The New Australian Citizenship requirements will be toughened by the government. Bill 2017 was introduced with these reforms, but it failed in the Senate. Although the government has worked on a revised bill, it is not yet known when this revised Bill will be presented to Parliament for debate.
Australian citizenship may become harder to acquire if the legislation is approved by parliament.
Australian values now form the basis of citizenship applications. Australian citizenship, according to the Australian government, is a priviledge that will be awarded only to individuals who respect Australian laws, embrace Australian culture, adhere closely with Australian values, and fully integrate themselves into Australian society.
Please find below the proposed new regulations (subject the adoption of the legislation)
New Australian citizenship: residency requirement
If the Australian Parliament approves, then applicants will be required to show proof of a four-year residency in Australia immediately preceding their citizenship application (instead of just one year as it is now), with no longer than a year of living outside Australia.
New Australian citizenship: English language test
Applicants who have been approved by the parliament will need to prove their English proficiency by passing an English test consisting of components such as speaking, listening and reading. Before taking the citizenship exam, applicants must first pass the English language test. The applicant must be able to pass this English Language test on a modest level in order to apply for Citizenship by Conferral.
New Australian citizenship: citizenship test
Update: The new test has been approved by the Government since this article was written. As of November 15, 2020 and beyond, there will be some changes to the updated Australian Citizenship Test.
There are new questions regarding Australian values
A new requirement is that the answers to all 5 questions about Australian values be correct. The test must be passed with a score of at least 75% overall.
The only section of Australian Citizenship, Our Common Bond that will be assessed is the one which can be tested.
In addition, the system currently in place rejects citizenship applications if the applicant has been convicted for a serious crime. Now, the government considers this insufficient. The new test looks at the history of all offenses, minor or not, that do not meet the Australian standard values such as welfare abusing.
The new Australian citizenship demonstration:
Applicants will be required to show proof of integration if they are approved by Parliament. They must provide proof that they have integrated, like tax receipts, evidence of school enrollment for their children, job and club memberships.
As an example, the Australian government will want to know that the applicants’ children who have reached school age are taking full advantage of our great educational system in Australia and attending school.
New Australian citizenship: citizenship test attempts limited
After 3 failed citizenship tests, applicants will be required to wait for 2 years (previously, they could retake it as often as they liked).
Also, those who cheat in their tests will not be granted citizenship.
Prepare for the Australian Citizenship Test. This Australian Citizenship Test Training Program has been updated and can help you to pass the test on your first attempt.
