You can stand in a shorter queue at the airport then....

We applied for citizenship last September 2006. We finally get the ceremony next week. So nearly ten months!!!

I'm still not sure about this...

Is the rule that you have to have been in the country for two years before you apply or before you get it?

If so, could I apply, leave the country and fly back for the ceremony?

You have to have been IN the country for 2 years. That's why I applied 2 years to the day that we arrived.

Hope this helps.

So many of you lot give me the pip! You are so desparate to get citizenship but have little or no committment. It is simplly for your convienience. I suppose I am very old fashioned, but when you swear allegience to something surely that is supposed to show that you are committed. Just like your marriage vows.

So, could I apply after two years being in the country and then leave and just return for the cermony?

Hope you're not referring to me.

It was a general comment after reading so many posts on the subject.

Once you get your letter from the minister's office confirming your status, you can ring the local council and opt for a private ceremony with the Mayor. That's what I did. Saves waiting for the next public ceremony. I think I had a reason though, so you might need to give one as well, not 100% sure on that.

There is legislation before Parliament to put this into effect. It will be some time before it becomes a reality.

If you leave Australia to live elsewhere before being sworn in as a citizen, they can revoke your application.

This makes a bit of a nonsense of the two years living in Australia rule - because of the waiting list for the ceremony it means more like 2 and a half years doesn't.

Once you get your letter from the minister's office confirming your status, you can ring the local council and opt for a private ceremony with the Mayor. That's what I did. Saves waiting for the next public ceremony. I think I had a reason though, so you might need to give one as well, not 100% sure on that. If you're planning on leaving the country for business or family matters they would be valid reasons to get the private ceremony I would think.

Yes that's quite true.

Try reading my post about private ceremonies. It shortens the process.