More than five million people have been granted citizenship since 1949.
The Department of Home Affairs recommends applying online for faster processing time.
For most applicants the average processing time for citizenship is 14 months, according to Damien Kilner from the Department’s Family and Citizenship Programme.
Applicants must also pass the Australian citizenship test to show their knowledge of Australia and understanding of the privileges and responsibilities as a citizen.
The 20-question multiple-choice citizenship test is based on the online booklet “”, which is an overview of Australia, its democratic beliefs, rights, government and law.
Most people pass the test with a pass mark of 75 per cent. .
But things could get tougher for aspiring citizens, with the Department of Home Affairs proposing some changes.
“The government has indicated some changes, and one of the changes that has been indicated is 3 times, and if you do fail, there is a period of up to 2 years where you would expected to come back and resit, but it’s up to passage of that legislation getting through,” MrKilner said.
The government is proposing that applicants sit a separate English test to prove that they have a “competent” level of reading, writing, listening and speaking, which is equivalent to an IELTS level of 5.0.
Another major change that could come into effect from this July is the extension of the required period of permanent residence from one to four years, subject to the passage of legislation.
Once the citizenship application is approved, applicants are required by law to attend the citizenship ceremony to make the Australian Citizenship Pledge.
About 100,000 people undertake citizenship ceremonies across Australia each year.
It normally takes three to six months for applicants to be invited to a ceremony once their application is approved.
