rinkerdink

Hi,

We validated our PR visa's in October 2011 on our recce trip and left in November 2011, we returned to live in Sept 2012 and have been here ever since, our visa ceases in April 2016. I'm wondering if we can apply for citizenship in October this year instead of having to go through the expense of a RRV to cover us for emergency travel (deaths/funerals etc) in the 5 months between our visa ceasing and the 4 year anniversary of our permanent arrival. Our visa is a 175 or 176 (grant notice mentions both).

Thanks for any help you can give

old.sparkles

There's a citizenship calculator on the immi site (sorry don't have link) but from everything previously mentioned on here, I would think you are eligible in October this year - 4 years in Australia, no more than 12 months absence, no more than 90 days in year before applying. You were not out of the country for 12 months Nov 2011 - Sept 2012, so 4 years from Oct 2011 is Oct this year

Edit - Oh, and good to see you Rinkerdink

rinkerdink

Hi Sparkles

I've had a look and wasn't sure about the lawful residence part (Lawful residence means living in Australia on a valid Australian temporary or permanent visa.), if this is set as our first arrival date then all is good but if it is classed as our permanent move then it sets us back to Sept 2016. This is what I'm not sure about. As you have said the criteria look perfect other than this detail

old.sparkles

From October to Nov 2011 (however many days or weeks doesn't matter) you were lawfully resident on a valid visa.

rinkerdink

Thanks Sparkles, I never saw this reply but I rang yesterday and couldn't believe how helpful the guy was, as you have said, I can apply 4 years from date of first entry provided all other criteria are met :-)