Hello everyone,
It is a question about DIA Citizenship Office process.
My partner lodged his citizenship by grant application in May 2022. The Case Officer (LISO) was assigned in August 2023. Thereafter, he has been waiting for long time until this week, where the Case Office is asking to confirm his Identity Referee information.
It appears that DIA is contacting the Identity Referee shortly.

Does this indicate an outcome will soon be released? Is this a sign that a preliminary outcome has been made and they just need to finalise the Identity Referee verification to finalise this case?
In my experience dealing with a different NZ DIA team, Passport Office, they sometimes contact the Identity Referee as the final step before issuing the passport. Or, if not chose, just skip this step and issue the passport.
Would appreciate if anyone may answer. Cheers