Is there a 'living in Australia' thread like the NZ one? Because we're moving and I have SO many questions.

[PinotGreedy]

I just wondered if there is a regular thread where the MNers currently living in Australia / thinking of moving to Australia / have always lived in Australia hang out, discuss stuff, and help each other? I could really do with some 'on the ground' help right now!

[echt]

I'm pretty sure it's 4 years for PR now, we got in just before the rules changed. We went for citizenship two years later, I think before another rule change.

[chloeb2002]

Must have held pr 2 years and lived in aus for at least one year in the preceding 5 years ...

[PinotGreedy]

I acquired PR during previous residence, and qualified for citizenship at the time but didn't take it. I thought my residency qualification would have lapsed in the years since, but the consulate pointed me to a different type of residency qualification for which I meet the criteria!

It's important to me to have citizenship for political enfranchisement, and to be eligible for working on certain government projects, which I had to let go last time I lived there. I think it just takes away any uncertainty really, and shows a serious level of commitment to the place.

[giggly]

Chloeb I thought it was 4years as well for citizenship, it changed a few years ago. You have to be resident in Australia more than not in the 5 year period before applying and here in WA the process can take another 6 months after the ceremony before your granted it. Might be wrong though

[giggly]

But then I have PR.

[chloeb2002]

Not an expert we got ours in January. Dh had to prove two years as did I. Dh has flown in and out for work and that time was deducted. The comment was from immi web site.
Pinot dh also works on government projects and needed his for that too.
Pinot there should be resident return stuff open to you. I think you will still need the two years before applying.,the only exception I know of is inter military/ police transfers from uk get automatic citizenship if needed for their position.
So it may have changed ..ours took over 12 months to process. Mostly due to a stupid error in the form!
Dh applied after and his was ready first! About 4 months. The average is 6 months till it's all done. Long waits for ceremonies normally.

[chloeb2002]

Ahh the 4 years bit is here living on any visa. Hence we had a 457 first then pr for the required 2 years. So yes ... I'm stupid ..4 years living here.. At least 2 of those with pr