Citizenship test 'archaic'

According to new research released by the Refugee Council of Australia, obtaining a citizenship is becoming increasingly harder for migrants and refugees, with applicants experiencing delays of more than two years.

Released earlier this year, evidence collected by the RCOA suggests applicants on average can wait for about 215 days to gain citizenship, after lodging their application, and can then wait a further 357 days to attend a ceremony to officiate it.

Katanning's Read Write Now tutor Kerry Palmer, who also works closely with migrants and refugees - helping them study for the test - said it had absolutely no value to their transition into Australian society.

"It's archaic, the whole thing (the test) is archaic, trying to explain or match up the relevance for me is totally impossible," she said.

"I see no value in the Australian citizenship test questions, people coming from a background of no education, who have not learnt to read and write, to do this is near impossible.

"Most Australians would find it hard to complete the test."

Arriving in Australia about nine years ago, Katanning's Jeanine Barikuguwundi studied for more than six months before completing the application, and had to wait about three years until she officially became a citizen.

"It was a long time," she said.

"I enjoy being Australian and being in Australia, but it was a very hard test - I studied every single day."

RCOA chief executive Paul Power said for someone who was forced to flee, citizenships had profound psychological benefits.

"It is troubling that this seemingly discriminatory practice is occurring and we are seeking the (Immigration and Border Protection) Minister's clarification," he said.

Ms Palmer said instead of people having to sit an Australian citizenship test, they should attend a classroom situation instead.

"The importance of a classroom situation is to talk about, I believe, Australia, our way of life, our multiculturalism and our expectations," she said.

"Their understanding is very different to ours and we need to give them the opportunity to discuss that."