Hi All,
I hope you will be able to shed some light on my conundrum. I have two questions
1. I would like to confirm the earliest date I can apply online to the Bureau of Internal Affairs of New Zealand for citizenship. My family of four has not traveled outside of New Zealand since we arrived in 2016.
We were granted a residence visa by INZ on November 28, 2018 (old Expired Passport), and we received our Permanent Residence status on December 14, 2020 (New Current Passport). Since our arrival in New Zealand, we have been living here continuously and have not left the country. Confirmation received from INZ on our travel movements
To meet the presence requirements for citizenship, we need to be in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each 12-month period and a total of 1350 days across five years when we apply.
Considering these criteria, I have calculated the earliest possible application date as follows:
Based on the 240-day requirement: From November 28, 2022, counting 240 days forward, the earliest application date would be July 26, 2023. (This date includes the 1350 days across November 2018 to July 2023).
Year 1: 26 July 2023 to 26 July 2022
Year 2: 26 July 2022 to 26 July 2021
Year 3: 26 July 2021 to 26 July 2020
Year 4: 26 July 2020 to 26 July 2019
Year 5: 26 July 2019 to 28 Nov 2018 = 240 days
Is this correct based on the 4 years 8 months path?
2. I have tried the online calculator and it states that we do not meet the presence requirements and does not even give us a date of when we will be meeting the date. I have asked Internal affairs about this and they have no answer for me. I am wondering if the calculator is actually taking into account my old passport when we received residency as there was a switch to the new passport in 2020. So if I apply even if I am correct, will the system flag me for not meeting the presence test on their end and then we will be declined?
We would appreciate your advice.