On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
The new changes will allow New Zealand citizens to have a more viable pathway to Australian citizenship and recognise NZ citizen’s contribution in Australia, reflecting the close ties between the two nations.
NZ citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa.
These changes apply to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001.
Protected SCV holders will continue to be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship.
To meet the general residence requirement, an applicant must be lawfully present in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.
With effect from 1 July 2023, NZ citizens holding an SCV will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purpose.
New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022.
New Zealand citizens granted an SCV for the first time on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes from the date of their SCV grant.
* It will also apply to New Zealand citizens who are overseas, but held an SCV immediately before last leaving Australia.
From 1 July 2023, any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth. From 1 July 2023, children who meet these circumstances can apply for evidence of citizenship.
These provisions will not apply to citizenship applications submitted before 1 July 2023.
If you submit your citizenship application before this date, and you do not meet the eligibility requirements, the Department will refuse your application and you will not be entitled to a refund.
If you would like to discuss your Citizenship options, contact our office as below!
Phone us on +61 3 9654 8611
Please email us your resume at: [email protected]
or contact us through: https://www.austmss.com.au/contact-us/
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023