Citizenship site hit by IT issues

Immigration officials are investigating IT issues which stopped 24 people applying for citizenship in the days before a crackdown was announced on April 20.

At least two dozen people were blocked from applying for citizenship in the days leading up to a government crackdown because of IT issues.

Immigration officials are investigating why 24 people were unable to lodge applications before requirements were tightened on April 20.

People who lodged applications before the announcement, or can demonstrate they attempted to, will be treated under requirements which existed at the time, cabinet minister Michaelia Cash told parliament on Thursday.