Sometimes life gets in the way of your scheduled citizenship test. Whether it's a medical emergency, work conflict, or personal matter, you may need to change your test date. Here's exactly how to reschedule your Australian citizenship test and what happens if you need to.
Key Points
You can reschedule your citizenship test by contacting the Department of Home Affairs. You need a valid reason. If you don't attend and don't notify the Department, your application may be adversely affected. Rescheduling is free.
How to Reschedule
Step 1: Contact the Department of Home Affairs
As soon as you know you can't attend your scheduled test, contact the Department. The sooner you notify them, the better. You can contact them by:
- Phone: 131 880 (within Australia)
- Online: Through your ImmiAccount
- Email: Through the contact form on the Department of Home Affairs website
Step 2: Provide a Reason
You'll need to explain why you can't attend. Valid reasons typically include:
- Medical emergency or illness (yours or an immediate family member's)
- Bereavement
- Unavoidable work commitments
- Travel that was booked before the test was scheduled
- Natural disaster or extreme weather
You may be asked to provide supporting documentation (medical certificate, letter from employer, etc.).
Step 3: Receive a New Date
The Department will schedule a new test date based on availability. Wait times for rescheduling vary by location and demand. In major cities, you may get a new date within a few weeks. In less busy areas, it could be faster.
What If You Miss Your Test Without Notice?
If you don't attend your test and haven't notified the Department, your application may be adversely affected. Possible consequences include:
- Your application being delayed while the Department investigates
- Being scheduled for a new test (with a potentially longer wait)
- In extreme cases (multiple no-shows), your application could be refused
If something unexpected prevented you from attending (sudden illness, emergency), contact the Department as soon as possible after the missed test to explain the situation.
How Many Times Can You Reschedule?
There's no published limit on rescheduling, but repeatedly rescheduling without good reason may raise concerns about your commitment to the citizenship process. One or two reschedules with valid reasons are generally handled without issue.
What If You Fail and Need to Retake?
If you take the test and fail, you'll be given another opportunity to take it. The Department will schedule a new test date. You can take the test as many times as needed within the processing period of your application. There's no fee for retaking the test.
Use the time between attempts to study more thoroughly. Focus on the areas where you struggled, particularly the values questions (which must all be answered correctly).
Tips for Test Day
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early
- Bring your appointment letter and photo identification
- You cannot bring phones, notes, or other materials into the test room
- The test is on a computer—basic computer skills are helpful
- You have 45 minutes, which is more than enough for 20 questions