Are you eligible to apply for Australian Citizenship? If you are uncertain contact one of our Migration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents for advice on the eligibility criteria and assistance with your Citizenship application.
Should you discover that you are eligible, it is imperative that you prepare and submit an application as soon as practicable. Any unwarranted delay could complicate or be detrimental to your future application for the following reasons.
1. The rejected Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill is likely to be re-introduced in 2018
The Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 was not passed by the Senate in October 2017.
However, the Australian Government is likely to re-introduce legislation to Parliament in early 2018. If passed, changes to strengthen the requirements for Australian Citizenship will likely come into effect from 1 July 2018.
2. Changes expected to result in tougher Citizenship Criteria
If re-introduced, which is likely, the Australian Government’s proposed legislation amendment on the requirements for citizenship eligibility may affect applications lodged on or after 1 July 2018.
Possible changes include:- English test requirement- Increase in the Residence requirement- Integration test requirement- Minister’s power to include refusal of applications, cancellation of citizenship approvals and postponement of citizenship ceremonies
3. Changes could impact your eligibility for Citizenship
The expected changes could adversely impact you from being currently eligible to becoming ineligible to apply for Citizenship from 1 July 2018. Therefore it is critical that you confirm your eligibility and apply for your Australian citizenship as soon as practicable.
If you would like advice on your eligibility for Australian Citizenship and assistance with the application process, please contact one of our Migration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents on (03) 9562 2662 or visit www.jklawyers.com.au.