JAJ

Update on the new citizenship residence requirement:

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/law-an...irementsQA.htm

Highlights are:

- FOUR years lawful residence in Australia immediately preceding the application
- absences of up to 12 months in total will be allowed, with no more than a total of 3 months in the final year
- at least ONE year of the four years must be as a permanent residence. (in other words up to THREE years temporary residence can count).

It seems that current permanent residents will be exempted:

"The new residence requirements will apply to people who become permanent residents on or after commencement of the legislation. Current permanent residents will not be affected by these changes."

Commencement day for the new laws is still scheduled to be 26 January 2007.

CasG

So, it is still 2 years for people people with PR already here?

Thanks Jeremy.

JAJ

That's the indication from the citizenship website. But you will need to see how the Bill develops in order to be sure. Nothing changes until the Bill becomes an Act and comes into force.

Wait and see for now.

aussi110

Hi JAJ the link you provided is incorrect

The working Link is

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/law-an...irementsQA.htm

Cheers,

HDJ

aussi110

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/law-an...iew/timing.htm

The commencement date for the new legislation is subject to its passage through Parliament.

However, 26 January 2007 is being used by the department for planning purposes.

The changes will affect all applications for Australian citizenship made on and after the date the new legislation commences.

datamile

Granted or validated ? Wasn't planning to validate until the spring

JAJ

Wait and see. It will depend on the wording of the Bill.

JAJ

That link you quote has not been updated to reflect the new policy. Use this one instead:
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/law-an...irementsQA.htm

"Will they affect current permanent residents?

The new residence requirements will apply to people who become permanent residents on or after commencement of the legislation. Current permanent residents will not be affected by these changes. "

JAJ

The Minister's announcement is here:
http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/parl...l06/300608.htm

The concession to apply under the existing rules will last for THREE years only. So if an existing PR wishes to apply under the 2 year rule, then the application for citizenship must be submitted within 3 years of commencement (ie, by 26 January 2010 if the legislation commences on schedule).

What this means is that if a PR who is resident overseas currently is not able to clock up the 2 years before 26 Jan 2010, the full four year requirement will apply.

aussi110

ohhh if this is imposed then new 139er will require 6 years atleast to become citizens.

JAJ

Where on earth do you get that idea from? And there's no such thing as a "new 139er" - do you mean the 496?

aussi110

Yes ofcourse dude new suggests 496

see my other post

JAJ

No they won't. Read the announcement.

SarahandOli

- at least ONE year of the four years must be as a permanent residence. (in other words up to THREE years temporary residence can count).

Can I just check I am interpreting this right, so if I have been in aus for 2 years on a 457 and then I switch to a employer sponsored visa for 2 years - then assuming no long absences, I would be in a posistion to get citizenship?

Thanks

JAJ

That is the situation currently envisaged.