Gibbo

I only took citizenship in 2004, according to the certificate, and I do not recall paying anything other than for the passport. I know I didn't do a test. Maybe they thought as I had lived here since 1966, that I should know everything there is to know. The interview was just a chat about the then current state of the nation and how it had changed.

Pollyana

Earliest I can find is here http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/990i1104.pdf which has $120 listed for grant of citizenship. Can't find figures yet for before that and I must admit in those days I didn't take much notice!

Beoz

I'm afraid that is citizenship the world over ........ click on the PDF on the right hand side

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/br...applying/cost/

There is also a test .... not sure if that costs ..... there is also a passport to buy and the link also says the ceremony costs extra.

Sure its expensive and probably a money maker but it is what it is.

Beoz

Thanks Polly. Certainly seems like it can be done.

spouse of scouse

They should step down and give some younger people a chance.

Dorothy

Not a fan then?

kips

Don't know why you are having a go at me and going on about double standards. I am just pointing out the Australian government's rules are about citizenship. I didn't make the rules.

I couldn't give a toss what people do after they get citizenship. But I can tell you that declaration you sign on form 1300t Conferral of Application for Australian Citizenship is taken seriously by DIAC and very important when your case officer is deciding whether or not grant you citizenship.

I know of someone who mentioned at his interview before taking the citizenship test that he was planning to go overseas for 2-3years after getting citizenship.

Before his case officer granted citizenship he had to provide proof - such as bank statements and documents showing ownership of property - as evidence he was going to maintain ties to Australia.

kips

Under the current rules only applicants aged between 18 and 60 do the citizenship test. Those aged 60 or over don't even need to attend an interview. All you do is fill out form 1290, pay $130 or just $20 if you have a Centrelink health care card, provide certified copies of your proof of identitity documents, complete the police check form and once approved attend the ceremony.

You might get asked to provide an overseas police clearance certificate from countries in which you have spent 90 days or if you have been out of Australia for 365 days or more since getting PR.

roaringmouse

That isn't what you suggested in your opening post: You either don't give a toss, or you think it's hypocritical. Which is it?

roaringmouse

£874 is the current cost for British citizenship. As the Life in the UK test is required for ILR (permanent residency), most people applying now would have probably already passed the test. If they haven't then the test costs £50 (plus you need to buy the book if you can't get it from someone else).

Beoz

+ cost of a passport .... best part of £1000 all up. Not something most people would be throwing away too easily, especially if you are a janitor originating from poverty.

sonlymewalter

Not having a go mate just pointing out your first post where you clearly mention you are not happy about people getting citizenship then buggering off and leaving Oz.

The fact is life aint black and white and sometimes some people have to go back for many, many reasons such as family issues or jobs over here don't materialise or they can't afford to survive in Australia or job satisfaction over here doesn't work...etc....etc....

You can't judge everyone as everyone has their own reasons for gaining citizenship and going back or staying. I suspect the fact "ties to Aus" are written into the rules is so Aus can retain the right to refuse anyone returning if there is strong enough reason to not let them do so. Rules are in place to allow flexibility on all sides as there are always going to be exceptions - to make it ridged causes more administration grief if rules are inflexible as it's less realistic.

Basically duel nationality allows people to come and go freely and it leaves the door open for people to return to Aus which in the end means more money returns to the coffers in the Aus economy if the door isn't closed indefinitely. The majority of people do in fact stay so this is probably only a small percentage of folks anyway ...so no big deal and certainly not worth the huge admin costs to manage if people do chose to go back.

The other thing is some people don't settle in Aus to begin with and feel lost and this can take years and all it takes is for circumstances to change and they go back "home". Once they return home they find they no longer "fit in" and decide to move back to Aus and second time round they are more familiar and settle better in Australia. These are all normal circumstances and people should be allowed to come and go until they finally settle wherever they want.

Life aint black and white and current rules are flexible which is how it should be I reckon

TheEmperorIsNaked

...........and some actually do fit in and settle in the UK and wonder why they bother with dualcitz.
Tha' never knows, dost tha?

Ahhh! Mon petty shoe....sometimes life is judged on 'Black and White'...

sonlymewalter

true - some leave and never regret it and couldn't care less if they have Aussie citizenship as they are happy "back home"

home is where the heart is

TheEmperorIsNaked

I know kiddo; I know. Some appear to struggle with the concept.

Whatever suits. No one should have to justify their decision on location. And I mean.....no one.

(Btw: love the tag, and the little lad with his unruly mop!)