Australian Citizenship Application with a Criminal Conviction
CASE TYPE
The client came to us wanting to apply for Australian Citizenship with a Character issue. A couple of years ago he was charged with a domestic violence related offence during an argument with his wife (who he has since separated from).
CASE BACKGROUND DIFFICULTY
The complexity of this Citizenship application was to demonstrate how the applicant had reformed since that incident and was of good character. Australian Citizenship is a privilege and not a right, hence the character requirements are to a high standard.
CASE STRATEGY
We prepared the citizenship application disclosing his convictions alongside a character submission which explained:
- The applicant’s acceptance of his actions and remorse
- How the applicant has reformed
- The applicant’s enduring moral qualities
- Why the applicant would be an asset to Australia
- How the community perceive the applicant’s character (family, friends and colleagues)
The character submission also addressed the legal requirements and arguments.
CASE OUTCOME
We waited the published processing time, and the Department of Home Affairs sent a Natural Justice letter (asking for information about the applicant’s criminal history), despite us providing the character submission and disclosure of the Applicant’s criminal history. We followed up with the Department the same day, and the next day the Department sent the citizenship approval letter. The applicant now waits for his ceremony date which will be coming through soon.
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