Mnonpareil

Do we have any news about the new citizenshship law?

I will be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship (2 yr residency req) exactly this July 25, 2006. But I have a dilemma since I am planning to go overseas this May (3 weeks) to visit my fiancee to help her plan our Dec. 2006 wedding.

Do we know when will the new law take its effect? Do you recommend that I just go overseas after I receive approval of my citizenship application? How long is the processing time (say, if I file on July 25, 2006).

Thanks and regards to everyone.

JAJ

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/citz_bill_2005/index.htm

Mnonpareil

"The way I read it (and what do I know) if you are not eligible prior to the 1st July, you will need to do three years, so if you are not eligible until 25th July you would have to do three years regardless of whether you go overseas for three weeks in May. I think you will be eligible for citizenship around 15th August 2007 - three years from initially landing + three weeks travel abroad"

SOMEONE REPLIED TO MY POST IN THE OTHER FORUM...Is this right?

Thanks.

JAJ

Based on the Bill and DIMA's plans as they stand at the moment - yes - but things may change before everything is finalised.



Jeremy

Mnonpareil

Thanks.

But isn't it that a law will only take its effect after it has been passed/approved? So the July 2006 thing is just an estimate fr. the government? Say, if the bill gets approved on August 24 then, I would still qualify?

JAJ

The Bill has to pass both Houses of the Australian Parliament, and then get Royal Assent from the Governor-General.

Then the Minister needs to make an Order bringing the Act into force.

The date of 1 July 2006 is an estimate for this final stage.



Jeremy

Mnonpareil

"The way I read it (and what do I know) if you are not eligible prior to the 1st July, you will need to do three years"

SO THE GUY WHO REPLIED TO MY POST MUST BE WRONG...He reckons that if the law is passed after July 2006 (regardless of the date), I will still need to have that 3 year residency requirements.

JAJ

If you meet the residence requirement before the Bill gets passed and comes into effect, and also, you apply for citizenship before that date, then you will be assessed under the current requirements.

There's not much more specific advice an online forum can give you, you'll need a lawyer if you want anything more detailed.



Jeremy

Prince1975

that means they have raised the residency requirement to 3 years, right?

Pollyana

It hasn't been raised yet, but its imminent.

Jaj

Prince1975 wrote:

    >
    > That is ridiculous..are they promoting the migrants to enter
    > Australia during June. What is the reason behind this. I can't find
    > any logic in that
    >

They are doing no such thing