New pathway of direct citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia for four years
New Zealand citizens currently living in Australia now have a quicker, simpler and cheaper pathway to become Australian citizens!
New Zealand citizens (non-protected special category visa holders) who have been residing in Australia for at least four (4) years will be able to apply directly for Australian citizenship as of 01 July 2023 and without first needing to apply for a permanent residency visa.
Applicants must meet all standard citizenship eligibility requirements. (For example, character requirements, demonstrate adequate knowledge of Australia via the citizenship test)
Children born in Australia to New Zealand citizens residing in Australia:
Children born in Australia on or after 01 July 2022 with a non – protected special category visa holder parent, will be deemed to be Australian citizens from birth. This is a concession for New Zealand citizens that removes the current requirement that children born in Australia can only apply for citizenship once they reach ten (10) years of age.
Children of New Zealand citizens residing in Australia (i.e., children of non-protected special category visa holders):
A minor (under 18yrs at time of application) born in Australia prior to the 01 July 2022 is eligible to apply for Australian citizenship when the parents become eligible under the new pathway.
Previously, New Zealand citizens first had to apply for permanent residency and meet strict eligibility criteria and then wait for at least one (1) year before they became eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. This meant that many New Zealand citizens currently residing in Australia were not eligible to obtain permanent residency in Australia and in turn, were not eligible to obtain Australian citizenship. This was also a time consuming and expensive route as they would have to pay for the visa application charges for permanent residency (previous 189 New Zealand stream) and then also pay for the citizenship application.
New Zealand citizens who apply for Australian citizenship will be able to hold dual citizenship.
This new pathway for New Zealand citizens to become Australian citizens will have far reaching positive effects for New Zealand citizens:
To mention but a few…
- Access to more social security services / benefits.
- The right to work in any occupation they choose including working for government and in public service.
- Greater access to housing assistance including social housing.
- Eligibility for First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) which is generally reserved for permanent residents and Australian citizens.
"This is the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia in a generation and restores most of the rights Kiwis had in Australia before they were revoked in 2001”
Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins
"Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
This new pathway for New Zealand citizens living in Australia is indicative of the value that New Zealand citizens add to Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs will release further details leading up to the effective date for this new pathway for New Zealand citizens.
Appling for Australian citizenship is a big step. Should you want a stress-free application with professional advice, then contact us.
