Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has released guidance on what foreign nationals can expect when they are invited to attend a citizenship interview, including who may be required to attend, what the interview involves and what happens afterwards.
The interview applies to citizenship applicants who are exempt from taking the standard Australian citizenship test. When an interview is required, the Department of Home Affairs contacts the applicant directly with details of the appointment.
Who the Australian citizenship interview applies to
The requirements vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Applicants aged 16 or 17 may be asked to demonstrate a basic understanding of English, show that they understand the nature of their citizenship application and confirm their awareness of the responsibilities and privileges associated with Australian citizenship.
Applicants aged 60 and above, as well as those with hearing, speech or sight impairments, may be required to demonstrate that they understand what they are applying for.
In such cases, applicants may have a family member or trusted person accompany them, while an interpreter can also be arranged upon request.
The same support options are available to applicants with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity, although the department may require evidence to verify the condition.
What happens during the Australian citizenship interview
During the interview, officials will confirm the applicant’s identity and review the information contained in their citizenship application.
Once the interview is completed, the application continues through the normal processing procedure. Applicants will receive written notification once a decision has been made.
If additional information is required at any stage, the Department of Home Affairs will communicate this to the applicant in writing.
What happens after the application is approved
Applicants whose citizenship applications are approved and who are required to attend a citizenship ceremony will typically receive an invitation letter about four weeks before the scheduled ceremony.
Those who are not required to attend a citizenship ceremony will receive their Australian citizenship certificate by registered post once their application is approved.