Information for New Zealanders living in Australia

New Zealanders eligibility for Australian citizenship

Australian citizenship application form and passport. (Photo: Google Images)
Australian citizenship application form and passport. (Photo: Google Images)

New Zealanders eligibility for Australian citizenship

Update

22 April 2023

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.


05 May 2016

As at 2016, not all New Zealanders have a pathway to Australian citizenship.

To apply for Australian citizenship you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. For most applicants this means they have applied for and been granted a permanent visa.

Generally, for New Zealanders to be eligible to apply for citizenship they must:

If you are unsure of the dates or length of time you've been in Australia you can request your travel records.

You can also look up your visa status to confirm your citizenship options.

Note: the Special Category Visa granted to New Zealanders since February 2001 is a temporary visa for migration purposes.

Children born in Australia, who did not acquire citizenship at birth, can apply for evidence of Australian citizenship if they have usually resided in Australia until age 10.

Related

Your options for citizenship

Applying for citizenship

Check your visa status (VEVO)


Disclaimer:

The above “New Zealanders eligibility for Australian citizenship” 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.