MissConduct Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Hi - I'm new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I was born and grew up in the UK and came out to Australia to work. I was supposed to stay for a year but ended up staying for 22 years! I am yearning to return back home to London (have been back 3 times this year and only just returned after being sent by my work for the last 8 weeks) so I'm making plans for it to happen by July. I'm currently only an Australian resident (both my children are dual citizens and are now adults and will be remaining in Australia for the foreseeable future). Should I apply for my Australian Citizenship before I return to the UK and if so, will there be any implications in doing so (eg. will this impact my British citizenship and any benefits, protections etc). Ideally I'd like to have the option to spend some decent time in Australia when I retire. I intend on working as soon as I return to UK (my current employer is supportive of my move and are looking to see if they can offer any opportunities in England for me), and worst case I will do contract work until I find a permanent job. Can I get your thoughts on things relating to the Citizenship implications and also get any tips you may have? I don't have a home to sell here, have private superannuation so am hoping not to rely on a state pension when I get to retirement age. I did have a national insurance number many years ago and a UK drivers licence but can't find them, will these have changed? And how can I register for a GP / doctor? Thanks in advance.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 People who have moved back to the UK will be able to offer you advice on this process. I think, that if you wish to spend any time in Aus either returning or visiting, then taking Citizenship will make that process so much easier for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 I would. Should you ever wish to return to live or spend periods of time there in the future it is the safest way to ensure you can. PR will lapse once you are out of the country living for X amount of time and then its a return residents visa which you would probably get (once or twice at least I would hope) but it too will expire if not used etc. Also its not the intent of it if you want to holiday there as its meant to enable you to take up residence there again. And if you've 20 years till retirement the rules on RRV and PR etc may have changed again and again and that option is closed to you. Of course, you can holiday on a tourist visa if your PR lapses but I don't know the implications of it possibly cancelling out the PR visa. Personally, if you've spent 22 years in Aus take out citizenship before you leave as you never know what the future may hold or if in 10 years time you'll find yourself wanting to be living back there or as you said, spend time there when retiring. Just leaving with only PR is risky and could see the door closed on your return if Aus immigration make changes at any point. Having dual citizenship has no negative implications in the aspects you are asking about that I am aware of. Many people hold both without issue. I can see no reason not to take it and every reason to take it out. Once in the UK you can contact the tax/IR and ask them re your NI number. It should be on file still and attached to your name. A GP is easy. Once in the area you plan to settle, find one you like and register. Be aware in busy areas GP's do have a zone and won't take in new patients outside of it but may allow patients to remain with them if they move from within the zone to outside of it. DL is again a phone call or email to enquire and see what they say. Give them your name, DOB and anything else and chances are they can find you in the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Definitely get dual citizenship! I've not encountered any negative implications at all and I've had both for around 30 years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movingback Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 No brainer. Get it. The only negative is you have to vote no matter where you are in the world! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 No brainer. Get it. The only negative is you have to vote no matter where you are in the world! This is not the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Hi - I'm new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I was born and grew up in the UK and came out to Australia to work. I was supposed to stay for a year but ended up staying for 22 years!I am yearning to return back home to London (have been back 3 times this year and only just returned after being sent by my work for the last 8 weeks) so I'm making plans for it to happen by July. I'm currently only an Australian resident (both my children are dual citizens and are now adults and will be remaining in Australia for the foreseeable future). Should I apply for my Australian Citizenship before I return to the UK and if so, will there be any implications in doing so (eg. will this impact my British citizenship and any benefits, protections etc). Ideally I'd like to have the option to spend some decent time in Australia when I retire. I intend on working as soon as I return to UK (my current employer is supportive of my move and are looking to see if they can offer any opportunities in England for me), and worst case I will do contract work until I find a permanent job. Can I get your thoughts on things relating to the Citizenship implications and also get any tips you may have? I don't have a home to sell here, have private superannuation so am hoping not to rely on a state pension when I get to retirement age. I did have a national insurance number many years ago and a UK drivers licence but can't find them, will these have changed? And how can I register for a GP / doctor? Thanks in advance.... In relation to citizenship ...are you mad ? ...yes ....it gives you CHOICE .... When you are sat here in the u.k ,on a damp January morning ,I don't hark to be back in the sunshine .....BECAUSE I CAN .....i can go back when I want ...it gives you CHOICE ....so you don't chase after something you cant have Anyway its a new year ,and Europe is beckoning again ( and Las Vegas in Feb ) I love London ....one of the 2 great cities of the world for me .....i love to be able to hop on a train ,running every hour ,and be in London in 2 hours BUT I COULDNT LIVE THERE ..... Bed of luck ...get your citizenship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Hi - I'm new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I was born and grew up in the UK and came out to Australia to work. I was supposed to stay for a year but ended up staying for 22 years! Should I apply for my Australian Citizenship before I return to the UK and if so, will there be any implications in doing so (eg. will this impact my British citizenship and any benefits, protections etc). Ideally I'd like to have the option to spend some decent time in Australia when I retire. I intend on working as soon as I return to UK (my current employer is supportive of my move and are looking to see if they can offer any opportunities in England for me), and worst case I will do contract work until I find a permanent job. I did have a national insurance number many years ago and a UK drivers licence but can't find them, will these have changed? And how can I register for a GP / doctor? You would be mad not to get your citizenship before you go! It has NO impact on your British citizenship whatsoever, and it has NO impact on benefits or protections. If you don't get citizenship you may find you lose the right to come back to Australia in your retirement, so it is absolutely critical to get it. Yes your NI number will still be the same and it's important to track it down. If you can't find it anywhere you can contact the UK govt department (see link below). Your UK driver's licence gets cancelled if you move overseas so you don't have to worry about that one. https://www.gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Hi - I'm new to this forum and was looking for some advice. I was born and grew up in the UK and came out to Australia to work. I was supposed to stay for a year but ended up staying for 22 years! Should I apply for my Australian Citizenship before I return to the UK and if so, will there be any implications in doing so (eg. will this impact my British citizenship and any benefits, protections etc). Ideally I'd like to have the option to spend some decent time in Australia when I retire. I did have a national insurance number many years ago and a UK drivers licence but can't find them, will these have changed? And how can I register for a GP / doctor? You would be mad not to get your citizenship before you go! It has NO impact on your British citizenship whatsoever, and it has NO impact on benefits or protections. If you don't get citizenship you may find you lose the right to come back to Australia in your retirement, so it is absolutely critical to get it. Yes your NI number will still be the same and it's important to track it down. If you can't find it anywhere you can contact the UK govt department (see link below). Your UK driver's licence gets cancelled if you move overseas so you don't have to worry about that one. https://www.gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Kash Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 In relation to citizenship ...are you mad ? ...yes ....it gives you CHOICE ....When you are sat here in the u.k ,on a damp January morning ,I don't hark to be back in the sunshine .....BECAUSE I CAN .....i can go back when I want ...it gives you CHOICE ....so you don't chase after something you cant have Anyway its a new year ,and Europe is beckoning again ( and Las Vegas in Feb ) I love London ....one of the 2 great cities of the world for me .....i love to be able to hop on a train ,running every hour ,and be in London in 2 hours BUT I COULDNT LIVE THERE ..... Bed of luck ...get your citizenship I concur with the Bunbury fellae. Personally I went for citizenship the day I was eligible. Ceremony on Australia day (how apt).. For me personally Ive never been 100% convinced of Aus and the Aussie lifestyle and a big part of me has been hankering for the big UK and a return to that life. I may turn into a 'ping pong pom', who knows. If so then so be it, at least I have options Get the citizenship. It will be cathartic... you've 'done your time in Oz' (and I mean this in a positive way)... your options are now open, and the world is your oyster..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 I agree with everyone else you'd be mad to leave without citizenship but do be aware it is about a 6 month process so apply now - we applied in the January and had our ceremony in the June, got our passports straight away and moved back in the July. If you have an Australian driving licence you can exchange it for a UK one - although my UK one had expired the new one had the same number but if you don't know it they should trace it for you or just give you a new one. Don't forget to get a no claims bonus certificate before you leave because some UK insurers will honour it. Registering for a GP is just a case of going into a local practice, not all may be taking new patients so maybe phone around first. If there is a Facebook group or similar for the area you are moving to then ask for recommendations. If you have any specialists in Australia they may be able to make direct referrals to specialists in the UK. My son has a rare condition and his specialist wrote to a rheumatologist in the UK that he knew had experience and asked her to see my son - we got an appointment no bother which I must admit amazed me as I thought we'd need a GP referral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissConduct Posted January 3, 2016 Author Share Posted January 3, 2016 Can I THANK YOU ALL for your wise words, I am gathering the documents I need to apply for my citizenship. Whilst Australia has been good to me, my heart beats strongly for the UK.... it's definitely my home (come wind, rain or snow!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 Can I THANK YOU ALL for your wise words, I am gathering the documents I need to apply for my citizenship. Whilst Australia has been good to me, my heart beats strongly for the UK.... it's definitely my home (come wind, rain or snow!). That's good to hear you are applying for citizenship. Very wise to do so as you don't know how the future will unfold and having it gives you peace of mind and the ability to move freely between the countries. Good luck with the move Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris N Lora Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 You would be mad not to get your citizenship before you go! It has NO impact on your British citizenship whatsoever, and it has NO impact on benefits or protections. If you don't get citizenship you may find you lose the right to come back to Australia in your retirement, so it is absolutely critical to get it. Yes your NI number will still be the same and it's important to track it down. If you can't find it anywhere you can contact the UK govt department (see link below). Your UK driver's licence gets cancelled if you move overseas so you don't have to worry about that one. https://www.gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number Not entirely correct, your licence indeed does get cancelled, as the licence has an expiry date on it , however the category does not, it is valid until you are 70 then a medical every three years. however, if you just want a car licence just exchange your australian one for a UK one. We return in a few months and I still have my UK licence, and was advised to go to a local DVLA office to prove I have my motorcycle licence here. DVLA, do not know you have been out of the country .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Can I THANK YOU ALL for your wise words, I am gathering the documents I need to apply for my citizenship. Whilst Australia has been good to me, my heart beats strongly for the UK.... it's definitely my home (come wind, rain or snow!). Wind and rain ,definitely ...but what bloody snow ,its 10c in London today . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Wind and rain ,definitely ...but what bloody snow ,its 10c in London today . Wrong time of year. I remember as a kid we never had a White Christmas (this was on the Essex/Suffolk border I'm sure some other parts of the country did get them) but frequently had a White Easter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imapla Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Can I THANK YOU ALL for your wise words, I am gathering the documents I need to apply for my citizenship. Whilst Australia has been good to me, my heart beats strongly for the UK.... it's definitely my home (come wind, rain or snow!). Hi Would agree that if you get your citizenship you will have choice - if you don't you probably won't Sounds to me like you have the best of both worlds at the moment - your work is sending you for an extended time in the UK - your kids are in Aus. I would think very carefully before leaving all that (only say that because I ahve done it and it was a mistake ) - have you gone back and lived through the winter - it really isn't the wind rain or snow that is the problem for me it is the darkness - dark by 4pm - yesterday it hardly even got light - when you have been used to Aussie skies that is v. hard to cope with (for me). I also had a flexible job in Aus which would have allowed me to come back for extended periods to spend time with the family and get a UK fix and I regret giving it up especially as finding a good job is v. hard at the moment - especially the older you are. I also miss my colleagues as I felt really at home there and that takes quite a bit of time to build up again. It is hard living so far from your kids - even if they are adult. Sorry to be a downer but I guess you will hear all types of views on this forum We made the decision to return for various reasons and I was never really comfortable with it though I thought it was something we should do - if you have serious doubts take the time to review the decision - we took the view that we had made the decision and there was no going back on it - but it is difficult to tell what are last minute wobbles and what are serious doubts. Just fast forward in your mind what you new life will look like (without your kids, without your work, without the sunshine) and make sure it gives you a good gut feeling before going ahead with it. I think I didn't think much past getting on that flight which I thought would be the hardest thing but living over here with regret is much harder Good luck with everything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Wrong time of year. I remember as a kid we never had a White Christmas (this was on the Essex/Suffolk border I'm sure some other parts of the country did get them) but frequently had a White Easter. I have never seen weather like the last 3 years in the u.k ....early morning frosts on the windscreen so far 3.....outside tonight ,getting stuff out of the car in a t shirt ,in January ..come on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunbury61 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Wrong time of year. I remember as a kid we never had a White Christmas (this was on the Essex/Suffolk border I'm sure some other parts of the country did get them) but frequently had a White Easter. I have never seen weather like the last 3 years in the u.k ....early morning frosts on the windscreen so far 3.....outside tonight ,getting stuff out of the car in a t shirt ,in January ..come on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolman Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 A lot seems to be made of this getting dark at 4pm, it is actually only a few short time when that happens and already the days are getting longer. It is more than made up for by the lovely long days in spring, summer and autumn. We found the transition very easy, drivers licences, doctors, dentists etc. Good luck and all the best with your move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 A lot seems to be made of this getting dark at 4pm, it is actually only a few short time when that happens and already the days are getting longer. That's your opinion, others are entitled to see it differently. It's true that it gets dark at exactly 4pm for only a short time, BUT it starts getting dark early in November. I feel as though I've been living in gloom for weeks already, and the daylight won't get back to a reasonable length for another couple of months. I was well aware of the dark winters and I didn't expect them to affect me at all - I've been surprised at how much it affects me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 That's your opinion, others are entitled to see it differently. It's true that it gets dark at exactly 4pm for only a short time, BUT it starts getting dark early in November. I feel as though I've been living in gloom for weeks already, and the daylight won't get back to a reasonable length for another couple of months. I was well aware of the dark winters and I didn't expect them to affect me at all - I've been surprised at how much it affects me. It is dark in the UK by 5pm from November to February but, more than that for me it was the poor light levels experienced during the hours of daylight that was the hardest to deal with. An average of around 1 hour a day sunshine in December/January says it all really and it was common to have to have the lights on indoors all day for days on end at this time of the year. Some people cope with that well and even prefer this time of the year though so we are all different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JockinTas Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 It is dark in the UK by 5pm from November to February but, more than that for me it was the poor light levels experienced during the hours of daylight that was the hardest to deal with. An average of around 1 hour a day sunshine in December/January says it all really and it was common to have to have the lights on indoors all day for days on end at this time of the year. Some people cope with that well and even prefer this time of the year though so we are all different. A lot of people think that Australia is dark early even in summer. The further south you go the lighter it is in the evenings (in summer). I can be out walking my dog after dinner and get back home at 9:30 pm and it's starting to get dark then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 A lot of people think that Australia is dark early even in summer. The further south you go the lighter it is in the evenings (in summer). I can be out walking my dog after dinner and get back home at 9:30 pm and it's starting to get dark then. It does get dark by 5pm in Sydney in the middle of winter - but the difference is that it's light by 7am even on the shortest day. Right now in Southampton, it's not light till after 8am and even then, the light has a subdued quality about it - and the light starts to fade noticeably about 3.30, even though sunset isn't till 4. I did used to complain about the short summer days (compared to the long summer evenings I grew up with in Scotland). Everything's a trade-off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JockinTas Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 It does get dark by 5pm in Sydney in the middle of winter - but the difference is that it's light by 7am even on the shortest day. Right now in Southampton, it's not light till after 8am and even then, the light has a subdued quality about it - and the light starts to fade noticeably about 3.30, even though sunset isn't till 4. I did used to complain about the short summer days (compared to the long summer evenings I grew up with in Scotland). Everything's a trade-off! I well remember in winter going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark in the UK. Like you say, in Sydney it's light at 7:00 am and it was light when I left the office but dark by the time I arrived home as the sun sets at approx 5:00 pm in the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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