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Changes to Australia’s Citizenship Act
New Citizenship legislation came into effect on 1 July 2007. Amongst changes to the Act are the following:
Resumption Provisions
For persons who lost their Australian Citizenship under the old Section 17 prior to 4 April 2002, or renounced under Section 18 of the current Act.
The only requirement for former Australian citizens who ceased to be citizens in order to acquire or retain another citizenship or to avoid significant hardship or disadvantage will be that they be of good character.
Citizenship By Descent Provisions
The age and time limitations for registration of citizenship by descent will be removed. The only requirements that will apply to a person applying to become an Australian citizen by descent will be that:
- at least one (1) of their parents was an Australian citizen at the time of the person's birth; and
- the person is of good character, if 18 years or over (Police Clearances are required for all persons over 16 years of age).
General information on the amendments is available from the Department’s citizenship website at: http://www.citizenship.gov.au
Please note: from 1 July 2007, new forms, reflecting the above changes, will be in use. Old forms can no longer be used.
Forms can be downloaded from the above website or by contacting this office either by email at: immigration.athens@dfat.gov.au or telephone: 210 8704127 between 8.30am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) to request forms.