Friday September 15, 2006

Migrants will have to wait at least four years before becoming Australian citizens under a new federal government proposal.

They will also have to pass an English language test to qualify for citizenship, News Limited reports.

The measures are expected to be listed in a discussion paper to be released on Friday by parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb.

Prime Minister John Howard said on Thursday the English language requirements would feature prominently in the package.

"I am keen on everybody learning the English language as soon as possible," Mr Howard said.

It is understood the proposals also include an increase in the waiting period for people to become citizens.

The requirement was last year raised from two to three years, in an attempt to contain the home-grown terror threat.

Federal government sources told News Limited there had been high-level discussions about upping the eligibility requirements from three to four or even five years.