3 categories: Australia lists foreigners eligible for citizenship test help

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Australian Department of Home Affairs outlined 3 categories of foreigners who may qualify for an assisted test instead of the standard test

- Applicants with low literacy skills who completed at least 400 hours of English tuition under the AMEP program are among those considered eligible

- Foreigners with permanent or temporary physical or cognitive impairments that prevent them from sitting the standard test may also qualify

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has outlined three categories of foreign nationals who may be eligible to sit an assisted citizenship test rather than the standard examination.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, an applicant may be offered the assisted test if:

- They requested it during their application.

- The second category covers individuals with low literacy skills who have completed a minimum of 400 hours of English language tuition under the Adult Migrant English Programme (AMEP).

- The last category applies to those living with a permanent or temporary physical or cognitive impairment that prevents them from sitting the standard test, even with support from a test facilitator.

Applicants are not required to contact their AMEP provider to confirm their total hours of study. The Department stated it will independently verify AMEP participation once an application has been submitted.

How long does it take to complete 400 AMEP hours?

The department provided guidance to help applicants estimate how long reaching the 400-hour threshold might take, depending on their study schedule.

Those enrolled in full-time learning, which typically runs between 15 and 20 hours per week, can expect to complete the 400 hours within six to nine months.

Part-time learners, who attend up to 15 hours per week, are likely to take more than a year to reach the required hours, with the exact duration depending on study intensity.

The AMEP is a federally funded programme that provides English language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants settling in Australia.

Who is exempted from Australia's citizenship fee?

In related news, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs identified three groups of applicants who may qualify for a complete waiver of the citizenship application fee.

Those seeking the exemption must lodge their applications on paper instead of through the online system, a requirement that applicants could easily miss.

Meanwhile, Australian Government-issued Pensioner Concession Card holders may qualify for a discounted citizenship application fee under separate concession arrangements.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.