English for Australian Citizenship: What Basic English Means

The English requirement for Australian citizenship is different from the requirement for a migration visa. Citizenship only requires “basic English” — a lower level than the Competent English used for visas.

What basic English means

Under Australian citizenship law, “basic English” means being able to communicate in English at a basic level in everyday life — not at an academic or professional level.

There is no specific IELTS score for basic English. DHA assesses it based on the overall body of evidence.

How DHA assesses basic English for citizenship

DHA considers several kinds of evidence:

Direct evidence:

• IELTS, PTE or OET results (you do not need scores as high as for a migration visa)
• A certificate from an adult English learning program (AMEP)
• A qualification studied in Australia and taught in English

Indirect evidence:

• Having worked in Australia in an English-speaking environment for several years
• Dealing with Australian government agencies in English
• Taking part in the community, schools and social activities

The citizenship interview

During the citizenship interview (if there is one), a DHA officer may directly assess your English ability through conversation. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your basic English yourself.

Who is exempt from the English requirement for citizenship

Some people are exempt under specific conditions:

• People aged over 60 years at the time of lodging the citizenship application
• People with a physical or mental disability that affects their ability to learn English

A practical approach

If you have already been through the Australian migration system and are now applying for citizenship, you are likely to already meet the basic English standard. DHA does not automatically require you to sit IELTS for citizenship if your file already demonstrates sufficient English.

If you are asked to provide further evidence, an IELTS or PTE score lower than the migration visa threshold is often enough (IELTS 4.5–5.0 is commonly accepted).