Newly conferred Australian citizen shares tips on taking the citizenship exam

September 17 is Australian Citizenship Day but before you can take an oath, you need to undergo the process of test and interview.

Civil Engineer Jon Lomocso from Melbourne came to Australia in 2017 and became an Australian citizen in August 2022.

Key Points

• The test assesses your English language skills and what you ​​know about Australia and Australian citizenship.
• Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged between 18 and 59 years will need to have an interview and sit the citizenship test.
• To pass the test, you must answer 20 multiple choice questions, answer all 5 of the Australian values questions correctly, and get a grade of at least 75% overall.

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"Nothing to be scared of as long as you read about the exam and review", Jon Lomocso, a civil engineer from Melbourne shares as he recently finished the Australian citizenship test.

He arrived in Australia in 2017 as a permanent resident through Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189.

Jon Lomosco proud to achieve his goal of being an Australian citizen.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, being a permanent resident is one of the requirements of applying for Australian citizenship aside from the test and interview.

Lomosco applied for citizenship in February 2021, after his four years stay in the country and he recalls the citizenship appointment came after more than a year.

"I felt anxious because it has been more than a year and there's no update. I hear stories from other states that only a few months and they got the appointment confirmation," Lomosco said.

It was April 2022 when he received the appointment letter stating the date of his citizenship interview and test in May of the same year.

Based on his experience, he shares the following tips:

• Read sample questions and learn about Australia and its values
• There are several available materials and reviewers online about the citizenship exam
• Arrive at the venue early or at the exact time of your appointment and bring your appointment letter for verification
• Bring the original documents needed or requested that are itemised on the letter you have received
• The first part is the interview where you will be assessed on your eligibility
• The second part will be the exam, and you have 45 minutes to answer. The score will appear on your computer screen

To pass the test, you must answer 20 multiple choice questions, answer all 5 Australian values questions correctly, and get a result of at least 75% overall.

If you fail the test, you can resit the test on the same day if possible or re-book the test for another time.

According to the Home Affairs department, failing the test does not affect your permanent visa or stop you from living in Australia.

"After the exam and you have provided final documents, you will receive a letter stating that your application has been finally approved. After that, you will have to wait for the ceremony, which will take place within the next six months."

Jon received his final approval two months after the exam and attended the August ceremony.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For specific visa advice, people are urged to check with the Department of Home Affairs or contact a trustworthy solicitor or registered migration agent in Australia.