Australia Names 7 Categories of Foreigners Exempt From Citizenship Test

• Australia’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed that most foreigners aged 18 to 59 must sit the citizenship test when applying
• The Australian government published seven specific categories of people who are not required to take the citizenship test
• Those exempt from the test may still be required to attend an identity interview as part of their application

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has made clear who can skip the citizenship test when applying for Australian citizenship by conferral.

Under the country’s standard rules, any foreign national aged between 18 and 59 on the date their application is received must sit the test. Qualifying applicants receive a letter with their appointment details, and the test takes place only after identity has been verified.

7 groups exempt from Australia’s citizenship test

Updated information on the official Home Affairs website on 20 July 2026 outlines seven specific categories of people who are not required to take the test:

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• Those aged 17 years or younger at the time of application
• Those aged 60 years or older at the time of application
• Children of a former Australian citizen who lost their citizenship under specific circumstances
• People born in Papua before 16 September 1975 to an Australian citizen born in Australia
• Individuals born in Australia who are stateless, meaning they have never held citizenship elsewhere and are not entitled to any
• Those with a permanent or enduring physical or mental incapacity
• Those with a permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing, speech, or sight

What happens if you are exempt

Being exempt does not mean the process ends there. Officials may still require applicants in any of these categories to attend an interview to confirm their identity and answer questions related to their application.

For those who are required to sit the test, it covers several areas. A passing result shows that a candidate has basic English proficiency, understands what Australian citizenship means, and has sufficient knowledge of the country, including the responsibilities and privileges that come with it.

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The test also looks at whether an applicant understands and is committed to Australian values, which the government describes as being rooted in freedom, respect, and equality.

This story was first reported by Briefly News’ sister site Legit.ng.

More stories coming out of Australia

• David Coluzzi from Sydney tried South African food he found listed on Facebook Marketplace in Australia.
• South Africans looking to relocate to Australia must meet 7 official requirements before qualifying for citizenship.
• Pnet released its latest Job Market Trends Report and listed the top five countries hiring South African talents.

Source: Briefly News