PTobin Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Hi Guys, Just a few quick questions. First off I notice there is not alot of Information for citizenship as there is with visas on blogs and forums (correct me if I am wrong of course). I have been living in Australia since February 2009 and in August 2013 I will be a full year on PR so I can officially apply for Australian Citizenship. My questions are as follow: 1. What is the turn around at the moment for sitting the test i.e. from the date you apply on-line to dat you sit test. 2. Once the test is completed how long to Ceremony (With the Ceremony I am well aware that its dependent on the local council however ATM I am looking for a rough estimate if anyone has that information) I spoke to Australian Citizenship today and also some of my mates whom are going through the process and they are saying its between 6 to 10 months all inclusive. The reason I am curious is I want to book a few months overseas for a bit of travelling and looks like Ill be able to plan nothing until after May/June. Any information is greatly appreciated. And thanks for taking the time to read. Also if there is a spreadsheet with the date applied what council etc might be a good idea some similar to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtjmLt4bD4fJdGstYU9ZcHJJRUJHV05GSXRHUXdNY2c#gid=0 Cheers, PT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Hi I found the waiting time varied depending on the centre. For example we rang Brisbane to make an appointment and was told there wouldnt be a space for a few months, we rang Gold Coast and sat the test a few weeks later. If i remember correctly from receiving the invite in the post to attending the ceremony was around 4 or 5 months. Its probably best to ring your nearest test centres and ask them for approximate waiting times if your waiting to go away. Lots of luck with everything Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTobin Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Hi Cal, Thanks for your response. PT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 No problem and good luck with the test, just make sure you read the book and you should be fine. Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 We lodged our application end of May, we sat our tests today; told 2 to 4 weeks for confirmation letter, then 6 to 7 month wait for ceremony with our local council so 8 months or so in total. A friend of ours only waited a few months if that for her ceremony though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTobin Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 I think it's pot luck it's like applying for PR some have really short waiting times comparing to others. PT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabangun Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 (edited) I applied Feb, sat in the test 2 months later in April and approved the same day (letter sent a week later). Received the ceremony invitation today, so nearly 4 months later. Ceremony in 3 weeks time. Brisbane city council. Update: Attended my ceremony tonight. It was an emotional moment after a long wait. :-) Edited August 15, 2013 by jabangun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I applied on 22nd June. Sat my test yesterday. I have heard that some councils will do a special ceremony for a fee just for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I just checked our status, we attended the appointments on Wed and today, Friday, all approved! When do you find out the date of the ceremony, says on website an invitation is sent 3 weeks prior but surely you know the date beforehand? Am interested to know as currently a 5 to 6 month wait in my area which could mean an Australia day ceremony? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 We got our invite a couple of months prior and had to ring and confirm our attendance - think the timescale between approval and ceremony was about 4 months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phab Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hello All, Seems like I have found the right post, PTobin thanks for starting this. I have lodged our citizenship application on 21st July, all required documents uploaded on 24th July, Brisbane council. It seems depending on the numbers of applications at Brisbane, it may take me around 2-3 months for an appointment for the tests. After that it may take another 2-3 months for the ceremony. If I hear something earlier that would be good Just waiting to hear some update from the DIAC. Will keep you all updated on the application progress. Phab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTobin Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 Thanks PHAB hope all goes well it does seem like a slow enough process I'm hoping more people share their experiences as there is not much info out there. PT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phab Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 (edited) Hi I found the waiting time varied depending on the centre. For example we rang Brisbane to make an appointment and was told there wouldnt be a space for a few months, we rang Gold Coast and sat the test a few weeks later. If i remember correctly from receiving the invite in the post to attending the ceremony was around 4 or 5 months. Its probably best to ring your nearest test centres and ask them for approximate waiting times if your waiting to go away. Lots of luck with everything Cal x Hi CalNgary, When you say you called up Brisbane do you mean Brisbane DIAC? I thought when you call DIAC it goes to their centralised call centre somewhere, how were you able to called DIAC Brisbane directly? If one can call Brisbane DIAC directly, when is the right time to check with them for availability of test appointment (I mean how many days/weeks after lodging the application)? Thanks. Phab. Edited July 31, 2013 by Phab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabangun Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 There is a direct number for Brisbane Ceremony team. Also an email. I don't want to post here to avoid everyone calling them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomsi Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Hi CalNgary, When you say you called up Brisbane do you mean Brisbane DIAC? I thought when you call DIAC it goes to their centralised call centre somewhere, how were you able to called DIAC Brisbane directly? If one can call Brisbane DIAC directly, when is the right time to check with them for availability of test appointment (I mean how many days/weeks after lodging the application)? Thanks. Phab. Yes, the number they gave us will end up at a call centre somewhere... There is a direct number for Brisbane Ceremony team. Also an email. I don't want to post here to avoid everyone calling them. Can you tell us how did you obtain the contact number? It is perhaps more useful to people here as we live in different part of the country and many are not in Brisbane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomsi Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 (edited) Thanks PHAB hope all goes well it does seem like a slow enough process I'm hoping more people share their experiences as there is not much info out there. PT While you still have your enthusiasm, can you try other sites and make a links from this thread? Here are some examples: * expatforum.com * australiaforum.com * whirlpool.net.au * saaustralia.org * pinoyau.info * britishexpats.com Edited August 3, 2013 by pomsi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomsi Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 (edited) BTW, when are you going to apply? and at which DIAC office? Can you start a GoogleDrive spreadsheet? I can help with researching existing info and put them into your form. However, many people didn't specify their DIAC offices that the applications were processed. You may need to contact them individually. Edited August 1, 2013 by pomsi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabangun Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Yes, the number they gave us will end up at a call centre somewhere... Can you tell us how did you obtain the contact number? It is perhaps more useful to people here as we live in different part of the country and many are not in Brisbane. Yes, sorry I didn't mention about it before. Basically prior to online application only, during one of my face-to-face visits at DIAC, I asked for the direct number and was given a small paper with a phone number and email. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomsi Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 (edited) Have you had a look at department reports? http://www.immi.gov.au In the reports, citizenship is * outcome #2 for 07-08 and before * outcome #6 from 09-10 onwards.... The approval rate for application for citizenship by conferral is falling without explanation: 05-06 96.8% (86.2% of applicants approved on the day of lodgement) 06-07 96.2% (26.1% of applicants approved on the day of lodgement) 1 October 2007 - The first version of the citizenship test was introduced. 07-08 91% (23% of applicants approved on the day of lodgement) 08-09 92.5% (19.7% of applicants approved on the day of lodgement) 19 October 2009 - The second version of the citizenship test was introduced. 09-10 92% 30 June 2010 - Transitional residence requirements ended. Number of applicants fell 32%. 10-11 87.9% 11-12 84.7% So, the low approval rate is due to the test...??? http://inside.org.au/citizenship-for-beginners/ I don't think so. Look at 11-12 number http://www.immi.gov.au/about/reports/annual/2011-12/html/performance/outcome_6/decisions_on_citizenship_status.htm People approved for conferral of Australian citizenship = 95 776 71 662 clients sat the Australian citizenship test 70 744 clients (or 98.7 per cent) passed the test 87 101 tests were administered, including re-sits where clients did not pass the test on their first attempt. There must be a reason? http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:committees%2Festimate%2Fecomd890928a_ece.out%2F0031 SENATOR DURACK -What is the rejection rate of those who apply for citizenship? SENATOR ROBERT RAY -Very trivial; a criminal record would be one of the reasons. I suppose the highest rejection rate relates to those who do not meet the two-year qualification period, or the qualifications under the Act. http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508645 + there is scope in policy to defer grant of citizenship to those with business skill visas that are potentially subject to cancellation. Edited August 3, 2013 by pomsi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Can complete my time line Applied 12 June Sat test 25th July Received notice of approval 30th July Received invitation to ceremony yesterday Ceremony booked for 28th November. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomsi Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Can complete my time lineApplied 12 June Sat test 25th July Received notice of approval 30th July Received invitation to ceremony yesterday Ceremony booked for 28th November. Congratulations! About 1.5 month from application to approval is reasonable and is well with in DIAC 60 CALENDAR day processing time frame... Can you tell us more? * Online or paper application? * which DIAC office? * Received = letter arrived at your address? (If so, what are the dates on the letters?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTobin Posted August 12, 2013 Author Share Posted August 12, 2013 Can complete my time line so far Applied 09/08/2013 Recieved notification today and Test booked for the 01/10/2013 Certainly a long process but at least have a test date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phab Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Good to know PTobin that you got a test date. So that was like in a week you received the test date. What is your council? For me it's been 3+ weeks but haven't received any updates (other than lodgement confirmation and "application being processed" message). Mine is Brisbane council. I have checked online "The Citizenship by Conferral Application Process" and it says that applicant can expect DIAC to: "- provide you with a letter within 10 working days of application lodgement which contains your citizenship test or interview appointment details, a reference number and contact details for our Citizenship Information Line." Ref: http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/standards/2.5.htm Maybe this is again conditional, depending on the council. I have a question, prior to my citizenship test can I travel overseas? What impact will this have on my citizenship application? Thanks. Phab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabangun Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Brisbane council has a long waiting time. It took a month to get the letter for the test then another month for the actual test. Approved same day then a 4.5 month wait for the ceremony which was earlier tonight! I'm pretty sure you can travel, but best check with DIAC. I traveled overseas a week AFTER the test, so not sure if BEFORE the test is an issue or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Congratulations! About 1.5 month from application to approval is reasonable and is well with in DIAC 60 CALENDAR day processing time frame... Can you tell us more? * Online or paper application? * which DIAC office? * Received = letter arrived at your address? (If so, what are the dates on the letters?) Application was online. But i didn not submit any documents as i only have an ipad at home. The office is Perth Letters arrived at my address. Afraid i cant tell you the date on them as i am not at home now but back at work till mid of next month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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