Becoming an Australian: Seven-point checklist under Turnbull’s citizenship changes
Citizenship applicants will have to wait four years after arriving in Australia and face a tougher English language test under sweeping new changes.
NSW
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* Applicants must be permanent residents for four years before seeking citizenship (up from 12 months now).
* Must demonstrate competent English language skills through a tougher reading, writing and listening test (people with permanent or enduring incapacity, or aged under 16, exempted).
* Must show steps taken to integrate into and contribute to the Australian community (evidence of employment, membership of community organisations, school enrolment for all eligible children).
* Citizenship test will include “new and more meaningful questions” about an applicant’s understanding of, and commitment to, Australia’s shared values and responsibilities.
* Applicants who cheat during the citizenship test will automatically fail.
* Tougher criminal history checks, including involvement in gang activity or domestic violence.
* Wording of the citizenship pledge will change.
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