As confusion around citizenship changes grows, so does the work load for migration agents like Jason Browne.
He says he's seen a three-fold spike over the past year.
The Turnbull government's original plans to tighten citizenship requirements included making permanent residents wait four years instead of one to apply, as well as rolling out a university level English language test.
British migrant Samantha Burdus says that pushed her to lodge an application as soon as possible.
While Samantha will manage to avoid being caught out, others won't.
The government's legislation was killed off in the senate but an amended bill will be put to parliament within the next six months with a new roll out date of July 1.
Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge says the government has re-worked its legislation to get it across the line.
Until then, all applications will be assessed under the current requirements.
Source: AAP/Dan Peled
The crucial Nick Xenophon Team (NXT) voting block has told SBS News it won't budge unless the government promises to re-model its proposal, so it:
- doesn't affect migrants who already have permanent residency
- or cap the number of times applicants can sit the citizenship test.
NXT also wants English language requirements to be kept at the same level as they are now.
The Citizenship Minister says so far the cap will stay, but the government will bow to the other demands.
Labor's citizenship spokesman Tony Burke says the opposition hasn't changed its position.
حمّل تطبيق أس بي أس الجديد للإستماع لبرامجكم المفضلة باللغة العربية.
