How long for citizenship
 

When entering Oz on a PR how long until you can go for citizenship?

I knew it was two years, but i think i saw somewhere it has now been changed to 4 years.

Has anyone a clear answer on this.

Cheers all.

Re: How long for citizenship
 

Yes, its 4 years if you became a PR after 1 July 07. See http://www.citizenship.gov.au/applyi...ligibility.htm

Re: How long for citizenship
 

Also, you have to have validated before July 1, 2007 to qualify for the 2 years.

Meaning.... even people who had their visas before that date may still have to wait for 4 years. Unless they validated before July 1st, 2007 which would then only need 2 year.

I hope that makes sense.

But yes... if you are granted a visa after July 1st, 2007 then you would be under the new 4 year rule.

Re: How long for citizenship
 

Cheers all

Re: How long for citizenship
 

Does this mean because your PR visa is initially valid for 5 years from when you first enter the country that you can't really come home like some people do. Some people go to validate their visa on a holiday (which has to be done one year from when meds or police checks are done) and then come home to maybe save or sort out house or other family issues.
So now you really don't have that window of a couple of years because you have to be resident in Australia for 4 years to get citizenship. Am I correct or is their another way?

Re: How long for citizenship
 

No, you have completely misunderstood things. Absences up to 12 months are allowed (no more than 90 days in the final year).

So of course you can take vacations etc ...

Re: How long for citizenship
 

But don't forget you must apply before the 30th July 2010 which is the cut off date for 2 year residence requirements.

Re: How long for citizenship
 

Yes that too! Thanks.... I always seem to forget that part.

Too many rules!

Re: How long for citizenship
 

I think it is also 4 years of legal residence now, rather than 2 years of PR as was required before.

Re: How long for citizenship
 

4 years legal residence including at least 1 year PR.

But yes - some people can actually get citizenship quicker under new rules.

Re: How long for citizenship
 

We have been here 3 months and my husband and kids are just putting in for their Citizenship. As my husband has joined the Australian forces they get it after 6 months of being here. I have to wait 4 years like every body else though.