Turnbull Announces Tougher Citizenship Laws for Australia

Turnbull Announces Tougher Citizenship Laws for Australia
  • More rigorous citizenship test
  • Possession of domestic violence and organized crime history can not be naturalized;
  • All applicants must show the steps they have taken to integrate into and contribute to the Australian community (evidence of employment, membership of community organisations, school enrolment for all eligible children);
  • Strict English tests, including reading, writing and listening; New citizens will need to show strong English-language skills;
  • Permanent residents waiting period from one year to four years

In addition, applicants must stay in Australia for four years before they can apply for naturalization, three more years – up from 12 months now.

“Australian citizenship should be honoured, cherished. It is a privilege.” The prime minister said.

Applicants will only be allowed to fail the citizenship test three times. Need to wait two years to retry.

The new measures will take effect today. Later this year Congress would passed the amendment to trace all new applications from today.

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