Changes to Australian
citizenship requirements
The Australian Government has announced changes to
Australian citizenship requirements which are effective 20 April 2017.
The changes will require:
1.That applicants hold their Australian permanent residence for
longer
2.Formal English language testing
3.A revised Citizenship Test
4.Evidence that applicants show that they have integrated
into Australian society
Changes to General
Residence Requirement
Applicants for citizenship by conferral would generally need
to show that they meet the "General Residence" requirement.
This would mean showing that they have been present in
Australia for at least:
1. The last 4
years, on any temporary, permanent or bridging visa, with a maximum of 12
months overseas.
2. The last 12
months, on a permanent visa, with a maximum of 3 months overseas Previously, it
was possible to count time spent in Australia on a temporary visa or bridging
visa towards the 4-year requirement.
The announced changes would require that applicants hold a
permanent visa for 4 years before applying. This would potentially require
applicants to wait a further 3 years before applying for Australian
citizenship.
2. Changes to English
Requirement
Applicants will need to show Competent English when applying
for Australian citizenship - this will require many applicants to do an English
test. English testing was not previously required. Competent English would
require a score of 6 in each band of IELTS, or one of the alternative tests of
English.
3. New Citizenship
Test
A new citizenship test will be developed which tests
Australian values more thoroughly. Applicants will be able to attempt the test
a maximum of 3 times. If a person is found to be cheating on the test, this
will result in an automatic fail.
4. Integration
Requirement
According to the discussion paper, applicants will need to
demonstrate their integration into the Australian community by providing
documentation on their integration into Australian society.
This is likely to include providing evidence that you are:
Working, are actively looking for work or seeking to educate
yourself
Actively involved in community or voluntary organizations
Properly paying your taxes
Ensuring your children are attending school
Book a consultation
If you are affected by the changes and wish to discuss your
options, please book a consultation with one of our Australian Immigration Consultants
.
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