Just got in from a visit to DIMIA for our citizenship interviews.

As it's a subject that comes up regularly I thought I'd post a blow-by-blow account for anyone interested.

First the background, as you all probably know by now you qualify for citizenship after 2 years in the country (with a few conditions) on PR. You are supposed to make sure that it is the full 2 years after adding on any trips out of the country which is why we left it a couple of months after our qualifying date in November 2006. In our case this wasn't checked up on.

Three of us went along to an interview that we booked back in early December - turns out that it wasn't necessary to make the booking - Adelaide is one of the cities where you can just walk in and take your turn - it just means a longer wait to do it that way

We left things 'til the last moment and only opened our citizen packs last night (tip - don't leave the paperwork until the last minute).

Form was a bit like a passport application form and required the same extra docs: Birth/Marriage certs, visa details and UK PPT, details of parents, endorsement and signed photo from one of a list of suitable persons who have known you at least a year.

So, 1pm today we turn up at 55 Currie St. (The MTAA building with the big time/temp display on the side). Normal govt reception and ticket system - take a number and wait.

As we had an appointment, 10 minutes later we were called forward to a desk (not much privacy for the interview). We were given the choice of being interviewed individually or as a family group - we went together which made it quicker and meant that we could help each other out.

There are 4 parts to the procedure - payment, police check, verifying details and then a few questions.

Payment comes first - you don't get it back if you get rejected. $120 per applicant.

Then a basic police check - it all went wrong here, seems that there's someone with a similar name to me in WA with a record, so mine couldn't be approved until a full check is done (not our expense though).

Next they go through the form checking and copying documents.

Then you get to the questions - we had done our homework and knew the 8 privileges and 4 duties by heart, which was just as well as she just sat there and asked us to reel them off without prompting - now I know this differs with the interviewer, some give prompts, some even leave them on the desk for you to read, But this one didn't - so it's worth the little bit of effort to make sure that you know the things.

Then it was over. Two approvals and one approval subject to full police check (quite common apparently). We now just have to wait for notification of the ceremony date to take the pledge and call ourselves baby Aussies...

P

Thanks for that Perry. We've got about 8 months to go, but it's good to have an insight. Do they not ask you any other questions, other than the rights and responsibilities? I thought we might have to swat up on Aussie history/politics etc.

Nope - just the rights and responsibilities.

That may of course change later in the year if the feds get their 'Australian Values' test in.

P

You might still have to Lesley if the proposed legislation comes into effect before the next election...

A 45-MINUTE quiz covering everything from public transport to voting procedures may stand between migrants and their dreams of becoming Australian citizens. And it emerged today that changes to citizenship laws are likely sooner rather than later, with Prime Minister John Howard saying he expects them to be in place before the next election.

The quiz concept was canvassed in a discussion paper on citizenship, released yesterday.

It even suggests newcomers may have to know "bring a plate" does not mean the hosts are short of crockery.

Sample questions they may have to answer include what the flag looks like, where did the first European settlers come from, and what the population is.

Those who fail to pass such a test will have to undergo extra study or language training. But there will be nothing to stop them re-sitting the exam.

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration Andrew Robb said citizenship was a privilege, not a right. "If we give it away like confetti, it is not valued," he said.

Mr Robb said applicants would be asked up to 30 questions citizens should know. "That's really what we want – what makes Australia tick," he said

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0...131-953,00.html

Didn't they make you sing the national anthem? Or Waltzing Matilda at least? Shame....

Wait till the ceremony then you get to sing the national anthem and we had a special rendition on the guitar of Waltzing Matilda by 2 local students!!

Oh and BTW Diane we also have a kitten called Smudge!! What colour is yours?

Sunshine.