Cascade

I'm an Ozi PR holder living in Europe. During my PR validation trip
to Ozi I got registered in 'Medicare', I gave one of my friends
address as my Ozi postal address (My host during the stay in Ozi).
I'm planning of migrating to Ozi mid next year.

My question is: When I apply for Australian Citizenship which date will
be considered as the start of residence? (Medicare registration?)

Does DIMA check passport for departure stamp or similar records?
Please share you experience.

walaj

the 2 years counted are the days you are in Oz as a PR - yes they have records of when you arrive and leave the country so there is no getting around the requirement.

If you leave the country the tally is on hold and resumes once you return.

aflatun

...........but out of 2 yrs 1 year should be within 2 years prior to lodgement of citizenship application

caringgoofi

Dear one,
i guess it is 2*365 days in total before you get your citizenship. the days spent outside Oz doesn't count unless you can provide an evidence that you were bound to do so due to an overseas committment by your australian employeers.
Nadir

aflatun

That is true. Total days lived in Oz 2x365 out of with 365 are withing last 2x365.
Cheers

bondipom

Goto www.citizenship.gov.au.
On www.immi.gov.au in e-services there is a citizenship calculator. Residence is the time spent in Oz as a permanent resident. The clock starts ticking the day you arrive and stops the day you leave. It will restart the day you arrive again. DIMIA have electronic records of your arrivals and departures and can look at your passport stamps.