amendoza

Can anyboby please advise? Had a long talk with a friend going to Oz soon. Hubby( primary applicant) and family will be validating first. He, however, can't stay yet because of work abroad but his family will stay.
Their question: Can his family acquire citizenship ahead of him as long they meet the requirements?

Really dunno the answer so I'm relying on expert opinion here.

Cheers,
Hannah

JAJ

Spouses and children aged 16 or over need to qualify for citizenship as individuals - so the answer is yes.

Children aged under 16 can become citizens so long as *one* responsible parent naturalises.

The husband should bear in mind the rules for keeping PR:
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/968i.pdf

And also consider the impact a long separation will have on the family, unless he's proposing to come to Australia quickly.

Jeremy

ProofReader

Without derogating from JAJ's excellent (as usual) advice, but for citizenship information generally, ie anyone else with queries, here's a link to the government website for it - Australian Immigration Portal - Citizenship.