The government has proposed changes to the citizenship requirements.  The changes will firstly have to pass through parliament and if they do, they will effect applications lodged from 20 April 2017.

The proposed changes are as follows:

• Character test requirements tightened – greater scrutiny of historical minor offences which are not consistent with Australian values
• Residency requirement to increase from one year as a permanent resident to four years.
• Introduction of an English requirement of competent English, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6 in each component.
• Changes to the citizenship pledge and test to address inappropriate attitudes which don’t align with Australian values
• Evidence of integration in Australia such as employment, paying taxes, joining clubs, children attending school
• If the applicant fails the citizenship test three times they have a two year wait before they can sit it again

If you require assistance processing your visa or need advice with your citizenship application please contact eVisas Brisbane Migration agents today.