More than five million migrants have pledged their loyalty to Australia since 1949 by taking up Australian citizenship.
The Federal Government unsuccessfully attempted to amend the citizenship eligibility criteria in 2017 but has introduced an Australian values test in November 2020.
Highlights
- Applicants must meet the general residency requirement for Australian citizenship.
- From mid-November 2020, citizenship applicants must correctly answer five questions about Australian values and score an overall score of 75 on the citizenship test.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizenship ceremonies must comply with current state or territory COVIDSafe requirements.
Permanent Residency
To apply for Australian Citizenship, migrants must satisfy the general residence requirements.
You have to be a permanent resident first to become a citizen.
Ruby Fowdar is a migration agent at Australian Immigration Agency in Brisbane.
She says that once someone is a permanent resident for at least one year and has lived in Australia for at least four years in total; they become eligible to apply for citizenship.
Ms Fowdar also points out that many migrants may have stayed in Australia on a few different temporary visas, such as a student visa or a sponsored work visa before getting their permanent residency. 
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Applying for Australian citizenship
The Department of Home Affairs recommends making an online application, as online applications have a faster processing time.
Citizenship applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and processing time usually covers the time from lodging your application to the citizenship ceremony.
Before lodging your citizenship application, you must ensure you have all the necessary supporting documents to avoid processing delays or having your application returned without processing.
Citizenship appointments and in-person interviews may be affected by local COVID-19 risks and restrictions.
The Citizenship Test
All applicants aged between 18 and 59 must pass to show they understand the rights and responsibilities that come with Australian citizenship.
The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions based on the online booklet .
According to Damien Kilner, from the Department of Home Affairs Family and Citizenship Programme, the test is relatively straight-forward and takes around half an hour.
People are expected to have a look at those resource materials in preparation and then sit the test once they feel confident.
From 15 November 2020, applicants need to answer all five questions on correctly with an overall score of 75 per cent to pass the test.
If an applicant fails the test, they can retake it on the same day or re-book for another time. There is no additional fee for retaking the test.
Australian Citizenship Source: WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
The Citizenship Ceremony
Once an application is approved, applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the Australian citizenship pledge.
It can take three to six months to receive the ceremony invitation, and applicants usually have twelve months to attend a ceremony and make their pledge.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, citizenship approval will not be cancelled if this timeframe cannot be met.
Ceremonies usually last from one to two hours and are held by city councils.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizenship ceremonies must comply with current state or territory directives on the limits on gatherings and COVIDSafe requirements.
Mr Kilner from the Department of Home Affairs says that during the citizenship ceremony the chief executive officer of the council reads the preamble, as specified within the Citizenship Act.
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There’s also a ‘welcome to nation’ or ‘welcome to country’, and the minister’s message is read, the anthem is played, and then there is the pledge made by those that are attending.
In taking the Australian citizenship pledge, a soon-to-be citizen accepts the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
Taking a pledge also signals a person’s commitment to become an active member of our society.
After the Australian citizenship ceremony, new citizens can start enjoying the same rights and duties as those who were born in Australia.
They include the right to vote or adopt children, the privilege to hold an Australian passport, the ability to defer university expenses and eligibility to seek election for public office, among others.
The duties and obligations attached to the citizenship of Australia include serving on a jury if summoned, defending the country should the situation arise and mandatory voting at all elections and referenda.