The Australian citizenship interview: what to expect

Checked 6 Oct 2026

There are two kinds of meeting with Home Affairs: the short talk about your application before the test, and an interview instead of the test for people who do not sit it. Both are about your application, not a quiz.

In short

At every appointment, an officer confirms who you are and talks with you about your application. If you are 18 to 59, the test follows. If you do not need to sit the test, for example because you are 60 or over, you may have an interview only. Bring photo ID.

Interview with the test, or interview instead of the test

	Test appointment	Interview only
Who	Most applicants aged 18 to 59	Applicants who do not sit the test, such as people under 18 or 60 and over
The talk	The officer discusses your application, confirms your identity and takes your photo	The officer confirms your identity and discusses your application
Then	The citizenship test: 20 questions, 45 minutes	No test
Bring	Photo ID and your appointment letter	Photo ID

For the test appointment step by step, see your test appointment.

What the officer may ask about

Home Affairs says the interview is to confirm your identity and ask about your application. What else you may need to show depends on your situation:

16 or 17 years old: that you understand the nature of your application, have a basic knowledge of English, and understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
60 or over, or a hearing, speech or sight impairment: that you understand the nature of your application.
A permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity: Home Affairs may need to verify your claim of incapacity.

Answer simply and honestly. If your situation has changed since you applied, such as a new address or a new name, attach the new documents to your application in ImmiAccount before the appointment.

Bringing someone, and interpreters

If you are 60 or over, have a hearing, speech or sight impairment, or have a permanent or enduring incapacity, a family member or another person can attend with you, and Home Affairs can arrange an interpreter at your appointment if you need one.

At a test appointment it is different: you sit the test on your own, in English, and children are not allowed in the test centre. A Test Facilitator can read questions aloud or help you use the computer. See help in other languages.

What to bring

Photo ID: an Australian driver licence, a passport or an Australian proof of age card. Certified copies and photos of ID are not accepted. Without photo ID, the appointment is moved to a later date.
For a test appointment, your appointment letter, printed or on your phone.
Any other documents Home Affairs asked you to bring.

After the interview

Home Affairs keeps processing your application and writes to you if it needs more information or when it makes a decision. If you are approved and must attend a ceremony, the invitation usually arrives about four weeks before it. If you do not need to attend a ceremony, your certificate is sent by registered post. Read what happens next.

Sitting the test as well?

The talk with the officer is short. The test is the part to prepare for: 20 questions on Our Common Bond, and all 5 values questions must be right.

Take the full free test: 20 questions How to prepare

Sources

Department of Home Affairs: Learn about the citizenship interview (updated 20 December 2024) and Learn about the citizenship test (updated 30 September 2026). Read by us on 6 October 2026. Your letter and the Home Affairs pages come first.

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 questions are asked at the Australian citizenship interview?

The officer confirms your identity and discusses your citizenship application. Depending on your situation, you may need to show you understand the nature of your application. 16 and 17 year olds may also need to show basic English and an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Is there an interview with the standard citizenship test?

Yes, in a way. At a test appointment, an officer first discusses your application with you, confirms your identity and takes your photo. Then you sit the test on a computer or tablet.

Can someone come with me to the citizenship interview?

If you are 60 or over, have a hearing, speech or sight impairment, or a permanent or enduring incapacity, a family member or another person can attend with you. Children are not allowed in the test centre at a test appointment.

Can I have an interpreter at the citizenship interview?

For applicants aged 60 or over, with a hearing, speech or sight impairment, or with a permanent or enduring incapacity, Home Affairs says it can arrange an interpreter at the appointment if needed. The test itself is in English only.

What do I bring to the citizenship interview?

Photo ID, such as an Australian driver licence, a passport or an Australian proof of age card. Certified copies and photos of ID are not accepted. Without photo ID, your appointment is moved to a later date.

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