Residency Requirements
Australia: 4 years permanent residency. 12 months in final year cannot exceed 3 months absence.
UK: Varies by visa. Usually 5 years with work visa, longer with other visas.
The Citizenship Test
Australia: Citizenship test - 20 questions, 75% pass rate. Knowledge-based on Australian civics.
UK: Life in the UK test - 75 questions, 60% pass rate. Broader knowledge about society, history, government.
English Language
Australia: Must be competent. Requires IELTS band 6 or completion of English education.
UK: Life in the UK test also tests cultural knowledge, not just English.
Cost Comparison
Australia: Application fee ~$300 AUD. Test fees ~$100 AUD.
UK: Application fee ~£1,500. Life in the UK test ~£50.
Timeline
Australia: 4 years residency + 6 months processing = 4.5 years total
UK: 5+ years residency + 6 months processing = 5.5+ years total