sanch.alex86

Thanks to remind me. I will include that too.

BritInParis

Looks good to me. I think that'll be your best shot. Worst case scenario you'll still be a permanent resident and being able to return in three years' time.

aussie_explorer

Best of luck Alex .

sanch.alex86

I just sent the response letter to the case officer. I hope it works.

Will keep everyone updated about my case.

Thanks for your guidance.

sanch.alex86

Hi guys,

I has been about two weeks that I sent my reply to the case officer and I haven't received any reply yet. I sent to the email address that the case officer used to send me the first email (which is a personal email @border.gov.au domain).

May I know if they have any time limit to respond?

Would it be fine if I call to the person and chase it?

My concern as mentioned before is not to lose my residency requirement if he advise me to withdraw the application so I will have the chance to apply from the UK.
Thanks

Pollyana

Remember if you replied to a personal email address that person may have left, be on leave etc

sanch.alex86

But I have no other option other than sending the email to his personal address. I have only 4 weeks before I lose my residency requirement and I need to know his decision before then so I can lodge another application from overseas.

sanch.alex86

My wife has been invited for the ceremony on Australia day.
I asked her to call my case officer (her as well) to talk about my application. The case officer said that he is going to refuse my application in 3 days and he cannot do anything rather than that. He said that 3 years is a long time being absent from Australia.

Now, anyone knows which option is better for me:
1- Receive the refusal and request an appeal
2- Withdraw my application before refusal and apply offshore (from the UK).

Thanks.

sanch.alex86

Hi guys,

Just an update of what I have done:

I withdrawn my citizenship application as I thought it would be much better that getting refused. I am planning to apply from the UK (overseas citizenship). I think in this case, my application will be processed by a team known as "Overseas Citizenship Unit (OCU)" which is based in Canberra.

I will keep you updated because I am sure there some who may be in similar situation.

In the meantime, any comments/suggestions are highly appreciated.

Thanks.

louie

I don't have anything useful to add, just to say that I hope that you are successful with the new application as from what you say, I really don't think you should have had any difficulty getting approved in the first place.

But if it does all go wrong, you do at least have the comfort of knowing that with an Australian wife you will be able to get RRVs in future without any difficulty. On that subject (and again if you get refused citizenship at this point), make sure you apply to renew your RRV within three years or so of moving abroad so that you still get a 5 year one.

sanch.alex86

Hi folks,

I am about to lodge my application from the UK. For identity form (1195) should I give it to a British person? Or it can be filled by an Australian person in the UK?
Also, can I post it to someone in Australia to sign it and then post it back to me?

Thanks.

BritInParis

Form 1195 needs to be completed by an Australian citizen or a citizen of the country in which you are resident, so a British citizen is fine. Just ensure their profession or occupation is listed.

sanch.alex86

Thanks BritInParis,
In 1195 form, there is only a question for the person who is declaring the identity saying:
Are you an Australian citizen? Yes or No
I assume that ticking NO will not be a problem (as a British citizen is signing the form). Am I right?

sanch.alex86

Hi,

It is very difficult for me to find someone in the UK who knows me for more than a year. Would it be fine if someone from Australia (Australian citizen) signs my identity declaration form? or since I am lodging from the UK, it has to be a British citizen?

Thanks.

BritInParis

Correct.

No, it could be an Australian citizen in Australia, providing they have known you for at least a year and their profession/occupation is listed. Since your application will be processed in Australia that would actually make it easier for DIBP to contact them if necessary.