movetoperth

You can't submit your application until you fit all the residency requirements, they have a bit on the website that you can put in the dates you have been in the country and it tells you if you are eligable to apply, sorry can't find the link maybe someone else knows it.

Lynn

ShozInOz

Two tips:

1. Remember that if you leave the country/left the country the clock stops. So if you are due for 2 years on 29 June and leave the country for a week or two then the new Act commences on 1 July, you wil not be eligible.

2. The fastest way is probably to book an interview and take your forms with you on the 2 year mark. DIMIA citizenship line can tell you when your 2 years is exactly to save errors. Applying over the net seems to take ages to get an interview.

bubcay

Good to know that, although I have not planned to go anywhere for at least 3-4 years.

However, getting the Citizenship ASAP is very important for me because of eligibility for HECS/HELP student loan.

Cheers

JAJ

You must meet the residence requirements when you formally apply for citizenship. Use the residence calculator at http://www.citizenship.gov.au

Nothing stopping you booking an interview now for a date in the future when you'll be eligible, call 131880.


Applying 'online' is probably the *slowest* way to do things. However it does get your application in the system (if all goes well) and that will be important to some people close to the deadline if they find all the citizenship interviews are booked up.

I believe you can still lodge in person at a DIMIA office (if the deadline is approaching, make sure you get a receipt) but I don't if they do interviews any more for those who just turn up without appointment. They used to.

Applying before you meet the residence requirement is *not* a good idea.



Jeremy

JAJ

Not a problem if a citizenship application is already in the system - it just goes 'on hold' until you get back.


Better still, use the residence calculator at http://www.citizenship.gov.au



Jeremy

Amanda&Paul

Cheers Jeremy - you're a diamond, I thought I had read that you could book up your apointment before you're eligable - must have been here.

Thanks again

bubcay

Sorry to be a pain in the neck, but I would just like to get this right - I could book an interview now for some time in July next year provided that I meet the eligibility criteria then? This of course if the current legislation (2 years residency) is still on 29 June next year.

Thank you so much for your time Jeremy.

movetoperth

Ok now i'm confused too. Applying online here in WA is quite quick, usually interview within 4 weeks and ceremony 8 weeks later. As for being able to arrange it before the residency requirement is up, i know of someone who applied on line 1 week early and it was returned to them. So if someone calls up to book an interview what do they then do about the application. Sorry to be thick

Lynn

JAJ

If you apply 'online' you are making the application. So you need to meet the residence requirement at that point.

But when you call to book an interview, you don't make the application until you actually do the interview. You can't apply for citizenship over the phone.


Jeremy

JAJ

Only if they are taking appointments that far ahead. And all you can do is book an interview over the phone, you can't apply for now.



Jeremy

movetoperth

Oh thats really good, i didn't know you could do that, i presumed that you had to "make the application" then they contacted you with the interview date. Thanks for that JAJ you really are a star!

Lynn

Slater

Queensland are taking interviews for 8-9 weeks ahead only, I booked mine last week for the 18th Jan 06. Wife and 3 children had theirs last week, received a letter of approval today from the Hon John Cobb MP, congratulating them pending the ceremony. Only problem is I was fined last year for drinking alcohol on the beach, will this count as a police record when I apply.

Slater

bubcay

Thank you Jeremy, that is good to know.

Cheers