Acquiring Australian citizenship by birth

Not everyone born in Australia is an Australian citizen by birth.

Your options for Australian citizenship

New Zealanders reside in Australia on a Special Category Visa. To apply for citizenship they must be granted a permanent visa.

Sponsoring your child

Australian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Special Category visa-holders can sponsor their dependent children for a permanent visa.

Sponsoring your partner

Australian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Special Category visa-holders can sponsor their partner for a permanent visa.

Australian Aged Pension and NZ Superannuation

To be eligible you must have resided in Australia and/or New Zealand for at least 10 years between the ages of 20 and 65.

Australian citizenship at age 10

Children born in Australia who have usually resided in Australia until the age of 10 can apply for citizenship.

Australian citizenship by descent

Were you born outside Australia to an Australian citizen parent?

Dual citizenship

New Zealanders can become dual citizens.

Applying for a Resident Return Visa

New Zealanders can apply for RRV if they entered Australia prior to 1 September 1994. Even if they only came for a holiday or were a child travelling a parents passport.

Completing your RRV application

Some guidance for New Zealanders completing the Resident Return Visa online application.