When you become an Australian citizen, you will have new responsibilities in your new country. You will also be eligible for a range of new benefits expressly for Australian Citizens.
New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia, lawfully, for four years (with no more than 12 months absence); held a Subclass 444 (Special Category Visa) prior to 1 July 2022 and have not been out of Australia for more than 90 days in the preceding 12 months can now apply directly for Australian citizenship.
New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for four years (with no more than 12 months absence); had their first Subclass 444 granted between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 and have not been outside of Australia for more than 90 days in the preceding 12 months can apply for Australian citizenship on the 12 month anniversary of their Subclass 444 visa grant date.
New Zealand citizens who enter Australia from 1 July 2023 on their first Subclass 444 visa and live in Australia for four years, meeting the residency requirement, can apply for Australian citizenship from four years after entry on their Subclass 444 Special Category Visa.
You must meet the character requirements to be eligible for Australian citizenship.
As a New Zealand citizen, you can hold dual Australian-New Zealand citizenship.
If you were born in Australia and have been ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the first 10 years from your birth, you may already be an Australian citizen.
All children born, in Australia, to New Zealand citizens from 1 July 2023 are automatically an Australian citizen upon birth.
If you’d like Migration Downunder to assist you in the process of your Australian citizenship, please contact us on 02 9419 5411.
Your Privileges
As an Australian citizen, you have the right to:
- Vote in federal, state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- Apply for work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force
- Seek election to Parliament
- Apply for an Australian passport and re-enter Australia freely
- Receive help from an Australian embassy while overseas
- Register children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent
- Travel to 186 destinations without a visa
Video on Australian Citizenship for New Zealand Citizens
Would you like to know more about your prospects for Australian citizenship?
Eligibility is the most important step in determining whether a person may meet the legal criteria for a visa application and one consultation could save you money.