Citizenship presence requirements

[bird116]

Hey guys,
I got my residency in July 2016 and permanent residency on August 2018. since then I have been out of NZ for more than 4 months now (Oct 2018 till Feb 2019).
due to family reasons, I am planning to travel on the 1st-2nd week of Feb. So according to
https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports...-requirements/
I am not able to apply for citizenship after Aug 2021 is that right? what can I do if I don't meet this requirement? can I apply for citizenship during Dec of 2021 so that
I can divide my holidays into 2 separate years? please help me

[TheNewKiwi]

You are required to hold a resident visa for at least five years before you apply for citizenship. So yes, you are eligible to apply in August 2021 if you meet all the criteria at that time. But it is absolutely fine to delay applying for a bit if you need more time to meet the "time in New Zealand" requirement.

[RedVee]

On the day you apply, you need to look backwards to see if you have met the requirements.
So If you plan to apply Dec 2021, the relevant years run Dec 20 to 21, Dec 19 to Dec 20, Dec 18 to Dec 19, Dec 17 to Dec 18 and Dec 16 to Dec 17.

So yes, you would achieve “splitting” that longer absence across two periods, as some would fall in 18/19 and some in 19/20, making it more likely you will hit 240 days in each year and 1350 overall.

[RedVee]

Hi TheNewKiwi. You do not have to have a residence visa for five full years before applying. Read the criteria on the citizenship application form here:
https://www.govt.nz/dmsdocument/7487...izenship-adult

[Juniper]

Hi TheNewKiwi. You do not have to have a residence visa for five full years before applying. Read the criteria on the citizenship application form here:
https://www.govt.nz/dmsdocument/7487...izenship-adult

Alright, but almost five years, right? You mean four years plus the 240 days to meet the requirements for time in NZ during the fifth year? Or am I misreading

[Juniper]

Alright, but almost five years, right? You mean four years plus the 240 days to meet the requirements for time in NZ during the fifth year? Or am I misreading

Nevermind, I saw your reply for this same question on https://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55350