Hey thanks Ozman
in the meantime I have also received an email saying I have been granted citizenship
The extra information needed was a new photo ID. I have long hair and it was bit on the side of my face so I took another photo with hair tied up and that worked. I also informed that my (foreign) passport used at the time of application had been renewed since the old one expired. So I sent the copy of the new one.
Updated timeline
11 January 2022 - Applied online
22 June 2022 - Additional information required email from DIA ( I responded with additional info on 26 June): new photo ID with clear face (no hair on the side of the face, looking straight) . I went to take this photo to a photographer to be sure.
1 July 2022 - Confirmation details email from DIA (I responded same day)
Sunday 3 July: email received 'You have been approved for New Zealand citizenship'
I was surprised to receive the email on a Sunday but hey! That was a great feeling. Now awaiting for printed certificate in the next two months.
A week before the end of 2 months, I felt a bit antsy because I saw others in the forum received the citizenship certificates even they got the approval emails after us. So I emailed my CO enquiring the certificate printing date for us. CO replied that it was scheduled next week, just 2 working days before the end of 2 months. I thought there was no way our certificates would arrive before the 2 months as it promised. Guess what, the certificates got printed and they were couriered overnight to Auckland on the last working day of the 2 months! Anyway, as far as I see, some people got their certificates printed faster and some are slower, perhaps living in Wellington helps? Good luck to everyone who is waiting! It won't hurt to email Citizenship Ceremonies to enquire your printing date.
I did not do it on tlme but also have no plans of leaving the country so I guess there's no point now (and not sure if even possible now that I got the approval email, as it takes a few weeks)
I think I will get my current passport endorsed as soon as I get the certificate and start the process for a NZ passport as well.
Finally my turn!!
"Congratulations! Your grant of New Zealand citizenship has been approved."
At last! After almost a year.
My Citizenship Timeline:
26 July 2021 Applied in person in Christchurch
16 June 2022 Email confirming details
23 June 2022 Request for more information
28 June 2022 Emailed additional documents
08 July 2022 Snail mail confirming approval of application (dated 30 June)
Now waiting for certificate![]()
Congratulations!![]()
Got approved email today.
Roughly 3months from application to approval.
My case was as straight forward as it can be.
Clearly automated check is working for some.
That's very fast Congratulations