I am English but have recently married an Australian. I lived in Australia for just under four years and was a permanent resident, but spent the past 4 months in the UK with my husband. I know that the residency requirement says I must have lived in Australia for four years before I can apply, but can’t that be waived?
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Answer by Kate Dodgson, Indooroopilly 4068 QLD
- You must first satisfy the general eligibility criteria for becoming an Australian citizen.
- The general eligibility criteria includes:
- being a migrant with permanent residency;
- satisfy the residency requirement; and
- be of good character.
- However as you are applying as a spouse you may not need to satisfy the residency requirement.
- Time that you spent overseas being the 4 months in the UK may be considered time in Australia so long as you can demonstrate a close connection to Australia for that time period.