Australian Defence Force Eligibility
Update
22 April 2023
Following a review of New Zealanders rights in Australia the Albanese Labor Government announced that non-protected SCVs who have resided in Australia for at least the past four years can apply for Australian citizenship from the 1 July 2023 without needing to apply for a permanent visa.
In June 2024 the Albanese Labor government announced that New Zealanders living in Australia can join the Australian Defence Force.
20 March 2016
New Zealanders residing in Australia as non-protected Special Category Visa-holders (SCVs) cannot join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). They can take up an ADF cadetship, but must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident before they can gain entry into the ADF.
If a position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa-holders may be considered for the role if they:
- have applied for Australian citizenship; or
- are prepared to apply for citizenship within three months of commencing service (six months if in the ADF Reserve); or
- have relevant overseas military experience.
This is in contrast to Australians who can enter the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) by virtue of their being granted automatic permanent residency upon entry into New Zealand.