After the citizenship test: what happens next, and how long it takes

Checked 6 Oct 2026

Passing the test is not the last step. Home Affairs still has to decide your application, and you become a citizen only when you make the pledge at a ceremony. Here is the path, with the current wait times.

In short

After you pass, Home Affairs keeps processing your application. If it is approved, you get a ceremony invitation about four weeks before the date. You become a citizen when you make the pledge at the ceremony, and then you can apply for an Australian passport and enrol to vote.

The steps after a pass

Processing continuesHome Affairs writes to you if it needs more information, and when it makes a decision. Respond quickly to any request.
The decisionIf your application is approved and you must attend a ceremony, you wait for an invitation.
The invitationUsually about four weeks before the ceremony. It shows the date, time and place. You cannot choose them; local councils usually arrange ceremonies.
The ceremony and the pledgeYou become an Australian citizen when you make the pledge of commitment. Read the ceremony and the pledge.
Your certificateUsually handed to you at the ceremony, or posted if it is not ready.
Passport and votingApply for an Australian passport, waiting at least 10 days after the pledge. Enrol to vote with the Australian Electoral Commission.

How long it takes

Home Affairs publishes processing times every month. For citizenship by conferral, in its update of 21 September 2026:

Stage	25%	50%	75%	90%
Application to decision	40 days	47 days	85 days	5 months
Approval to ceremony	75 days	4 months	5 months	6 months
Application to ceremony	6 months	7 months	10 months	12 months

Read it like this: half of applications went from lodgement to ceremony within 7 months, and 90% within 12 months. These figures are a guide only and change each month; check the current processing times. Your own wait depends on things like a complete application, quick answers to requests, and character and security checks.

If you cannot attend your ceremony

Home Affairs sends a non-attendance letter with next steps, and you may wait for another invitation because places are limited. You do not need to contact them. If you do not attend a ceremony within 12 months of approval, your approval may be cancelled unless you have an acceptable reason with evidence.

Travel before the ceremony

Tell Home Affairs about plans to travel outside Australia (through the "After you apply" page).
Travel on your current passport, and make sure your visa lets you come back for the ceremony. If the travel conditions on your permanent visa have expired or are about to, you need a Resident Return Visa.
An invitation can still arrive for a date when you are away. You would then get a non-attendance letter and a later invitation.

After the pledge

Passport. You can apply for an Australian passport. Wait at least 10 days before applying online, so your citizenship details show in the system. Australian citizens should use their Australian passport to leave and enter Australia.
Voting. New citizens aged 16 and over get an Australian Electoral Commission enrol-to-vote sheet at the ceremony, with a QR code to enrol online.
Your certificate. Keep it safe: you need it to apply for a passport, and you may need it for some jobs. Do not write on it or change it.

Did not pass this time?

Your visa is not affected and the next appointment is free. Read what happens if you do not pass.

Still before your test?

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Sources

Department of Home Affairs: Learn about the citizenship test (updated 30 September 2026), section "After the test"; Citizenship processing times (updated 21 September 2026); Citizenship ceremony (updated 16 July 2026). Read by us on 6 October 2026.

Independent app, not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government. Found a mistake? Write to hello@calaustralia.com.

Common questions

What happens after you pass the Australian citizenship test?

Home Affairs keeps processing your application and writes to you if it needs more information or when it decides. If you are approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, usually about four weeks before the date. You become a citizen when you make the pledge.

How long after the citizenship test is the ceremony?

Home Affairs does not publish a time from the test. Its figures in September 2026: 90% of approved applicants had the chance to attend a ceremony within 6 months of approval, and 90% of applications went from lodgement to ceremony within 12 months.

Am I a citizen after I pass the test?

No. You become an Australian citizen only when you make the pledge of commitment, which most people do at a citizenship ceremony. Until then, keep travelling on your current passport and visa.

When can I apply for an Australian passport?

After you make the pledge. Home Affairs suggests waiting at least 10 days before applying online with the Australian Passport Office, because your citizenship details can take time to show in the system.

Can I travel overseas while waiting for my ceremony?

Tell Home Affairs about your plans. Travel on your current passport, and make sure your visa lets you return to Australia for the ceremony; if your travel rights have expired, you may need a Resident Return Visa.

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