Australian Citizenship is the ultimate goal for every migrant in Australia. It is how a migrant shows their commitment to Australia. Australian Citizenship comes with many privileges, as well as many obligations for every citizen.

For quite some time, most New Zealanders in Australia had to become permanent residents first before they could apply for Australian Citizenship, however, this is about to change.

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian Citizenship, as they will be deemed permanent residents for citizenship purposes. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. These changes apply to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (444).Additionally, from 1 July 2023, all children born in Australia to at least one New Zealand Citizen parent who holds a 444 will become citizens by birth automatically from the moment they are born.

All New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes, for those who was granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022. That means that from 1 July 2023, children who were born in Australia to an SCV holder on or after 1 July 2022 would also retroactively become citizens by birth.

What are the requirements for citizenship?

• Meet the residence requirement

           - living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years

           - being a New Zealand citizen for the past 12 months

           - away from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years,

              including no more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months.

• Meet the character requirements.

• Meet the knowledge and language requirements: score 75% or more on citizenship test and answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly.

How could that affect me as a Kiwi in Australia?

You may become eligible to apply for citizenship, which may afford you further rights. This may change the way you sponsor non-Kiwi family members to accompany you in Australia.

Also, by applying for Australian Citizenship and becoming an Australian Citizen, you are protected from the character provisions of the Migration Act which means you cannot be removed from Australia.

How can we help you?

At Longton Legal, we can help with all Australian Citizenship matters. Our immigration team comprises of highly experienced practitioners who can help with all sorts of Australian Visa and Citizenship matters.

Contact us here for more information.

*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*