Australian Citizenship Changes 2025

Last Update: July 15, 2025

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Big Changes to Australian Citizenship Rules in 2025: What You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Changes 2025: Australia is set to introduce major changes to its citizenship requirements in 2025. These reforms affect eligibility criteria, English proficiency levels, test structure, residency timelines, and even application fees. If you’re planning to become an Australian citizen, here’s everything you need to know about the new rules.

Stricter Citizenship Test Rules

Starting in 2025, the Australian citizenship test will become more challenging. You must:

Score at least 75% overall
Correctly answer all 5 Australian values questions (no exceptions)
Complete the test in English only

The values questions cover key Australian principles such as equality, free speech, peaceful disagreement, respect for others, and rejecting violence.

If you fail the test, you’ll get immediate results and can rebook for free. However, after three failed attempts, your application may be refused. Note: Exemptions are available for children under 18, adults over 60, and individuals with permanent disabilities.

New Residency Requirements

To be eligible for citizenship in 2025, applicants must have:

Lived lawfully in Australia for four years
Held permanent residency for at least one year

Absences matter more now. You can’t be outside Australia for more than:

12 months total during the four years before applying
90 days during the final 12 months

This change is especially significant for migrants who spend years on temporary visas before receiving permanent residency, potentially delaying their citizenship eligibility.

Higher English Language Standards

Applicants must now prove “competent English,” equal to IELTS Band 6 across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

This raises the bar from the previous “basic knowledge” standard and could impact up to 40,000 new migrants annually. Exemptions still apply for:

Children under 16
People aged 60+
Those with permanent physical or mental disabilities

Critics argue the government should invest more in English language support, such as expanding the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), rather than raising standards without sufficient support.

Proving Integration into Australian Society

Another key change: applicants must demonstrate active community involvement. You’ll need to provide evidence showing you’ve integrated into Australian life, such as:

Community involvement examples:

Volunteering
Joining local clubs or cultural groups
Participating in community events
Supporting refugee or disaster relief efforts

Employment and education documentation:

Payslips, employment contracts, or tax documents
School transcripts or course completion certificates
Enrollment letters or attendance records

Additional acceptable documents include utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements, or club memberships. All non-English documents must be translated by certified professionals.

Citizenship Fees Are Going Up

From July 1, 2025, citizenship fees will increase:

Citizenship by conferral: $879.17 (up from $856.23)
Without test requirement: $535.15
Citizenship by descent: $565.73
Proof of citizenship certificate: $428.12

Some applicants remain exempt, such as:

Children under 16 applying with a parent
British and Maltese former child migrants
Veterans with 90+ days of service
Pensioner Concession Card holders (eligible for discounts)

Mandatory Australia Day Ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies must now be held on or near January 26 (Australia Day). These events are designed to reflect core Australian values of equality, unity, and anti-discrimination.

In 2025, over 20,000 new citizens from 150+ countries will take the pledge during Australia Day week, marking their commitment to Australia’s multicultural and democratic society.

Also read –

Australia Study Visa Guide

Recruitment Trends Australia 2025

A Guide to the Core Skills Stream of the Skills in Demand Visa

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