Following is a summary of the new restrictions for applying for the Australian citizenship. These restrictions were submitted by the government to the Parliament. However, they were not approved. The government is working on new reforms, which would be submitted to the Parliament in 2018.
This summary was taken from the information, which is available in the following document. However, I hold no responsibility if I miss represented the information below. Please, make sure you refer to the appropriate government authorities for the accurate details.
citizenship-paper.pdf
1. Applicants must be permanent residents for four years before seeking citizenship (up from 12 months now).
2. Must demonstrate competent English language skills through a tougher reading, writing and listening test (people with permanent or enduring incapacity, or aged under 16, exempted).
3. Prospective Australian citizens must show the steps they have taken to integrate into and contribute to the Australian community (evidence of employment, membership of community organisations, school enrollment for all eligible children).
4. Applicants who cheat during the citizenship test will automatically fail.
5. Tougher criminal history checks, including involvement in gang activity or domestic violence.
6. The wording of the citizenship pledge will change.
The package of reforms will apply to applications received on or after the Government’s announcement on 20 April 2017.
The Government introduced these new citizenship related legislation into the Parliament at the end of 2017. However, they were not approved. The government is working on new reforms, which would be submitted to the Parliament in 2018.
For information on the difference between citizens and residents, you can refer to this question.
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