Citizenship can be denied due to failing "good moral character" tests (criminal history, fraud, unpaid taxes/support), breaking continuous residency, misrepresentation on applications, failing language/civics tests, or specific legislative barriers for refugees, while historical or current discriminatory laws based on race or descent also deny citizenship, even for indigenous peoples. Incomplete forms, false statements, or lack of selective service registration for men also lead to denials, highlighting the strict requirements beyond just physical presence.
The most common reasons for citizenship denial include criminal record issues affecting good moral character, continuous residence breaks from long trips abroad, physical presence shortfalls, unpaid taxes or child support, selective service non-registration, and misrepresentation on naturalization applications.
The most common reason that an application for Australian Citizenship is refused is because the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has come to a conclusion that a given applicant is not a person of “Good Character”.
This could be due to insufficient evidence, failing to satisfy the good character requirement, or not meeting other eligibility criteria. A rejection, on the other hand, means that no substantive consideration of your citizenship application has taken place.
Has anyone ever been declined citizenship? If so, for what reason? Offcourse, if you don't qualify and meet the criteria of becoming a citizen like good moral character, paid up on taxes and the time requirement, or you don't speak English well or failed on the reading/writing and civics test, you could get denied.
Evidence of negative factors may include, but is not limited to: prior criminal record; the number of convictions; the seriousness of the criminal conduct; and whether the applicant has committed other violations of the law which are morally turpitudinous.
If the Department of Home Affairs are not satisfied of your identity, they will refuse your citizenship application.
Citizenship Denial Rate
A common question immigration attorneys face is: How many immigrants get denied citizenship each year? In 2024, the answer was 10.58%, with approximately 86,000 applicants denied US citizenship.
The Act (section 36C) states that the court may make an order to cease a person's Australian citizenship if: the person is aged 14 years or over. the person is a dual national. the person has been convicted of one or more serious offences.
Top 15 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2026: Updated
[ezcol_1half]Citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who apply and meet the eligibility requirements. Around 80 percent of applications for Australian citizenship by conferral are approved.
On August 15, 2025, USCIS implemented a new policy for evaluating good moral character (GMC) for naturalization applications. Prior to this change, USCIS primarily assessed GMC by checking for disqualifying criminal convictions or other express disqualifiers.
If you fail the test, we will book another appointment for you. There is no extra cost for sitting the test again. While you wait for your next appointment, it is important that you prepare for the test. If you do not pass the test after three appointments, we may refuse your application.
A denied N-400 is not the end of your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. You remain a lawful permanent resident, and you have multiple legal avenues to move forward. Whether you choose to appeal with Form N-336, reapply when eligible, or pursue judicial review, you still have a path to naturalization.
To become an Australian citizen, an applicant must be of “good character,” which refers to their enduring moral qualities. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this requirement thoroughly, and a criminal history can be a significant barrier to a successful citizenship application.
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In addition, USCIS conducts other inter-agency criminal background and security checks on all applicants for naturalization. The background and security checks apply to most applicants and must be conducted and completed before the applicant is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview.
Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship. Commit an act of treason against the United States. Are a naturalized U.S. citizen who faces denaturalization due to committing certain crimes.
The "10-year rule" in Australian citizenship primarily refers to a rule for children born in Australia to non-citizen parents, allowing them to gain citizenship on their 10th birthday if they've lived in Australia for most of their life; it also relates to criminal deportation protections for long-term permanent residents (after 10 years). For general citizenship by conferral, adults usually need 4 years of residency (with at least 1 year as a permanent resident).
The Citizenship Act of 1955 mentions three ways in which an Indian citizen, can lose his or her citizenship. The three ways are Renunciation, termination, and deprivation.
If your visa or citizenship application is refused, you might be able to have the decision reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Home Affairs will tell you in its decision letter if you are eligible for a merits review by the AAT.
Getting Australian citizenship can be challenging due to strict residence, character, and language/knowledge requirements, plus a mandatory test, but it's achievable if you meet all criteria, with success rates varying but generally high for compliant applicants. Key hurdles include living in Australia for four years (with one as a permanent resident), passing a citizenship test on Australian values and knowledge, demonstrating good character (no serious crimes), and a potentially long processing time.
14% of citizenship applications face delays or rejections annually (2022 IRCC report).
The NPCS allows people to apply for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). A NCCHC is an important part of the assessment of your citizenship application. We forward information from your citizenship application form to the NPCS and Australian police agencies for checking action.
If You Fail the U.S. Citizenship Tests the Second Time
At this third hearing, you will get a third chance to pass the test(s). If you fail again, your citizenship application will be denied and you will have to reapply after studying and preparing some more.
For a cessation order to be considered, the dual citizen must first be convicted of a “serious offence” and sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of at least three years. These offences are specified in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth) and include: Terrorism offences. Treason and espionage.