Eligibility for Citizenship
Before taking the citizenship test, you must meet several eligibility criteria. You must be a permanent resident and have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years, including at least 12 months as a permanent resident. You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four-year period, and no more than 90 days in the year immediately before applying. You must be of good character and intend to live in or maintain a close connection with Australia.
About the Test
The citizenship test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official resource book, Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. You need to answer at least 75% correctly (15 out of 20) to pass. Five of the questions are about Australian values, and you must answer all five correctly. The test is conducted on a computer at a citizenship test centre, and you have 45 minutes to complete it. If you fail, you can rebook and try again with no limit on attempts.
Key Topics to Study
- Australian values: Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity, mutual respect and tolerance
- Democratic beliefs: Three levels of government (federal, state, local), the role of the Governor-General, Parliament structure, voting rights
- National symbols: The Australian flag (Union Jack, Commonwealth Star, Southern Cross), national anthem (Advance Australia Fair), coat of arms, national colours (green and gold)
- Indigenous history: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians, the Dreaming, reconciliation
- Important dates: Australia Day (26 January), Anzac Day (25 April), Federation (1901)
Study Tips for Chinese Speakers
The test is only available in English. Download and read the official booklet Our Common Bond, available free online. The Department of Home Affairs provides practice tests on their website that closely mirror the real exam. Take these repeatedly until you score above 90% consistently.
Focus especially on the five values questions as these are mandatory. Create flashcards for key dates, symbols, and government structures. Some community organisations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer free citizenship test preparation classes in Mandarin.
The Citizenship Ceremony
After passing the test, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony, usually within a few months. You will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge, receive your certificate, and can immediately apply for an Australian passport. The ceremony is often held at local council chambers and you can invite family and friends.
Dual Citizenship with China
China does not recognise dual citizenship. Under Chinese law, once you acquire Australian citizenship, you automatically lose your Chinese citizenship. This means you will need a visa to visit China and will lose certain rights in China such as property ownership under Chinese citizen rules. Many Chinese Australians find this a difficult decision. Consider consulting with a migration agent and understanding all implications before proceeding.