samjam

Hi all,

we have been in Australia for 2 years now and we are about to apply for citizenship. We have just one question, our 4 kids who came with us.... will they also become citizens then or do they have to wait until 18? Is this automaticcitizenship when it happens for us??

Any answers would be great thanks

moneypenny20

Automatic for them when you get yours.

joho

If they are 16 or over they have to apply with you and pay the fee, under 16 is automatic. At least that what it was before the test was introduced.

Jo

Pootle

When you've done the test you can then put in the application for citizenship. Children have to be put on one of the parents applications - only the adults pay the fee ($240 each)
Just sent mine in yesterday!

Good luck

ub40fan

Are you sure about this pootle? We only paid 120 each for our application - but that was before the change. Did this go up as well as the intro of the test?

Shirley

GinaUK

Yes, fee is $240 per adult now.

All info by the way (including a copy of the booklet to pass the test) is here: www.citizenship.gov.au

Gina

Pootle

Yep - afraid so! They've doubled the price of the application at the same time as the introduction of the test! I've just paid $240 for just my (and the kids) application..

ub40fan

Blimey , I am glad we got ours in when we did then.

suart

just wondering if you have to be a pr before you can apply for citizenship or do you just have to be in the country for 2 years?

cyclemark

http://www.citizenship.gov.au

Pootle

You need to be a permanent resident to apply for citizenship.
Also, since the rules changed in July, you need to have lived in Australia for 4 years.

ub40fan

Unless, like me and oh, you have served in the forces and then you can apply early!

Pootle

Sorry - meant to say this is for people who arrived in Aus after July, those that were here previously only need to do the 2 years.

Pootle

How early do you get to apply then?

ub40fan

After 3 months mate. We only found out because Steve's company want him to do government work, which he can't do without being a citizen. So they consulted an immigration lawyer who found out about it and so we applied. Not heard anything yet though.

Although there is a bit on the form about someone who has known you for at least 12 months they waive that too - which is only common sense if they let you apply after 3 months.