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4. After You Apply – Citizenship by Descent

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On this page: Processing times; Verification checks; Contacting us and Notifying you of the decision

Processing Times

The current standard processing time for applications for registration of Australian citizenship by descent lodged in China is 14 calendar days from date of lodgement.

Please note that each application presents different issues that can vary the processing time. Some factors that may delay processing beyond the average processing time include:

• An incomplete application being lodged or requested documents not being submitted promptly;
• Additional checks becoming necessary, including additional interviews:
• Any character issues in relation to the applicant (if applicable) that may require a formal character assessment; and
• changes in the circumstances of the applicant.

Do not make any travel plans, purchase tickets or make any similar decisions in the expectation that you will receive an outcome within the average processing time. The average processing time is a guide only.

Verification Checks

For bona fide purposes, many applications for registration of Citizenship by Descent will be subject to verification checking, which may include telephone interviews, third-party telephone checks, document examination, checks made with document issuing authorities, face-to-face interviews and site visits.

Contacting Us

Should you need to contact us subsequent to lodging your application, please contact the Visa Office that is processing your application. 

If you have further documents or materials in support of your application that you wish to mail, courier or hand in to our office, in order that these reach your Case Officer without delay, please ensure that you clearly write your application file number (if you know it) on the envelope/package/material.

Notifying You of the Decision

For legal reasons, all advice of decisions is made available only to applicants (or their responsible parent). If an application refused, the applicant is notified of this by a letter giving reasons for refusal and information about review options.

Once your application is finalised, your certificate (if issued) and original documents will be returned to you.

1. Information    ⇒    2. Checklist    ⇒    3. How to Apply    ⇒    4. After You Apply

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