Passed the Australian Citizenship Test? What Happens Next

Your result is shown on the screen straight after the test. If you passed, a few steps remain before you become an Australian citizen.

The decision on your application

After the test, Home Affairs decides your application. According to the processing times page updated on 21 September 2026, 90% of conferral applications are decided within 5 months of the application.

Approval is not yet citizenship

Once approved, you are not yet a citizen. You become an Australian citizen only when you make the pledge of commitment at a citizenship ceremony, if you were 16 or older when you applied.

Waiting for the ceremony

Your local council or Home Affairs invites you, usually about four weeks before the ceremony. Home Affairs says that 90% of approved applicants have the chance to attend a ceremony within 6 months of approval. You cannot choose where and when you attend.

Do not wait too long

If you do not attend a ceremony within 12 months of your approval without an acceptable reason, Home Affairs may cancel your approval. If you cannot attend the ceremony you are invited to, Home Affairs sends you a non-attendance letter with the next steps, and you do not need to contact them. Places are limited, so another invitation can take a while.

Travelling before the ceremony

Until you make the pledge, you are still a permanent resident. If you travel overseas before your ceremony, you must travel on your current passport, and the travel facility on your permanent visa must be valid for you to return. If it has expired or is about to expire, you need a Resident Return Visa. Tell Home Affairs about your travel plans as described on its After you apply page. An invitation can still arrive for a date when you are away, which delays your citizenship.

After the pledge: certificate, passport and voting

You should receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony, or by post if it is not ready. You need it to apply for an Australian passport. Home Affairs suggests waiting at least 10 days after the ceremony before you apply online with the Australian Passport Office, because your citizenship details can take time to show in the system. New citizens aged 16 and over also receive an Australian Electoral Commission information sheet with a QR code to help them enrol to vote.