From passing the test to the Home Affairs decision

The Australian citizenship test is a one-on-one interview. To pass, you must answer all 5 Australian-values questions correctly and reach at least 75% overall (15 of 20 questions).

• The result is given on the spot. If you pass, the interview continues with a review of your application, supporting documents, and identity checks.
• The Department of Home Affairs then makes the final approval decision. The notification typically arrives 1-6 months later, though more complex cases can take longer (as of 2026; subject to change).
• The decision is communicated through ImmiAccount or by post. If approved, you will receive a separate invitation to a Citizenship Ceremony.

Citizenship Ceremony (Pledge of Commitment)

You are required to attend a Citizenship Ceremony for citizenship to take effect.

• Ceremonies are usually held within 6 months of approval, run by your local council or directly by the Department of Home Affairs.
• At the ceremony you read the Pledge of Commitment ("Australian Affirmation") aloud. You can choose either the religious version ("under God") or the non-religious version — both are legally equivalent.
• Immediately afterwards you receive your Certificate of Australian Citizenship. From that moment you are a full Australian citizen.
• Ceremonies can be rescheduled, but failing to attend any ceremony for over 12 months can result in your application being cancelled.

ID and passport

• Australian Passport: applied for after you have your Certificate of Australian Citizenship. A 10-year adult passport costs around AUD $346 (raised in 2024; as of 2026; subject to change). Standard processing is about 6 weeks, with paid Priority Processing available for faster turnaround.
• Australia has no single national ID card. Identity is verified using a driver licence, Medicare card, and passport combination (the "100-point ID" system).
• Passport applications are submitted at Australia Post or a passport office, with online pre-filling followed by an in-person interview.

Original-nationality handling

• Australia has explicitly allowed dual citizenship since 1949, so the Australian side does not require you to renounce your original nationality.
• However, your original country's law may impose its own restrictions:
  • South Korea: voluntarily acquiring foreign citizenship as an adult (age 22+) generally results in automatic loss of Korean nationality. Confirm the loss-reporting procedure with your nearest Korean consulate.
  • Japan, China, India and others: their laws limit or prohibit dual citizenship — confirm separately.
• If your home country's policy is unclear, check with both Home Affairs and your home consulate before the ceremony.

Tax and social security

• Citizenship itself does not change your tax status. Australian tax status is determined by the ATO's residence test, not by nationality.
• Tax residents: taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents: taxed only on Australian-sourced income.
• Medicare (public healthcare) is already available to permanent residents and citizens, so citizenship usually brings little change here.
• Some Centrelink benefits (certain Age Pension entitlements, some allowances) are restricted to citizens or have relaxed residence requirements for citizens.
• If you hold overseas assets, separate home-country tax filing obligations may continue — consult an accountant.

Voting and local rights (compulsory voting)

Australia has compulsory voting, the most distinctive citizenship duty compared to most other Commonwealth countries and the US.

• You must enrol with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) within 28 days of becoming a citizen.
• All citizens aged 18 and over are required to vote in federal, state, and local elections, and in referendums. Failing to enrol or vote without a valid reason results in a small fine (around AUD $20-$80 as of 2026; subject to change).
• Enrol online at aec.gov.au, and update your details whenever you change address.
• Citizenship-only rights also unlock: public-service positions requiring citizenship, political-party candidacy, and military service.

Children's citizenship

• Permanent-resident children under 18 can be included in their parent's conferral application and become citizens at the same time.
• Children born in Australia to at least one permanent-resident or citizen parent automatically receive Australian citizenship by birth.
• Whether the child can keep their original nationality depends on home-country law — for example, Korean-citizen children must elect a nationality before age 22.

FAQ

Q. How long after passing the test until my Citizenship Ceremony? A. Typically 1-6 months for the Home Affairs decision, then a few more months for ceremony scheduling — about 6-12 months total is common (as of 2026; subject to change).

Q. Religious or non-religious Pledge — which should I pick? A. Pick whichever matches your beliefs. Both forms have identical legal effect.

Q. What if I don't vote? A. The AEC will send a notice asking for a valid reason. Without one, a fine is issued. Travel, illness, and similar reasons can be claimed before or after the election.

Q. Can I keep my Korean citizenship? A. Australia permits dual citizenship; Korea is a separate matter. Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship as an adult can result in automatic loss of Korean nationality — confirm with your Korean consulate.

Q. Can I apply for a passport before the ceremony? A. No. The Certificate of Australian Citizenship handed to you at the ceremony is required to apply for a passport.

Useful links

• Department of Home Affairs — Citizenship: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship
• Australian Electoral Commission (enrolment): https://www.aec.gov.au
• Australian Passport Office: https://www.passports.gov.au