Self-Acceptance and Australian Citizenship

Posted on September 24, 2010 by admin

In many cases, it’d be ideal to travel to Australia at leisure and fall so completely in love with the country that the quest for Australian citizenship and permanent residence is initiated right away. While this scenario may indeed play out for some people, it is undoubtedly rare, and the majority of those who become new Australian citizens do so as a result of conflict or difficulties faced in their former countries of residence. The beauty and friendliness of Australia is likely to bring smiles to the faces of those who have experienced even the greatest challenges on their way to the country, though many personal concerns and questions can build up as newcomers seek out employment, housing, and other necessities. Though it may not present itself as the likeliest of challenges, self-acceptance can create considerable conflict for some immigrants as they consider new citizenship and attempt to integrate with Australian society.

Guilt is sometimes an issue when immigrants think about letting go of their former citizenship status and becoming an Aussie. While there are many positive draws to Australian citizenship that encourage newcomers to seek out a passport and other documents, the idea that one may be putting down or denying their past in order to take on the new status may be difficult to absorb. Often, immigrants are able to navigate this challenge in the end, and can bring their previous experiences, culture, customs, and other ethnic features to Australia, a process that has helped to enrich the country over several decades. The ability to accept oneself and recognize both previous citizenship and the importance of integrating with the local community is a major part of enjoying a successful life in Australia, and the path towards this goal is often able to instill great hope and determination in immigrants, further enhancing their quality of life as they flourish down under.

Sometimes, it may be beneficial to seek out the help of a psychotherapist, counselor, or other mental health professional when trying to understand and cope with the complexities of immigration and new citizenship. People sometimes falsely associate such help with weakness, but growing acceptance of mental health services and sensible, effective treatments are able to assist those with psychological concerns attend to their needs to help make their stay in Australia healthier and happier. Even without professional assistance, however, immigrants frequently find that through getting involved with the citizenship process and making an effort to integrate with others both at the workplace and in social settings can greatly help ease concerns about self-acceptance. In fact, when new citizens work through these issues and discover a strong sense of self-acceptance that includes both their former and current national identities, they are sure to find that others around them extend the same acceptance and respect –something that can have a major impact on prosperity and peace of mind throughout the course of life as an Australian.

Posted in Australian Life | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Review of the Australian Citizenship Test

Posted on September 22, 2010 by admin

The Australian citizenship test is a fundamental part of the citizenship aplication in Australia. The whole process starts with the citizenship form. The applicant needs to gather all the paperwork necessary to start the process. Between those documents there need to be copies of the residency paperwork, proof of identity and good character. The DIAC (Department of Citizenship and Immigration for Australia) Will review the paperwork and in about 5 months possibly approve it.

When this happens the applicant is summoned to sit for the citizenship test in the closest DIAC center available for that purposed.

The citizenship test consist in 20 multiple choice/True or False questions with a 75% passing score (15 correct answers). The test is computer based so the result is immediate after the candidate has completed it. Each test take is of 40 minutes after which the test calculates the score on its own, sound alarms are available to make the applicant aware of the remaining time. The test is based on a 200 question pool from the resource book “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” released by the DIAC. Both the test and the resource book have no cost, the book can be ordered manuscript or be downloaded from the DIAC web page. We strongly recommend to start familiarizing with the testable content as soon as possible. The time frame between the test summoning and the test date is usually of one week, which doesn’t leave enough for study.

The test can be taken as many times the candidate needs to get the passing score. Here is no limit of times for this nor time. However the possibility of on the spot retakes will be tied to the center availability. You can always schedule a new appointment if needed. The majority of the applicants tend to pass the test in the second retry.

The testable content from the resource book goes from chapter one to chapter three, In those three chapters you will find historic reviews from Australia, a complete governmental structure explanation with the scope of each power and how they are elected. There is also a chapter dedicated to the electoral system and the responsibilities, obligations and benefits of the Australian citizens. There is also a brief explanation of the Australian symbols and the provinces and their capitals.

The citizenship test is not an impossible task at all. Since it is multiple choice based it is highly recommendable for the candidate to get familiar with these type of test methods. Practice is the best study resource you could get on regards the citizenship test.

After the test is passed the candidate will be invited to the Oath Ceremony where the Pledge of Commitment will be sworn ending the citizenship process. The citizenship credentials will be delivered to the participants at the ceremony with a welcome package that includes a passport process form. The actual date of citizenship is the day of the Pledge for future reference. After that date you can call yourself a fully right Australian!

Posted in Citizenship Test Material | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Australian Citizenship Day – September 17th

Posted on September 16, 2010 by admin

The 17th September is the celebration of the Australia citizenship. First introduced in 2001 as a holiday for born and by choice Australians all over the world. This day is in memory to those who make Australia a better country every year, their citizens.

All over the country will be celebrations and citizenship ceremonies. This year calculations conclude that there will be 69 ceremonies all over Australia turning 3600 people from 118 different countries into Australian citizens. There will be ceremonies by the DIAC (department of Immigration and Citizenship) and Local Councils in major city centers throughout Australia.

The biggest ceremony of this year will be in Brimbank City Council in Victoria with 223 people becoming Australians. The smallest will be hosted for one single person at Bombala Shire Council in South Wales.

So what really means the Australian citizenship day? It is an opportunity for citizens to share their pride for being Australian and live and work here. As the Immigration and citizenship minister said: “Australian Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001 as an opportunity for people to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian.”

The truth is that Australia is in need of qualified and skilled immigrants. The country bases their economy through the immigration growth to the country. Unfortunately Australia itself does not produce as many professionals as we would want to. It is possible that at some point the country might fall into a crisis due to the decrease of immigration of this last two years. That is one of the main reasons why the Australian Immigration policies are being adjusted to accommodate better benefits for skilled immigrates looking at our borders.

Both the Housing and the mining industries are afraid won’t be able to self sustain for the lack of skilled workers in the country. Australia is aggressively looking at British skilled workers.

This is a topic that is influencing citizens for the future elections where we have to parties pro immigration that are postulating different law adjustments. Related to the knowledge that Australia is indeed an immigration based economy. It is difficult for some uf us immigrants to understand what it means to have a immigration based economy. Not many countries have this type of balance where they depend of other nations citizens to be prosper. To this day we are not completely sure why Australia isn’t able to generate the skilled workers it needs to grow.

There is a strong focus on the future Australian generations and how they will develop in skilled workers. Unfortunately the future generations are too far away to help our economy right now. We will have to wait.

This is one of the key elements of why the citizenship day is even more important to Australia then other nations. We are based on citizenship by choice and by birth. Is as important to us as taxes and the fact that our citizens are proud to be Australians is a life long commitment to our growth. So let celebrate this 17th September like we never did. For the current and the future citizens!

Posted in Australian Citizenship Benefits | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Australian Citizenship: the Path to a Powerful Opinion

Posted on September 15, 2010 by admin
Even among the most mild-mannered of people, opinions play a significant role in daily life and well-being. From opinions that touch upon seemingly unimportant or superficial topics to those that focus on major issues confronted by a country or by humanity as a whole, the strength and diversity of perspective across a wide sample of the population is undeniable. This is certainly the case in Australia, which is home to people originally from countries around the world, many of whom have sought out a new lifestyle in the country. Thanks to the national interest in democratic government, people in Australia can count on having their opinions weighed and counted as both major and minor decisions are made, though there is one notable exception that interferes with the involvement of some of those who live and work down under. Immigrants may find that it is difficult to have their opinions understood and considered by others, particularly if they have outstayed their visa without applying for Australian citizenship or taking the national citizenship test.

Though some people may enter the country with the idea that their opinions are limited to their original country of residence, the situation is likely to change as immigrants experience work and lifestyle in Australia. Potentially strong ideas about how certain things should be run or maintained, which programs should be created or destroyed, and who should represent the people are likely to form as experience in the new country builds up, and immigrants may be frustrated by the idea that their status prevents them from having a powerful viewpoint. Of course, banding with other immigrants can potentially make voices more clearly heard, yet this is often a source of conflict in local communities and immigrants are sure to find that speaking out as an Australian is able to create a bigger and more peaceful buzz.

Taking the steps to become an Australian citizen may not always seem attractive to newcomers, particularly in the face of heavy loads of paperwork and potentially intimidating tests. Working with helpful test preparation services and other sources of assistance available to immigrants can greatly ease the stress of the process, however, and those who decide to complete it and follow through will find that voices are more heavily weighed in decisions at every level of social and political life. There are of course many other benefits associated with obtaining citizenship in Australia, but the ability to have one’s voice valued and heard is often among the most rewarding for people originally from other countries. Though it may not seem like an essential element of daily life at the outset, sharing and understanding opinions, and having one’s own opinions considered, is a major component of overall well-being, and people who feel unheard or uncounted may harbor a great resentment for their environment. Through becoming a citizen, however, immigrants secure the right to be heard –a fact that can make life in the country exceptionally more enjoyable.

Posted in Australian Citizenship Benefits | Tagged | 6 Comments

Australian Citizenship Our Common Bond

Posted on September 8, 2010 by admin

The Australian citizenship test is based on the resource book Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond from a pool of 200 questions only 20 are selected for each test. But what is the test about? What is relevant or not in the resource book? Not the totality of the resource book is testable material so we are going to focus in the first three parts of the resource book. The main idea for the citizenship test I to prepare the future citizens to face their new responsibilities as citizens and help them get involved with Australia. Lets review the book sections and the relevant information in each of them.

Australia and It’s People

The guide Starts with a quick overview of the pledge and oath of commitment you will be having in your citizenship ceremony. After this a quick walk through the founding of Australia as a nation, make note of the Australian population, 22 million. It is important for you to learn each state and capital city from Australia, take notes about the characteristics that differentiate them.

The section follows with the Australian Day (26 January) and the Anzac Day (25 April). The first commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788 to set up a convict settlement for the British Government. The second remembers the sacrifice of all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Anzac Day is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I on 25 April 1915.
Australian symbols are very important for the test, this includes the different Australian Flags, the Commonwealth coat of Arms, The national flower, colors and gemstone and their meaning to finally quote the National Anthem.

Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties

This chapter is dedicated to the governmental structure, rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens. Pay extra attention to this section since is rich in details and is one of the most important aspects of the Australian citizenship test.
Starting with the form of government, Parliamentary democracy, to the equality rights and freedom in Australia. The Responsibilities and Privileges of Australian citizenship section is one of the most important of the chapter and the most likely to be tested. Learn the privileges and responsibilities, the voting system is of the most importance. The section ends with a quick review in how a citizen can participate in the Australian society as a volunteer in your neighborhood, paying taxes, cultural organizations and so on.

Government and the law in Australia

This chapter explains in depth the different governmental figures and how they protect Australia. There is a quick review of the Federation and the constitution that includes extra information about the right to vote. The division in the three electoral powers, the legislative, the executive and the judicial. The head of state, the Queen Elizabeth II, the governor general, the prime minister and so on.It goes deep in each government position and how it is elected, it explains the limits of each power and what they do for the Australian nation.
There is a section dedicated to Judicial power and the making of laws that includes how the police works. Pay extra attention to the section named “What do the three levels of government do?” where the scope of each level of government is explained.
It is important that the candidate understands that the last two chapters are vital for the Australian government. There is nothing more important that not have a fully knowledgeable and active civic citizen. These two sections prepare you for that exact end and are the most testable in the citizenship test.
With this quick overview you know have an idea on what the test is really about. Remember is a multiple choice exam with 20 questions and a 75% passing score. It can be taken as many times needed to achieve passing grade and that a failure would not affect your PR status at any level. Good luck in your test!

Posted in Citizenship Test Material | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Australian Citizenship and Becoming a Community Member

Posted on September 5, 2010 by admin

Being an immigrant in a new land, especially one as exciting and filled with opportunity as Australia, can be an incredible experience rich in new discoveries and great experiences. Yet it can also bring with it unwanted experiences and personal challenges that aren’t expected when first setting out. Among these, the feeling of being an “outsider” or somehow different from others in the community can have a significant psychological and emotional toll, especially when sustained over long periods of time. In native lands, people may have been used to voicing their opinions, receiving equal treatment from employers and from the government, and in general feeling well-integrated with others. Yet upon moving, immigrants may feel as though their ideas are seldom if ever considered, and prejudice may be felt in the workplace and among peers. Though Australia is especially receptive to newcomers as compared to many parts of the world, there are still some who oppose the residence of immigrants past a short visa period, and facing the stigma of being a “foreigner” can weigh on any immigrant’s overall personal and social experience.

When immigrants apply for citizenship and take the citizenship test, however, they are likely to discover that this process not only helps them to better understand the people and customs of the country itself, but that other citizens are more receptive to their needs and ideas, allowing for an opportunity to become a meaningful part of the community. Though community involvement is often relegated to political correctness or is tarnished by a sense of unimportance, the psychological and professional benefits of joining with others and sharing personal thoughts and experiences as a respected and equal member can be invaluable. From making new job contacts to finding new friends and joining in on significant community decisions, new citizens can take an active part in the life and vitality of their area, making their experience in Australia more pleasant while also contributing to the well-being of others.

If becoming a member of the Australian community was as simple as pushing a button, more people might naturally feel inclined to obtain citizen status. Realistically, the pat to becoming a citizen is more complex, and requires the completion of the citizenship test along with paying careful attention to forms and other necessary paperwork. In some cases, immigrants may have to try more than once to complete the process of becoming an Australian citizen, though the sense of accomplishment gained upon attending a citizenship ceremony and being issued an Australian passport are events likely to be well worth the effort. In many ways, deciding to to become a full or dual-citizenship Australian can be intimidating, but working past this challenge and getting involved in the Australian community can have an incredible impact on the ultimate success or failure of a newcomer’s attempt at creating a new life and finding personal prosperity down under.

Posted in Australian Life | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Australia – My Place in the World

Posted on September 2, 2010 by admin

I started working when I was only 13 years old. I guess I always wanted to be a grownup. Somehow working seemed more interesting than playing the guitar or riding bike. My father had this friend that was co ownership a restaurant in downtown with two brothers. At some point the business became shady and my dad’s friend decided to have someone watching the management from his side. That’s how we needed up owning a restaurant, my first job. I started low, as a kitchen assistant and dish washer. In time I became to chef and manager of the establishment until the crisis stucked us and made us close the place.

I moved from a call center to a real estate database company. In five years I accumulated enough experience to be hired by a major international company. I finally ended up heading a 120 people team for one of their US clients. That’s when it happened, I got stressed.

I was only 25 years old when it happened. One morning I just realized that I wasn’t happy, I was tired of waking up early to perform a job that I hated and meet people that only wanted results all they long. I started to convince myself to go to work every day. I got tired as never in my life, I natural joy was disappearing in within the responsibilities and obligations my job demanded from me. I started seeing my friends more rarely. In the weekend I only wanted to rest and watch movies, no time for relationships, no time to enjoy the little things I loved not long before. What change? I couldn’t find the answer.

We where getting onto our Autumn, I needed my vacations desperately. A year before that I met this Australian dude that stayed home for a week. He was traveling the world at the time and needed a bed in my city, I was part of a web community that offered low cost space for travelers. When he left my house he invited me to go visit Australia one day, we got along pretty well so I only charged him two days out of the ten he staid with me.

I got to Sidney with no expectations at all. My friend was waiting for me at the airport with a big smile and a warm hug. That was the beginning of the change. I started to understand little by little what I was missing. The land scape was just incredible. He lives in a farm in the outskirts of the main city close to a lake. Those where the best 10 days I can remember in the last 5 years of working for big man eating corporations.

And then it happened, I started to understand what was wrong, what I really needed. The message was clear, I was not doing what I was supposed to, I was living in the wrong city, the wrong life, the wrong job and the wrong house. I was basically misplaced. It felt like my brain suddenly stopped processing all this useless information and took a big breath. I could listen to my thoughts, it was all clear now. I needed to change the roots, my whole life needed a jump and I was ready to do it, I was ready to jump.

I went back home and made my plan. In a period of two month I quit my job, left my apartment, sent my things to storage facility and bought the plain ticket. My friend offered to accommodate me as long as I needed if we shared the expenses of the house. I even worked with him in the farm. It took me 2 moths to find a suitable job and rent a small house in the suburbs. It basically changed my life. When I think about it I realize I left all my friends and family, my old self was left in my birth town, I was a new person starting his life from ground zero.

Australia welcomed me with no questions. I came as a tourist and processed my work VISA when I got the job. It wasn’t an easy task but neither an impossible one. Today I know I’m not going back. I regained everything in my self that made me who I am. No more corporations or unwanted jobs, for once I’m enjoying my life and building it for myself in staid for others. I’m being selfish with myself and my time and feels great! This is what I was looking for, my place in the world and it happens to be Australia. I will become an Australian in a few years. I guess everything happens for a reason, mine was the need to be happy.

Posted in Australian Life | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

A Duty to Apply for Australian Citizenship?

Posted on August 31, 2010 by admin

A land of diverse viewpoints and personal backgrounds, Australia isn’t especially well-known for the uniformity of its decisions, and opinions among the nation’s people are likely to vary greatly on any given subject. The topic of immigration in particular is bound to provoke anger or frustration in some citizens, while others greet the subject with openness and joy; the difference often has ties to personal experiences perceived to depend upon the national stance towards immigration itself. For the most part, however, Australians are notably welcoming to foreigners, and there is a deep appreciation for the new cultural, religious, and professional ideas and practices brought into the country by people originally from other lands. Whether they support specific immigration policies or not, many Australians take the view that those who wish to work and live in the country beyond a short, exploratory visit are obliged to seek out Australian citizenship, a view that may have considerable consequences for immigrants who do not show any interest in becoming Australians themselves.

Australian citizenship is held as a goal for many people who venture to the country on a visa, and quickly going through the process to apply for citizenship, take the citizenship test, and complete the other necessary steps is a standard procedure for some. Yet there are others who venture to Australia for work, education, or for personal reasons, and who do not attempt to solidify their status in the country through citizenship. To many native citizens and those who have gone through the naturalization process, this reluctance or outright refusal to join in the community and take on the responsibilities of citizenship can be frustrating, as immigrants are sometimes viewed as snatching up certain types of jobs or detracting from social services by obtaining help without paying into national funds through regular taxes. Immigrants who do not seek out citizenship may also face difficulties with the law, and may find themselves cut off from many of the benefits of living and working in Australia.

While each newcomer to the country is sure to think of their duty to the nation in a different way, the number of those who feel obligated to become Australian citizens after a certain period of time or after a thought-out decision is likely to rise when the opinions and arguments of existing citizens are heard. Though there will doubtless always be some who refuse to go through the paperwork of a citizenship test and application or who feel that taking on a new citizenship status would somehow jeopardize their personal or family identity, the benefits of becoming an involved and legal member of the national community are bound to help convince many that going Aussie on paper is the right choice. Seeking out Australian citizenship is ultimately a very personal choice, and not all immigrants will choose to take the leap, yet those who do will find greater acceptance and, likely, greater prosperity as a result.

Posted in Australian Life | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Becoming Friends over the Australian Citizenship Test

Posted on August 23, 2010 by admin
When people imagine taking a test, they may call to mind images of staying up late at night to study, or they might think about the tenseness and stress that can sometimes accompany the pressure to do well. It’s not that common for anticipatory test takers to imagine that you’ll be meeting others and making friends within the context of a test, but in some special circumstances, such as when completing the Australian citizenship test, making new friends tends to be an easy and intuitive part of preparing and passing. The Australian citizenship test is taken by immigrants with original homes located around the world, and any one group of test takers is bound to have a wide variety of personal stories to tell about their journey to Australia and their hopes for becoming a citizen. With such a set of interesting and powerful backgrounds, it’s only natural that immigrants should be curious about each other, and there are many new friendships that can be forged to help new citizens adapt to life in Australia and grow together as fully-fledged Australians.
The potential for meeting other immigrants through preparing for and taking the Australian citizenship test may be great, but there are also many opportunities for meeting new Australian inhabitants who have a considerable amount of experience working and living in the country, and who can often help newcomers establish themselves within their communities. Meeting native Australians tends to be easy for test-takers as they meet with preparation personnel and travel to various government offices to complete necessary paperwork and other items essential to the process of becoming a citizen. Those involved with test taking and naturalization processes are likely to be friendly and helpful, and immigrants may find life-long friends among some of the first people they meet within the country.
Upon passing the Australian citizenship test, newcomers may wish to participate in the ceremonies held in honor of new citizens, and may also hold small festivities or greeting parties to introduce themselves to neighbors and co-workers and to celebrate their new citizenship. Participating in these events is likely to bridge many people together, allowing for opportunities to make new Australian friends and develop lasting, meaningful relationships with community members.
The Australian citizenship test is an important part of the process of understanding and integrating with Australians themselves, and is likely to help the quest to make new friends easier. Through engaging with others who are seeking Australian citizenship as well as by taking advantage of related services and making an effort to establish oneself within the new community, fresh Aussies can ensure that their new lives down under are full of friendship. Making friends, just like taking tests, may not always seem very easy or even practically possible, but with the warm welcome of Australians and the right attention paid to test preparation, immigrants can ensure a happy start in their new homeland.
Posted in Australian Citizenship Benefits | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Australian Citizenship Test in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on August 18, 2010 by admin

The Australian citizenship test is a key element in the citizenship application for Australia. Once the citizenship application has been sent OT the Citizenship and immigration offices it will start the review process. It usually takes around 5 to 8 months for the lodge to be reviewed, after which the applicant will receive a letter inviting him to sit for the citizenship test.

The test is 20 questions long with a 75% passing score. The study material for the test can be ordered at any time from the offices web page and is totally free. The resource book is called “Australian citizenship: our common Bond” and it includes all the knowledge necessary to pass the citizenship test.

The test can be taken as many times as necessary for the candidate to get passing score. Retakes are usually on the spot depending on the PC availability at the test center. Bare in mind that as much time the applicant spends to get the passing score the more time the application will delay approval.

Which is the best way to get prepared for the test?

The very first thing to do is to get familiarized with the content in the study guide. For most immigrants the majority of the content in the Australian citizenship guide will be rather new. Try to read the guide more than two times to get a grasp on what the test will look like. It is important you use this opportunity to introduce yourself to the content. Don’t leave the study for last minute. The test is based on knowledge that need to be memorized, last minute study wont make the trick.

The next thing to do is to build you notes out of the test material. With this you are fixing the test content in your mind making it easier to access when the test comes. By making notes and writing the material you move the content from your short period memory to the long term memory in your brain.

Third come the practice. Allow me to say that this is the most important point in the study process. The test is multiple choice based so by practicing you get familiar with the test format. Multiple choice tests are easily beaten by having tons of practice. With this method you accomplish two things, you go through the whole content and you reduce the chances of having new questions at the real test. This closes the loop for memorization. So get as many sample questions as you can find and mock tests.

Fourth take the test to your every day life. Why? Simple, is easier to access knowledge stored in you mind if it is linked to a n experience or situation. Ask your family test questions, bug your coworkers. Soon enough you will realize how little citizens know about Australian culture.

And last. Make sure you have proper rest before the test. There is no point of studying last minutes. The knowledge stored in the short term memory due to last minute study wont last long. Also make sure you you have a good breakfast full of fiber and glucose to fuel your brain and body for the test.

Remember you will have 45 minutes to complete the test. If you pass you will be invited to the citizenship ceremony where you will have to perform the oath of commitment to the Australian country at the earliest convenience. Good luck to you all in your Australian citizenship test!

Posted in Citizenship Test Material, Getting Prepared for The Test | Tagged , , | 3 Comments