[Kiwibound]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me if you will have to wait 5 years for citizenship if you get residence before the end of this year??

Cheers

Sara

[alexh]

I was wondering the same thing, also I have been told that if you take up NZ citizenship you need to hand back UK passport/citizenship. I cannot believe that, but does anyone know for sure?

:?:

[Jodie]

I think you can get dual citizenship - that's what we're hoping to do, then you don't burn your bridges in case you ever do go back to the UK to live...

Could be wrong tho - just what I've heard!

[Radders]

Yes dual citizenship is allowed , not sure when the time requirement will increase from 5 years though :?

[Moorf]

What are the main differences between dual citizenship and full citizenship?

[Radders]

As far as I know it's just full citizenship in each country. You don't relinquish any rights in the UK by having another passport

[Raeven]

The legislation to change residence requirements for citizenship from 3 years to 5 years commences on the first of January, 2005. I understand there is a 'grandfather' clause that will permit those who have commenced residency prior to the new law taking effect to apply for their citizenship under the 3-year requirement rather than the new 5-year requirement. No time spent in NZ on a work visa only will apply; only time spent on permanent residency. So based on that, I think those who have applied for PR prior to the end of the year will 'grandfather' into the 3 year requirement. Not absolutely certain, so you might all want to check it out for yourselves. But from what I've gleaned that's the state of things.

As to dual citizenship, NZ does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship in order to become a NZ citizen. Therefore, while your NZ citizenship will not be recognized by your country of origin, you can be a NZ citizen in NZ with no consequence to your existing citizenship.

Hope this helps clarify. - Rae

[Kiwibound]

Cheers Rae...

Your a star :wink:

Sara.

[Moorf]

Thanks Rae :)

[BJ]

Hi Sara
Just wonder if you had a pre assessment on your qualification before sending them for a full assessment.
The reason I ask is I've had a pre-assessment done and it came back a level 3, ie: no points and not sure if it worth sending for a full assessment.

Good luck
Bill

[Kiwibound]

Hi Bill,

I did do a Pre assessment, and then when i recieved my invite to apply I sent in for my Full Assessment. I'll let you know if it comes back as different to my pre assessment

Sara

[BJ]

Hi Sara
Thanks
Hope all gos well. 8)
Bill