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New forms and guides simplify Citizenship applications
The process of applying for citizenship should now be simpler with changes the Department of Internal Affairs has recently made to the advice it gives applicants and the forms they have to fill in.
Streamlined processes and new forms are part of a suite of changes to reduce errors and speed up processing time for citizenship applicants.
The initiative follows research by the Department that showed around two thirds of applications contained errors requiring follow-up with applicants. Nearly half of these errors involved identity documents.
A number of internal changes have reduced errors and improved follow-up time, but the most significant changes have been the new forms and information sheets, according to acting Citizenship Manager, Gary Basham.
"The old form was a single form that covered all applicants," said Gary. "It was too long, overly confusing and included questions that not all applicants had to answer."
"So, we've replaced it with three new forms: one for all Samoan applicants, another for other adults, and the third for children. They are now easier to fill in. There are few questions, there's more space and amount of detail included has also been reduced."
Gary says the response has been good, so far.
However, applicants will also find the new information booklet especially helpful.
"When you get an application form, there is booklet with it that includes 11 information sheets in various languages. The three English language sheets cover African and English-speaking countries and India. The remaining sheets are in Arabic, Korean, Khmer (Cambodian), Vietnamese, Samoan, Thai and simplified and traditional Chinese."
These information sheets explain what documents are required and how to obtain them from different countries.
"Instead of the more generic advice we've given before, we have tried to be as specific as possible in the different language sheets. For instance, identity documents are called different names in different countries, and are obtained from different government agencies. We've tried to use the names that apply in each of the countries as much as possible, to make it easier for people."
There is also information on document translation and English language requirements for applicants.
The forms are available at the Department's Citizenship counters, through its Contact Centre and Website, and at Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Are you eligible for New Zealand citizenship? Visit website: www.citizenship.govt.nz
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