Citizenship tests now available in regional Australia

Migrants living in Geraldton will now be able to take their citizenship test locally, rather than travelling to the Perth.

Federal MP Melissa Price, Member for Durack, said regarding the change, “Now, prospective citizens can sit the test at their local service centre in Broome, Geraldton, Karratha and South Hedland, making it a far more convenient option.”

“It is good to see the Government delivering increased services for prospective citizens in rural areas.”

The Department of Human Services and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) have worked together to help migrants living in Durack can now take an Australian Citizenship test at their local service centre.

Around 141,000 citizenship tests are taken across Australia each year. Last year more than 12,000 – around 230 per week – were conducted in 33 different regional communities across Australia.

The staff at the service centres can guide prospective citizens through the citizenship test process, including verifying documents, administering and setting up the test.

Previously, migrants in these remote and regional areas had to travel to major cities or wait for DIBP to visit their communities.

Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge said Australian Citizenship is an important step in a person’s migration story.

“This service will make it much more convenient for people in regional communities to take their citizenship test locally, rather than travelling into the city,” Minister Tudge said.

“This is a great partnership between the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Department of Human Services to make it easier for people in rural and regional areas.”

To find out more about becoming an Australian citizen visit citizenship.gov.au.