Sigh

It's here: http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents/discussion-papers/citizenship-paper.pdf As much as Facebook groups and rallies might raise awareness, they will not carry as much weight as a submission on the above consultation paper. If you feel like you want to do something, this is where you should start, followed by making representations to your MP / senators. As a side note, perhaps it goes without saying but please ignore anyone who tells you you are wrong to feel disgruntled about the changes or that you don't need citizenship anyway if you have PR - no one should presume to know the particular set of circumstances you find yourself in.

This is a very good point, as it gets to the heart of the changes. Integration doesn't require PR; just residence. I wrote my submission along the lines of the changes denying natural justice to PR holders, who, having obtained PR in the old regime, and, having relied on this to form their lives in Australia (you know, INTEGRATING!), had formed a legitimate expectation of obtaining citizenship under those rules.

Everyone is making some really strong points about the unfairness of the new rules on existing PR holders. Can I suggest that we make those same representations by way of response to the consultation document that sets out the changes? We have until June to make a submission. I'd have thought, at the very least, submissions should ask for grandfathering in relation to existing PR holders on 20 April. Also: make the case to your MP and senators - especially if they are Labor or Xbench.

Does anyone have experience of applying for an urgent ceremony? What were your circumstances and were you successful? Thanks

It took six weeks for my test email to come through.

I'm in Vincent. They have four ceremonies a year. Aus Day, May, August, November. I'm likely to be invited to Aus Day but can't do that or May as I'm away. So August will be my only shot at a ceremony before the year-long window post-approval expires. Sigh.

My Perth experience: Application to test: 20 weeks Test to approval: 10 weeks Frustration-induced reduction in life expectancy: immeasurable

Hi Nani, What makes you think this? Clearly, the council impacts on the timing of the ceremony, as the number of events and invites per event is totally within their control. But in relation to the actual approval of a citizenship application, it would surprise me greatly if internal DIBP processes involved local government. Surely this is purely a matter for the particular office of the federal DIBP? Thanks

Congratulations! Presumably you sat your test in Perth? I sat mine in August and am yet to hear anything. Another poster on here sat at the beginning of August and heard only a week or so ago. Nice to see such equal handed and transparent processing in WA lol. It'll be a great Australia Day, though - Enjoy!

You smashed it! Well done mate.

Hi Mansawant, If the Perth experience is anything to go by, your appointment time only means the time you can start waiting at the interview centre. You will take a numbered ticket and wait for a CO to become available, like at a deli counter. I was there for closer to two hours. I would very much doubt you would be done in one.

After a three month wait from application to test, I'm now into week eight following passing the test and have heard nothing. This seems uncommon but not unheard of?