I was happy waiting to get my passport, and then I didn`t.
I believe most of the naturalization applicants now have a deep experience, the long waiting process is really tormented. It is reported that applications for naturalization were submitted in April last year and were not notified until recently. As for the naturalization ceremony, I am afraid we will have to wait until next year.
Immigration data released in April showed that naturalization applications (from submission to ceremony) would take 14 to 16 months. According to the latest release, 75% of applications take 16 months and 90% take 19 months. Is really not the slowest, only slower!
During Dutton`s tenure as immigration minister, the backlog of naturalization applications climbed from 22952 in FY2014-2015 to 242606 in FY15. Even if new applications are no longer accepted now, according to the efficiency of the Immigration Department, these "old cases" will take eight years to complete!
So what makes it so difficult to apply for naturalization?
There was a sharp increase in the number of applications. The number of naturalization applications rose 176.9 percent from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2011, according to government data.
Immigration downsizing. During Dutton`s tenure, it kept cutting jobs in order to save money. Immigration is already understaffed, and layoffs make the wait for naturalization extended again.
Naturalization reform. The review was suspended during the discussion of the naturalization reform proposal, adding to the already large backlog.
Privatization of the visa system. The coalition government outsourced the immigration department`s call center and visa processing to private companies. While its original intention was to modernize Australia`s visa system, many feared it would not only ruin the jobs of more than 3000 workers, but also threaten immigration`s data security, privacy and service standards.
The trial is getting stricter and stricter. In order to ensure security, the Australian government has introduced a series of measures to verify the identity and conduct of the applicant and to enhance the integrity of the trial, which is bound to extend the length of the trial.
Incomplete applications increased. The materials provided by many applicants are incomplete, and the Immigration Service needs to spend more time and effort during the proceedings.
A large backlog of naturalization applications has caused public grievances, and various circles have called on the government to take effective measures to quickly resolve the "inventory". A spokesman for the interior ministry said it was already taking steps to deal with the backlog, adding more than 100 people to assist. But when exactly can handle finish, we also can only hehe.
Although the trial is slow now, at least according to the old policy. The naturalization reform bill has now re-entered parliament, and by then the threshold will be raised, which would be tantamount to sprinkling salt on the applicant`s wound!
