mand8002

I had to get a change of name certificate even though like other people I had been married for 23 years and my PR visa was in my married name! I actually went for the interview (just before the test came in) and the guy that interviewed me said that he was pleased I had the change of name certificate as he would not have accepted the marriage certificate. Apart from the cost, you can get one priority processed in a few days.

JAJ

This may be true, but bear in mind that people who have moved states recently may not be able to obtain one. Based on posts on this forum, implementation of this policy is not consistent.

You can appeal to the AAT if refused, of course.

moneypenny20

The form is badly worded basically. You need to take your birth certificate and your marriage certificate with you and they are fine with them.

When you come to apply for your Australian Passport you will find that that form has a section about if your name is different now from when you took your citizenship ceremony you need to provide your marriage certificate. As it hasn't, you assume it's fine to leave the marriage certificate behind - don't. Whoever processes your application at Aus Post has to view it although no mention is made anywhere.

One prawn on the Passport Help Line told me that if they mentioned everything you needed to know and do, the information booklet would be too long I started querying his comment and then decided life was too short

genie79

How do you actually apply for your test? I will be looking at sitting the test when I move to Melbourne. Does any know the waiting times for Melbourne

bcworld

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/test/booking.htm

From what I remember most people applying in major DIAC offices in the cities seem to wait about 2 months.

GSNR

Hi again,

This is what confuses me, on phoning DIAC my husband was told I would not need the change of name certificate, but when I phoned they said I would need one. The next day we phoned them again and the person said they didn't think I would need one.
I am not going to apply for a change of name certificate, but can you please tell me what "AAT" stands for, as if they do require one when I do the test, i will most definitely appeal.

DunRoaminTheUK

I'm not sure that phoning DIAC (ironically) will yield the best results when seeking out information about citizenship. I was told a number of 'dynamically changing' facts by them.

GSNR

Wow, so how do I find out the facts??

DunRoaminTheUK

Talking to people who have prepared for and sat the citizenship test, at a guess?

ABCDiamond

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
http://www.aat.gov.au/

The Tribunal is an independent body that reviews a wide range of administrative decisions made by Australian Government ministers, departments, agencies, authorities and other tribunals. The Tribunal can also review administrative decisions made by State government and non-government bodies in limited circumstances.

It also says this.....
It does seem, as JAJ mentioned, that some people get by without needing it, and some have to get the certificate, and there is no clear guide on this subject.

GSNR

Hi again,

My husband went in and personally spoke to somebody at the test center this morning and she said that there is no need for me to get the certificate as long as my passport and visa are on my married name and I've had no other name changes! However i do need to take in my marriage and birth certificates the day of the test!
So hope this helps anybody else who was wanting to know!

Cheers

DunRoaminTheUK

This proves my theory that the DIAC customer service centers are based in Tehran.

GSNR

LOL .... I guess it's always better going directly to the source!

Thanks for everyone's feedback!

bcworld

Just you wait until its time to find out details of your Brisbane citizenship ceremony.....you'll call the council, who'll tell you to call DIAC, who'll tell you to call the council, who'll tell you to call DIAC, who'll..............

DunRoaminTheUK

Yep. Quite true.

I gave up after I got to the 15th alternating call to DIAC. I'm not stupid.