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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.

Malcolm Turnbull abolishes 457 visas

* 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.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull insists citizenship must reflect Australian values as he unveils tighter requirements for new applicants. Picture: Lukas Coch
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull insists citizenship must reflect Australian values as he unveils tighter requirements for new applicants. Picture: Lukas Coch

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/becoming-an-australian-sevenpoint-checklist-under-turnbulls-citizenship-changes/news-story/0297f0a8659561a95ba571ba03bb2e5e