mikimike

Hi,

When can i apply for NZ Citizenship? Got my Resident Visa March 03 2014. One of my friend said i can apply early as 3 months before the 5 years anniversary of my Resident Status.
I never travel outside NZ for 5 years.

Thanks.

MrsFychan

HI, you have to get past your 5 years as requirements are "at least 5 years as resident". they will also ask about any demerits points on your driving licence so hope that wont be an issue for you

janiejones

Yes, your friend is right, you can apply in advance. Our five year anniversary was in the February, we used the calculator on the DIA website to figure out when to submit, arranged our interview for October, got the letter of approval in December, and had our ceremony a few days after our five year anniversary.

If you haven't left the country in the last five years, you can probably apply now.

MrsFychan

Why you have an interview? We never had one in 2017, is this a new requirement ?

janiejones

I don't think it's mandatory, but we were able to get to the DIA offices pretty easily (I worked five minutes down the road at time), so they offered us an interview. The case officer said that they often travel out to the provinces to do interviews. This was back in 2015, so they may have changed their processes since then. By having an interview, it meant that we didn't have to send our identity documents away, the case officer took copies and verified them there and then.

MrsCakey

Does this no travel outside of NZ (in five years) include a weekend shopping in Melbourne!?

Asking for a friend, obvs.

janiejones

We had a few overseas trips in the five years, and met the criteria by four years and nine months. I'm sure your "friend's" shopping trips won't be a problem. Can you your friend recommend some good shops

MrsCakey

My '"friend" will be going at the end of Feb. I'll be sure to get her to send you some recommendations for Melbs.