Key facts
- Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 sit the citizenship test. Others may only have an interview.
- At the interview, Home Affairs confirms your identity and discusses your application.
- Bring an original photo ID. Home Affairs will not accept certified copies or electronic images.
- The test is 20 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, in English only.
The citizenship interview is where the Department of Home Affairs confirms your identity and discusses your application. The citizenship test is a 20-question multiple-choice test, taken on a computer, on the testable section of Our Common Bond. According to Home Affairs, most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged 18 to 59 sit the test, while others may only have an interview.
What happens at the citizenship interview?
Home Affairs says that at the interview it will confirm your identity and discuss your citizenship application. It is not a knowledge test in the same way as the citizenship test, but some applicants may be asked to show understanding (see below).
Bring an original photo ID. Home Affairs gives examples such as an Australian driver licence, a passport, or an Australian-issued proof of age card. It will not accept certified copies or electronic images of your photo ID. If you don’t bring one, your appointment will be moved to a later date. Always follow the instructions in your own appointment letter too.
What is the citizenship test?
| Interview | Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirm your identity and discuss your application | Check your knowledge of Australia and Australian values |
| Who | Applicants Home Affairs needs to interview | Most conferral applicants aged 18 to 59 |
| Format | Meeting with a Home Affairs officer | 20 computer-based multiple-choice questions |
| Time | Varies | 45 minutes |
| Pass rule | Not scored | 15/20 overall and 5/5 values questions |
| How to prepare | Bring original photo ID and your appointment details | Study Our Common Bond and practise questions |
For more on the test itself, see how the citizenship test works and the pass mark.
Who may be asked extra questions at the interview?
Home Affairs lists some situations where it may ask you to show understanding at the interview:
- Applicants aged 16 or 17 may need to show they understand the nature of their application, have a basic knowledge of English, and understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
- Applicants aged 60 or over, or with a hearing, speech or sight impairment, may be asked to show they understand the nature of their application.
- Applicants with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity may need to have that claim verified.
In these cases a family member or support person can come with you, and Home Affairs can arrange an interpreter if you need one.
This is a summary. Check the official citizenship interview page for your situation.
How should you prepare for the interview?
Home Affairs suggests reading Our Common Bond, which is available in English and in a range of community languages. You can also listen to the Our Common Bond podcast and use the AMEPOnline citizenship modules. Our study guide follows the same four testable parts.
How should you prepare for the test?
- Read the four testable parts of Our Common Bond. Start with our study hub.
- Practise by topic, with extra focus on Australian values.
- Take timed mock tests until you pass three in a row with every values question right.
- Read how to prepare for a step-by-step plan.