discobay

I have a Skilled Independent Residency Visa (ASCO 2231-17) but previously lived and worked for two years in Australia under temporary residence visas. Does this history help me at all for anything? I believe that their usefulness towards fulfilling the required two years' residence has expired but I am interested to find out if they count at all in any shape or form.

jayr

I believe that under the new citizenship law which is expected 1 July that your past legal residence will count towards the new four year residence requirement to getting citizenship.

For example, under the new law you need 4 years legal residence in Aus before being eligible for citizenship. At least 12 months must be as a permanent resident so up to three years of previous legal residence can count.

discobay

I have heard about the new law but don't have much detail to go on. I suspect that previous two years are too old to be useful. Do you have a link?

jayr

It seems it won't count as the lawful residence needs to be immediately before applying for citizenship:

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/law-an...ceRequirements