AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

20 questions for ‘fairdinkum’ migrants

Monday, 21 May 2007

Potential Australian citizens will soon be quizzed in the form of a multiple choice citizenship test about Australia’s values, political affairs and sporting preferences. The test will consist of 20 questions drawn from a pool of 200.

Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said immigrants would have to know about Australia's values and its history, geography and people but that they wouldn't have to memorise long lists of facts and figures.

"It's the sort of thing you would expect someone who goes through school in Australia would know at the end of secondary school, and probably in some instances at the end of primary school," Mr Andrews said.

The likely content of the new citizenship test, which is to come into effect later this year, is likely to include a number of questions similar to the following:

To earn citizenship, the pass mark is said to be 60% or 12 correct out of 20, however those who fail will be given another opportunity to sit the test.

Applicants will be able to study for the test which will be based on a new resource book, The Australian Way of Life, by the Immigration Department. An advance copy of the resources book is expected to be released within two weeks.

Immigrants will be able to sit the test after four years "lawful residence", including at least 12 months' permanent residence, an increase from the previous two year "lawful residence" requirement.

The test will coincide with the new English language test which has been developed to ensure migrants are proficient in the language before they are approved as permanent residents.

In a recent speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, Mr Andrews said immigrants must learn English to help them integrate into society.

"Immigration is a process, not an event," he said. "It must meet not only our economic objectives. Social cohesion and integration are equally important, as is the protection of our sovereignty and borders."

Once further information is released, Migration Expert will provide a detailed update to ensure you are aware of how these changes may affect you.