Back dated PR for NZ 189 visa applicants

13 December 2022

Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration has amended the regulations for the Citizenship Act 2007 in relation to New Zealand Stream 189 visa-holders.

What has changed?

In recognition of the extraordinary wait-times to process the New Zealand Stream 189 visa, New Zealand citizens who were granted PR after 31 December 2021 and before 1 July 2023, will be taken to have been granted PR on 1 January 2022.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

New Zealand citizens granted the 189 visa can apply for Australian citizenship from 1 January 2023. They do not have wait 12 months but must meet the usual health and character criteria.

Unfortunately, their non-NZ citizen family members are not eligible to apply for early citizenship.

For example, if you were granted the NZ Stream 189 visa on 1 December 2022, you can apply for citizenship on 1 January 2023. If you receive your NZ Stream 189 visa on 1 February 2023 you can apply for citizenship immediately.

We thank Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, and Minister for Citizenship & Immigration Andrew Giles for their ongoing efforts to support New Zealanders living in Australia.

Children born in Australia to NZ 189 visa applicants

A child born in Australia to New Zealand parents between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023, prior to the grant of their parent's New Zealand stream 189 visa, can apply for proof of Australian citizenship if the PR visa was granted between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023.

Prepare to apply for citizenship

Oz Kiwi encourage all NZ 189 visa applicants to start preparing their citizenship applications now. In particular, request your New Zealand criminal record check. A certified copy is valid for 6 months.

Our website has information about applying for citizenship.

Oz Kiwi consulted by Australian government

The Explanatory Statement for the regulatory amendment mentions that Oz Kiwi were consulted regarding a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Consultation

The Australian Government has consulted with the New Zealand Government at the ministerial and official level and with a community group representing New Zealand citizens in Australia in relation to a pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens, but not specifically in relation to the proposed solution.