Children born in Australia
The following information is intended for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
Children born to Australian citizens and PRs
Generally, if at the time you were born in Australia one of your parent's was an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or protected Special Category Visa-holder (PSCV), you are an Australian citizen from birth.
Australian citizens must depart and enter Australia on an Australian passport.
You are eligible for New Zealand citizenship by descent if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen, except if they are a New Zealand citizen by descent.
Children born from 1 July 2022
Children born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to Special Category Visa-holder parents will be deemed to be Australian citizens from birth. They can apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship from 1 July 2023.
Once they have their citizenship certificate they can apply for an Australian passport.
Children born before July 2022
Children born in Australia before 1 July 2022 to non-protected Special Category Visa-holders may be an Australian citizen depending on when they were born.
Children born in Australia who usually resided in Australia until aged 10 are nominally an Australian citizen. They can apply for Evidence of Australian citizenship. They are not eligible for citizenship under the new direct pathway.
Note: If you were born in Australia to New Zealand parents between 20 August 1986 and 31 August 1994 you are not an Australian citizen by birth. If you did not live in Australia until age 10, you can apply for citizenship under the new direct pathway.
Children aged under 10 can apply for Australian citizenship under the new direct pathway, but they must have been granted a Special Category Visa.
A child born to New Zealand parents in Australia does not automatically get a Special Category Visa. If they have not entered Australia on a New Zealand passport:
- apply for their New Zealand citizenship by descent and a passport. In August 2023 the processing time is up to 50 days.
- then apply for an SCV online.
They must hold a Special Category Visa to be eligible for Australian citizenship under the direct pathway from 1 July 2023.
New Zealand citizens by descent
A New Zealand citizen by descent, cannot pass on New Zealand citizenship to their child born outside of New Zealand. If the child was born before 1 July 2022, and is not an Australian citizen at birth, they are stateless.
What to do for Stateless children.
More Information
Look up your visa status using VEVO.
Find out more information about acquiring Australian citizenship at birth.
Disclaimer:
The above “Children born in Australia” information should not be relied on as an alternative to advice from the Department of Home Affairs, or a professional immigration services provider.
If you have any specific questions about an immigration matter, you should consult the Department of Home Affairs or a professional immigration services provider.