months as a permanent resident. Contact the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
Is the citizenship test in my native language?
No. The Australian Citizenship Test is conducted in English only. However, you can request additional time or a reader/writer assistant if you have significant literacy difficulties. An interpreter may assist with test instructions, but not with the questions themselves.
What if I fail the citizenship test?
You can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you may need to rebook through the Department of Home Affairs. Use the time between attempts to study with practice tests at CitizenshipPrep.
Do my years on a temporary protection visa count toward the residence requirement?
Time spent on a TPV or SHEV can count toward the 4-year residence period, but you still need at least 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before applying. The rules are complex — check the Department of Home Affairs website or contact a registered migration agent for advice.
Are there any fees for the citizenship test?
Yes. The citizenship application fee is $490 for adults and $245 for minors (under 18) as of 2026. Fee waivers or reductions may be available in cases of financial hardship — speak to your settlement services provider for assistance.