What happens at the Australian citizenship interview?

What happens at the Australian citizenship interview?

Home Affairs confirms who you are and discusses your citizenship application with you. You bring photo ID, and you wait for a decision after the interview.

The interview is not a test with 20 questions. It is a conversation about your application.

Who gets an interview?

An interview can replace the test for some applicants. That covers people aged 17 or younger, people aged 60 or older, and people who cannot sit the test because of an incapacity or impairment. You can read the full list in who has to sit the test.

Not everyone in those groups is interviewed. If Home Affairs needs to interview you, it contacts you with the details.

What do they check?

At the interview, Home Affairs confirms your identity and discusses your application. Some applicants are asked to show a little more.

• Aged 16 or 17. You may need to show that you know what your application is for, have a basic knowledge of English, and know the duties and benefits of being a citizen.
• Aged 60 or over, or with a hearing, speech or sight impairment. You may need to show that you know what your application is for.
• A permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity. Home Affairs may need to check your claim of incapacity.

What do you bring?

Bring a photo ID. Examples are an Australian driver licence, a passport and an Australian proof of age card.

Home Affairs does not take certified copies or digital images of ID, so a photo on your phone does not work. If you arrive without photo ID, your appointment is moved to a later date. If Home Affairs asks for other documents, bring them too.

Can someone come with you?

For people aged 60 or over, with a hearing, speech or sight impairment, or with a permanent incapacity, the pages say you may bring a relative or someone who supports you. If you need an interpreter, Home Affairs can arrange one at your appointment. Tell Home Affairs before the day.

How do you prepare?

Home Affairs suggests reading the booklet Our Common Bond, listening to its podcast and using the AMEPOnline citizenship modules. You can also enrol in the general Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) if you want to improve your English.

The pages we read name no pass mark for the interview. Knowing the booklet still helps, especially at 16 or 17. Our guide to the whole booklet is a good start. If you want to check what you know, the free practice test is a quick way. It is practice and not part of any interview.

What happens after the interview?

Your application keeps moving. Home Affairs writes to you when it makes a decision, or if it needs more information.

If it approves your application and you must attend a ceremony, it sends an invitation letter about four weeks before the event. If you do not need a ceremony, it sends your citizenship certificate by registered post once it approves your application. Wait times for ceremonies vary.

Next step

Read your letter again and note the date, the place and any documents it names. Put your photo ID with it the night before.