Citizenship application

[ross-bal4]

Looking for a little clarity re Q25 'Have you ever had to return money to any Government agency'?

My 2019 income tax assessment advised that I was due a small amount which I paid as soon as I became aware. I don't believe this was a return but I want to make sure whether this should be mentioned on Q25 and 26?

Also, are you able to confirm when I am able to lodge my application? I understand it is 240 days into your 5th year plus any time spent out of NZ.

My current timeline is:
- Arrived in NZ on a working holiday visa 31st Jan 2014.
- skilled migrant visa granted 17th December 2014
- PR granted 21st December 2016

On my understanding of the current rules I would apply on 17 December 2018 (4 complete years) + 240 days (year 5) + days outside of NZ (22 days) = 5 September 2019?

[Kelerei]

No idea about your IRD tax return stating that you were due a small amount, but if I were in your position, I would take the conservative approach and declare it, and include evidence that a) the amount was owed and b) the amount is repaid in full.

If you intend to lodge your application on 5 September 2019, you need to perform the following two checks with respect to the presence requirement:

• Check that you have been in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days between 17 December 2014 and 5 September 2019 (time spent in New Zealand prior to the grant of your Resident Visa on 17 December 2014 cannot be counted).
• Check that you have been in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each of these five periods: 17 December 2014 to 5 September 2015, 6 September 2015 to 5 September 2016, 6 September 2016 to 5 September 2017, 6 September 2017 to 5 September 2018, 6 September 2018 to 5 September 2019 (again, time spent in New Zealand prior to the grant of your Resident Visa on 17 December 2014 cannot be counted).

If either of those two checks fail, you do not meet the presence requirement.

You should refer to Section 8 of the Citizenship Act 1977 if you remain unclear of the requirements, and/or contact the Citizenship Office at 0800 22 51 51 or citizenship@dia.govt.nz.