Germany Amends Nationality Act: Naturalisation Period Set at Minimum Five Years, Fast-Track Option Abolished

What changed

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, announced that an in-person citizenship test will be introduced as part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027. Aspeq Limited has been appointed to design and deliver this new test. This initiative is designed to ensure that applicants seeking citizenship possess a sufficient understanding of their responsibilities and privileges as citizens of New Zealand, thereby strengthening the meaning of citizenship. The test will cover concepts such as freedom of speech and the principle of equality before the law.

What changed

On 22 September 2026, UK Visas and Immigration updated its 'Registering children as British citizens: caseworker guidance'. This update specifically incorporates guidance on the registration of a child whose mother is in a same-sex relationship with a British citizen. The change applies to nationality caseworkers considering applications for British citizenship by entitlement and discretion, ensuring consistent application of the British Nationality Act 1981 across all family types.

What changed

Effective 20 September 2026, the German Embassy in Dushanbe is mandating online visa applications via its Foreign Portal for residents of Tajikistan applying for specific national visa categories, including study, training, Opportunity Card, and skilled worker visas. This change discontinues the traditional appointment waiting list system for these categories, streamlining the initial application process for affected individuals.

What changed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance within its Policy Manual about referring naturalisation cases for revocation, commonly known as 'denaturalisation'. This update clarifies the situations and priorities for sending such cases for review under section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It specifically focuses on naturalisation obtained illegally or through fraud. The guidance also renames and reorganises the relevant parts of Volume 12, Part L of the Policy Manual, and this is effective immediately.