Information for citizenship applicants
Following a review of New Zealanders rights in Australia the Albanese Labor Government announced that non-protected Special Category Visa-holders who have resided in Australia for at least the past four years can apply directly for citizenship from the 1 July 2023 without needing to apply for a permanent visa.
To be eligible for the direct citizenship pathway, non-protected SCVs:
- are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
- must meet the usual character test.
- must have basic English language knowledge to pass the citizenship test.
- must pay the citizenship application fee.
At July 2023: adult $540, 16 or 17 year old $330, 15 and under $330 or no cost if included on parent's application. There are also some concession fees.
Note:
- There is no income threshold or health check required.
- Non-protected Special Category Visa-holders remain eligible to apply for citizenship.
1 Watch the eligibility video
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil explains the new citizenship pathway for New Zealanders.
2 Watch our Q&A video
Oz Kiwi Q&A with Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil.
Clarification: you only need certified supporting documents if using the paper application.
3 Read our FAQs
See our FAQs about the new direct citizenship pathway.
4 Read the Home Affairs information
Familiarise yourself with the Become an Australian citizen information on the Home Affairs website, especially the Step-by-step tab. Alternatively, read the PDF application form.
Hint: make notes about the information and supporting documents required before starting your application.
5 Help for citizenship applicants
Applying for citizenship cheatsheet
The Department of Home Affairs has provided us with information to assist non-protected SCV New Zealanders applying for citizenship. See our cheatsheet if you encounter an issue when completing the application form.
Technical help
If you cannot resolve an issue with your application, refer to Common issues and error messages and ImmiAccount Technical Support on the Home Affairs website.
Have a question?
The Department of Home Affairs are getting many phone calls.
Click the Ask a Question box on the Home Affairs website to use the digital assistant. It may not work with Mozilla Firefox in private browsing mode.
Disclaimer:
The above “Information for citizenship applicants” 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.