Hi just thought I'd let you know ...

I previously booked a citizenship interview for May. Just called the helpline as I may go back to the UK for a week for a funeral which means I will need to wait for another week before my residency period expires and therefore I'd need to put back the date of my interview.

Was told that they are not currently booking interviews for Sydney as they've had too many applications lately. I can call back next week to see if anything has changed but even if it has there is unlikely to be anything available until at least July. D'Oh. So if you are planning on making an appointment bear this in mind!

Does anyone know if there is much difference in processing times between interview applications and internet / postal applications???

You have to be interviewed regardless.

Oh, I didn't realise that! So if you apply online or by post they subsequently invite you for an interview before your application can be approved?

On reflection, it certainly used to be that way but I don't know if it still is mandatory since they brought in the citizenship test.

I just did the test - at the smae time they took my photo and checked my ID documents. I then applied via post after passing the test (I did the test early) and there was no further 'interview'.

I know some people who submitted their applications at the same time as doing the test and it seems quicker - again no further interview.

How long did it take for you to get approval after you posted your application?

Ours took two days.

Now have Aussie passports as well.

I posted it on 29 October 2008, got approval letter in about mid-December and did my ceremony last Friday (20 March) - the Jan 26 ceremony was full.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Austra...ocessing_Times

I didn't realise they were still doing interviews, I though it was all by test now and you can take that anytime.