Standard Operating Procedure: General Residence Requirement And Permanent Resident Status ​

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This Standard Operating Procedure (Document ID VM-6653, approved 29 November 2023) outlines processes for calculating general residence requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 for citizenship conferral applicants under subsections 21(2), 21(3), and 21(4). The procedure addresses permanent resident status determination, a prerequisite for citizenship eligibility. Key sections cover unlawful non-citizens, the 12-month permanent residence requirement immediately prior to application, overseas absences, and permanent residence visa holders. Specific guidance addresses New Zealand citizens holding Subclass 444 (Special Category) and Subclass 189 (Skilled-Independent) visas, including treatment of SCV holders who became permanent residents and their children born before 1 July 2022. The procedure includes residence exemptions or discretions for persons born in Australia or former Australian citizens, with detailed accountability frameworks and assurance controls outlined in