Pending Citizenship Application: Notify Any Changes of Circumstance to DoHA
Applying for Australian citizenship is an exciting step into a new chapter, and maintaining clear communication with the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) throughout the process is of the greatest importance. As an applicant, one of your key responsibilities is to notify DoHA promptly of any changes to your circumstances. Failure to do so can have serious implications for your application, potentially leading to delays or even refusal.
Why Notify the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) of Changes?
DoHA assesses your eligibility for citizenship based on the information provided in your application. Any changes to these details can impact their assessment and your continued eligibility. Prompt notification ensures transparency and honesty and allows DoHA to make informed decisions.
What Constitutes a “Change of Circumstances”?
A change of circumstances is any significant alteration to the information you provided in your citizenship application. This can include, but is not limited to:
Change in Personal Details
Change of name
Change of address or contact details
Change in marital or relationship status
Travel
Any international travel, including dates of departure and return, and reasons for travel.
Criminal History or Legal Matters
Being charged with a crime, receiving a criminal conviction, or being involved in any legal proceedings (even if not yet convicted).
Changes to Family Composition
Birth of a child, adoption of a child, or any other changes to your immediate family unit. Additional read: “What Visa Can My Baby Get if Born in Australia?“
If you have a representative assisting with your application, ensure to let them know as soon as possible - Don't Lie to Your Immigration Lawyer! Why Honesty is Your Best Defence
How Changes Can Affect Your Australian Citizenship Application?
Your ongoing eligibility for citizenship depends on meeting the criteria throughout the application process, including until the ceremony. Changes can impact your residency requirements, character assessment, or intention to reside in Australia.
New criminal charges or convictions, even minor ones, can trigger a review of your good character assessment, potentially leading to refusal. Additional read: Do I Need to Disclose Minor Offences or Spent Convictions on My Visa Applications?
Failing to notify DoHA promptly can lead to delays as the Department may discover the changes through its own checks, raising questions about your honesty and potentially leading to refusal under Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 for providing false or misleading information.
You are legally obliged to keep DoHA informed of any changes to the information you have provided.
What Can I Do for My Australian Citizenship Application?
Understand the types of changes you need to notify to the Department. If unsure, or how it might impact your application, speak with an immigration lawyer for clarification.
It is best to report to DoHA, ideally within a couple of weeks. This can be done through your ImmiAccount or by submitting a form.
Related:
Why Keeping the Immigration Department Updated is Important for Your Visa Status
Charged, Not Convicted: Does it Affect My Visa or Citizenship Application?
Can I Apply for Australian Citizenship After a Visa Cancellation on Character Grounds?
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Maintaining honest communication with the Department is important when your citizenship application is pending. At Agape Henry Crux, schedule a time with one of our immigration lawyers, who work closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, specialising in handling highly complex matters. You can book a Migration Planning Session with our team by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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