Just to add to this to demonstrate the problem.

Schools recruit for the start of year - i.e. January. My family will qualify for citizenship in September this year. Theoretically, I could get citizenship, and start teaching in an Aus International School in January 2008.

But if they can't do the ceremony for 4 months this takes me to January 2008 and I can't then begin until Januray 2009.

It all sounds a bit churlish.

I think it's more like you are expected to remain a Citizen (as you are the one applying for it) and therefore pay your Taxes in your chosen Country of Citizenship !

As I understand it most International Schools go through major organisations or American private companies, therefore you won't be paying taxes to Australia, so why should they make you a citizen ?

But this is ridiculous.

If you take this to it's logical conclusion, no Australian citizen would ever be allowed to work abroad because they might not pay taxes to Australia!

But, most Aus Citizens have probably been paying taxes for years, or their parents have !

You have been there less than 2 years and are already talking of leaving. How does the Aus Gov know that you are taking your citizenship seriously if you want it quickly so you can leave ?

In fact, how do they know if you ever intend to return at all ?

I know what you are saying but I can't believe that the Australian government would openly discriminate on the basis of how long you have paid taxes for. After all, what if, in two years as a PR I have paid more taxes (through business and income taxes) than your average Australian would pay in 10 years?
It all gets a bit messy - who has shown more commitment to Australia? Me setting up a business (which will continue to exist (with me as one of the directors) and paying business taxes whilst I am abroad) or an Australian dole bludger (is that the right term?)

They don't discriminate. Once you are a citizen you can leave freely and no-one will care.

But I would draw your attention to the final requirement for becoming an Australian citizen.
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/becomi.../eligible.htm1


7. Requirement of Intention

You must intend to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia. This requirement is mandatory.


Do you really want a battle at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal over this,with no guarantee of winning?

Hello,

My family and I will apply for Citizenship in October this year, is there any way we can specify we want to be part of the Australia Day ceremony next January (provided we pass of course!)?

I wonder if maintaining a directorship is a close and continuing relationship together with working for an Australian International School on a fixed term contract?
But, you are right. I don't want to battle - although an extra year is a pain in the backside if they delay the ceremony.

Perhaps if you maintained a home in Australia it would make a positive difference.

Do us a favour ...