Australians-to-be who are worried that frequent overseas travel could stop them meeting the normal citizenship residence rules may have another pathway.
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that two categories of applicants may qualify under special residence requirements.
1. Activities of Benefit to Australia
This category can apply where Australian citizenship is required for a particular activity and there is not enough time to satisfy the normal residence requirement.
It includes certain athletes representing Australia and people taking Commonwealth positions requiring Negative Vetting 2 or higher security clearance.
Eligible applicants generally need to have been permanent residents for the previous two years and physically present in Australia for at least 180 days, including 90 days in the previous 12 months.
2. Jobs Requiring Regular Overseas Travel
Special rules can also apply to certain people whose work requires frequent international travel, including eligible:
These applicants generally need four years of lawful Australian residence, including the final year as a permanent resident, but may qualify with at least 480 days physically in Australia, including 120 days during the final 12 months.
Frequent Overseas Travel Does Not Automatically End Your Citizenship Dream
Under the normal rule, most applicants must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years before applying, including the final 12 months as a permanent resident or eligible SCV holder, and normally cannot have been overseas for more than 12 months in total, including more than 90 days during the final year.
The special residence provisions therefore could make a major difference for eligible professionals and others whose work or activities require significant time overseas.
Important: These are not general exemptions for everyone who travels frequently. Applicants must fall within the specific categories set out by Home Affairs and provide supporting evidence.
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