Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Australia
Reload this Page >

Your experience of the citizenship interview

Your experience of the citizenship interview

Old Apr 3rd 2007, 1:40 am
  #1  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
KatieStar's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,131
KatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to behold
Default Your experience of the citizenship interview

We have our citizenship interview booked for the 24th of April. I have read through the blurb on the citizenship website about the rights and responsibilities as an Aussie citizen. I think that is all the preparation we need to do, other than sort the paperwork we have to take with us.

I was wondering how other people had found their interview. Was it pretty relaxed? or more of a grilling?
KatieStar is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 2:36 am
  #2  
Gone Senile Member
 
Sandra's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,014
Sandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond reputeSandra has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Fairly relaxed - I knew all my rights and responsibilities off by heart but interviewer gave hubby a quick prompt at one point

Very very helpful guy we had in sorting out son aged 16 to have ceremony at same time.

Paperwork is possibly the most important thing as well as the criminal record check they do.

Enjoy
Sandra is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 2:40 am
  #3  
BE Enthusiast
 
Pommie Granite's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 340
Pommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Just out of interest, how long does it take from the moment one is legally able to apply for citizenship until one can have a new shiny australian passport?

Thanks
Pommie Granite is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 2:50 am
  #4  
JAJ
Retired
 
JAJ's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
JAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond reputeJAJ has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by Pommie Granite
Just out of interest, how long does it take from the moment one is legally able to apply for citizenship until one can have a new shiny australian passport?
Two variables:

1. how long to DIAC take to process your application; then
2. how long does it take your council to invite you to a ceremony.

Each step takes between 1-3 months in most cases. Most people, therefore become citizens in 3-6 months from application.

However some do have to wait longer. All the current publicity of citizenship has anecdotally caused more applications and hence some longer waiting times. Also, not all councils take their responsibilities to organise citizenship ceremonies as seriously as they should.

As soon as you have attended your citizenship ceremony and made the Pledge of Commitment you are an Australian citizen. Not before, however.

You can apply for an Australian passport as soon as you are a citizen. Processing time around 10-15 days normally.
JAJ is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 3:09 am
  #5  
BE Enthusiast
 
Pommie Granite's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 340
Pommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond reputePommie Granite has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by JAJ
Two variables:

1. how long to DIAC take to process your application; then
2. how long does it take your council to invite you to a ceremony.

Each step takes between 1-3 months in most cases. Most people, therefore become citizens in 3-6 months from application.

However some do have to wait longer. All the current publicity of citizenship has anecdotally caused more applications and hence some longer waiting times. Also, not all councils take their responsibilities to organise citizenship ceremonies as seriously as they should.

As soon as you have attended your citizenship ceremony and made the Pledge of Commitment you are an Australian citizen. Not before, however.

You can apply for an Australian passport as soon as you are a citizen. Processing time around 10-15 days normally.
Thanks Jaj
Pommie Granite is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 3:26 am
  #6  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
KatieStar's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,131
KatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to behold
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Thanks for your replies.

While on the subject of passports maybe someone can answer this question. Does becoming an Aussie citizen cancel out a permanent residency visa, meaning that an Aussie passport would be needed to reenter Australia?
KatieStar is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 3:29 am
  #7  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,233
gedge has disabled reputation
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by KatieStar
Thanks for your replies.

While on the subject of passports maybe someone can answer this question. Does becoming an Aussie citizen cancel out a permanent residency visa, meaning that an Aussie passport would be needed to reenter Australia?
yes precisely, your PR visa is no longer relevant, you will need an Australian passport instead
gedge is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 3:31 am
  #8  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
KatieStar's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,131
KatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to behold
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by gedge
yes precisely, your PR visa is no longer relevant, you will need an Australian passport instead
Thanks for your prompt reply. That is helpful to know.
KatieStar is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 4:59 am
  #9  
Proudly Deplorable
 
Amazulu's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Amazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by JAJ
Two variables:

1. how long to DIAC take to process your application; then
2. how long does it take your council to invite you to a ceremony.

Each step takes between 1-3 months in most cases. Most people, therefore become citizens in 3-6 months from application.

However some do have to wait longer. All the current publicity of citizenship has anecdotally caused more applications and hence some longer waiting times. Also, not all councils take their responsibilities to organise citizenship ceremonies as seriously as they should.

As soon as you have attended your citizenship ceremony and made the Pledge of Commitment you are an Australian citizen. Not before, however.

You can apply for an Australian passport as soon as you are a citizen. Processing time around 10-15 days normally.
JAJ, a quick question. I'd like to do the Citizenship ceremony at the main event in Perth on Australia day next year. I live in Kalamunda which is a separate shire from Perth city. Do I have to do the ceremony in my 'home' shire or can I do it in Perth?
Amazulu is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 6:31 am
  #10  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
BadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond reputeBadgeIsBack has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by Sandra
Fairly relaxed - I knew all my rights and responsibilities off by heart but interviewer gave hubby a quick prompt at one point
I didn't have time to draw breath after the questions were asked before a 'cheat sheet' was produced from under the desk and I was told the answers to the questions.

Obviously they had marked my card from the outset.
BadgeIsBack is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 6:54 am
  #11  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Cairns
Posts: 3,918
steandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond reputesteandleigh has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

We were asked our rights and responsibilities, brief chat, easy peasy.

Our interview was September 2006, recieved confirmation of being successful in November 2006 and our citizenship ceremony was March 2007.

You can opt to have your ceremony in a different shire, I asked the dept, as we needed our citizenship by end of March this year and at one point it looked like we might not get it, so they suggested we go to Townsville for ours, if we wanted an earlier ceremony but didn't need to in the end.
steandleigh is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 7:10 am
  #12  
Proudly Deplorable
 
Amazulu's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Amazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond reputeAmazulu has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Originally Posted by steandleigh
We were asked our rights and responsibilities, brief chat, easy peasy.

Our interview was September 2006, recieved confirmation of being successful in November 2006 and our citizenship ceremony was March 2007.

You can opt to have your ceremony in a different shire, I asked the dept, as we needed our citizenship by end of March this year and at one point it looked like we might not get it, so they suggested we go to Townsville for ours, if we wanted an earlier ceremony but didn't need to in the end.
Thanks for that. Australia day 2008 in Perth for me.
Amazulu is offline  
Old Apr 3rd 2007, 7:38 am
  #13  
BE Forum Addict
 
Pomster's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Western burbs, Melbourne
Posts: 2,260
Pomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond reputePomster has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

we had a strange interview.
Hubby is half English/half Vietnamese, but only speaks English and only had British nationality (until we got the Aussie one as well).

The heavily accented Indian-heritage interviewer only asked questions of hubby not me (white, Welsh) and bombarded him- seemed to think his English might be not fluent!
Very wierd! Still we did not fail...
Pomster is offline  
Old Apr 4th 2007, 3:29 am
  #14  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
KatieStar's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,131
KatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to beholdKatieStar is a splendid one to behold
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

Thanks for all your replies, it would seem that the interview isn't too much of a big deal as long as you can speak English. I was worried my mind would go blank when I got into the interview room, but if they prompt you that should not be a drama. Thanks again.

Katie
KatieStar is offline  
Old Apr 4th 2007, 6:23 am
  #15  
Cup of tea, Father?
 
Geordie George's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Underground, overground, wombling free
Posts: 6,895
Geordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond reputeGeordie George has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Your experience of the citizenship interview

We found the whole process really easy. We filled the online application form in on 18th March and had our interview on 24th March. By 27th march we'd received letters confirming our application had been approved.

The interview itself was really straightforward. Mr GG and I were interviewed seperately, but the applications linked, so we'll be going to the ceremony at the DIAC offices in Sydney together (we were told it would be in 2/3 months' time).

They just checked our documents, did a police check, asked us about the rights and responsibilities (I got them the wrong way around ) and that was it. Whole process (including queueing - they were stoopidly busy, even on a Saturday morning) took about 20 minutes.
Geordie George is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.