One of the requirements for Citizenship is to demonstrate that you are;
“likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if the application were to be approved”
This comes from paragraph 21(2)(g) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (the Act)
Now this normally does not cause too much of an issue when you have consistently lived in Australia the last 4 years before you apply but in many cases people leave to live overseas after they lodge their citizenship applications. Since processing for citizenship has blown out to over 12 months, in many cases this can mean being overseas after you apply for a considerable period. When this happens this law will kick in and the department will ask lots of questions.
To meet this section of the Citizenship Act you there are factors the case officer may take into account. Such as;
- Australian citizen spouse or de facto partner
- Australian citizen children
- Ongoing involvement in Australia’s economic, cultural, social, business activities
- Extended family in Australia
- Intended return visits to Australia
- Periods of residence in Australia
- Ongoing business, social, economic activities associated with Australia
- Participation in Australian community based activities or organisations
- Employment in Australia
- Ownership of property in Australia
- Evidence of income tax payment in Australia.
This list is not meant to cover all circumstances
Often applying for Citizenship is not as straight forward as it seems. If you need help call +61 2 8054 2537, 0434 890 199 or book online today to speak to our migration specialists.
