Most people know the standard requirements for applying for Australian citizenship by conferral. Generally, you must have:
- Lived lawfully in Australia on a valid visa for the last 4 years, with no more than 12 months spent overseas, and
- Been a permanent resident for at least 12 months immediately before applying, with no more than 90 days spent overseas during that time.
But what if you cannot meet these strict residence requirements? Perhaps you had to return overseas to manage a business, spend time working abroad, or care for family members. The good news is, in some cases, you may still be eligible to apply for citizenship through the Minister’s discretion.
