If you have not passed the Australian citizenship test, the most important thing to know is that your permanent residence visa is completely unaffected. You can still live, work, and travel as you did before. Not passing simply means you need a little more preparation before trying again — and the process is designed to give you that opportunity. Many people do not pass on their first attempt, and there is absolutely no shame in needing another try.
Does failing the citizenship test affect your visa?
An unsuccessful citizenship test result has no impact on your immigration status whatsoever. Your permanent residence visa remains valid, and nothing about your right to live in Australia changes. The citizenship test is part of a separate application process, and not passing it does not create any negative record against your visa. You do not need to worry about your residency, your work rights, or your ability to travel in and out of Australia. Everything stays exactly the same.
This is one of the most common concerns people have after not passing, so it is worth being absolutely clear: your visa is safe.
Can you retake the Australian citizenship test?
Yes, you can retake the test. You are allowed up to three attempts at the citizenship test, and there is no extra cost to rebook after a failed attempt. The fee you paid as part of your original citizenship application covers all three attempts. You will not be asked to pay anything extra when you arrange your next appointment.
Most people who do not pass on their first try go on to pass on their second or third attempt after some additional focused preparation. Three attempts gives you a reasonable window to strengthen your knowledge and address the specific areas that caught you off guard.
How do you rebook the citizenship test after failing?
To rebook, you need to contact the Department of Home Affairs directly. You can do this by calling their general enquiries line or by visiting a local office in person. When you make contact, have your citizenship application reference number ready so staff can locate your file quickly.
Once your new appointment is confirmed, you will receive a date, time, and location for your next test. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, though rebooking is subject to appointment availability at your nearest test centre. In most cases, you can expect to sit the test again within a few weeks.
Why most people do not pass — and how to fix it
The single most common reason people do not pass the citizenship test is the Australian values section. Five of the 20 questions are about values, and you must get all five correct — even if your overall score is above 75%. Many applicants study the four topic areas equally and do not realise that the values section has a stricter passing requirement than everything else.
If this is where you lost marks, dedicated practice on the values alone can make a significant difference. The values tested are respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of speech and association, freedom of religion and secular government, and rule of law and equality under the law. Our values section guide covers each value in detail and helps you recognise how questions may be worded differently from what you expect.
Beyond values, think about which other questions felt difficult during your test. Perhaps you were unsure about the three levels of government, or the role of the Governor-General, or the significance of particular national days. Spend time reviewing those specific topics in the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond booklet rather than re-reading the entire thing from scratch.
How to prepare differently for your next attempt
The key to a successful retake is targeted practice rather than general revision. Start by identifying your weak areas — if you are not sure where you lost marks, take a full mock test and pay close attention to which topics and question types trip you up.
Once you know your weak spots, focus your study there. Use topic-based practice to drill specific areas until you feel confident, and always practise the values questions separately until you can answer them correctly every time.
Study in short, regular sessions — twenty to thirty minutes a day over a week or two is far more effective than a single long cramming session the night before. Your brain retains information better when it has time to rest between study sessions.
When you are consistently scoring above 80% on practice tests with all five values questions correct, you are ready to rebook with confidence. Most people find that a week or two of focused preparation between attempts is enough to make a real difference.
What happens after three failed attempts
If you have attempted the test three times without passing, your citizenship application may be affected. In that situation, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs directly for guidance on your specific case and the options available to you. Each case is assessed individually, and the department can advise you on what steps to take next.
It is worth noting that reaching three attempts is uncommon. The vast majority of applicants who do not pass on their first try go on to pass within their remaining attempts. With the right preparation and a focus on the areas that need improvement, a retake is usually all it takes.