Lyla Lindsey
As of 1 July 2023, New Zealanders residing in Australia on a Special Category Visa (SCV) can apply for Australian citizenship without first obtaining a permanent residence visa. This new pathway is a significant development for Kiwis in Australia, simplifying the process and strengthening the bond between the two nations. To be eligible, applicants must have lived in Australia for at least four years, not have been absent for more than 90 days in the last year, and meet standard criteria such as an English test, demonstrating adequate knowledge of Australia, and character checks. Applicants must also pay a fee of $540 for adults, $330 for 16 or 17-year-olds, and $330 for those 15 and under.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application start date | 1 July 2023 |
| Who can apply? | Kiwis/New Zealanders/New Zealand citizens residing in Australia on an SCV/Special Category Visa |
| Eligibility criteria | Lived in Australia for four years, meeting standard criteria for citizenship (English test, demonstrating adequate knowledge of Australia, character checks, intention to reside in Australia) |
| Application fee | $540 for adults, $330 for 16-17 year olds, $330 for under 15s, no cost if included on a parent's application |
| Application process | Create an ImmiAccount, request overseas criminal record checks, complete consent to disclosure of information form, collate identity documents, check visa status using VEVO, check eligibility using residency calculator |
| Dual nationality | Yes, dual nationals hold passports from both countries and enjoy full benefits of citizenship in both countries |
| Permanent residency requirement | SCV holders are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes, meeting the 12-month permanent residence requirement |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
On 1 July 2023, a new pathway to Australian citizenship was introduced for New Zealanders. This pathway eliminates the need for NZ citizens to first obtain a permanent residence visa.
The application process for Australian citizenship for Kiwis involves several steps and requirements that must be met. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
Step 1: Check Eligibility: Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to determine your eligibility for Australian citizenship. To be eligible, you must be a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia and holding a Special Category Visa (SCV, subclass 444). Additionally, you should have lived in Australia for at least four years, including at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident. It is important to note that this pathway is applicable to Kiwis who are 59 years of age or younger.
Step 2: Gather Documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place. This includes identity documents, such as a valid passport, and proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank statement. You may also need to provide travel records if your passport details are not available. Additionally, you will need to request overseas criminal record checks for any country you have spent 90 days or more in since turning 18. The Australian Federal Police check will be requested by Home Affairs during the processing of your application.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount: To apply for citizenship by conferral, you need to create an ImmiAccount. This online platform allows you to submit your application and track its progress.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form: Provide all the required information in the application form accurately and honestly. The form will likely include questions about your personal details, residence history, and character. The application fee is $540 for adults, $330 for 16 or 17-year-olds, and $330 for those 15 and under. If included on the parent's application, there is no cost for dependent children.
Step 5: Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, wait for the Australian Government to process it. In most cases, you must remain in Australia during this decision-making period. The processing time may vary, and you will be informed of any updates or requirements.
Step 6: Citizenship Ceremony: Once your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. Until you attend this ceremony, you will remain an SCV. During the ceremony, you will take the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your citizenship certificate.
It is important to refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the application process and requirements. Additionally, if you have family members who are not New Zealand citizens, they may need to explore other visa options, as they will no longer be eligible for certain visas once you obtain Australian citizenship.
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Eligibility criteria
As of 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens in Australia holding a Special Category Visa (SCV) can apply for Australian citizenship. This is a significant development as it simplifies the process and strengthens the bond between the two nations. Previously, New Zealanders had to first obtain permanent residence before applying for citizenship.
To be eligible for Australian citizenship, you must be a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia on an SCV and meet the following criteria:
- You must have lived in Australia for at least four years, including at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
- You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 365 days in total in the past four years, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
- You must intend to live in Australia or maintain a lasting connection with Australia while overseas.
- You must be aged 59 or under. Different eligibility forms are required for those aged 60 and above.
- You must meet the standard criteria for citizenship, such as demonstrating "adequate knowledge" of Australia, English language proficiency, and character checks.
- You must have all the necessary documents, including identity documents, a valid passport, and visa status checked using the Home Affairs VEVO system.
- You must consent to the Home Affairs department requesting your New Zealand police check from the NZ Ministry of Justice.
- You must complete any other forms requested by Home Affairs, such as the Personal details and character assessment Form 80.
- If you are a family member of a New Zealand citizen, you are eligible for a five-year, renewable, subclass 461 Family of NZ Citizen visa. However, once your NZ citizen partner gains Australian citizenship, you will no longer be eligible for repeat 461 visas, and you will need to explore other options such as a Partner visa.
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Visa status
The new pathway to Australian citizenship for Kiwis applies to those who have lived in Australia for at least four years and hold a Special Category Visa (SCV, subclass 444). This visa allows New Zealanders to live, study, and work in Australia for an indefinite period. However, SCV holders do not have the same rights and benefits as permanent residents or citizens.
Previously, SCV holders had to first obtain permanent residency before applying for citizenship. This often presented challenges for Kiwis seeking Australian citizenship. The new pathway, effective from 1 July 2023, eliminates this requirement, making it easier and more accessible for eligible New Zealanders to become Australian citizens.
It is important to note that SCVs are only considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. This means that while SCV holders can meet the 12-month permanent residence requirement for citizenship, they are not considered permanent residents for other entitlements or benefits. Additionally, family members of New Zealand citizens on 444 visas are eligible for the subclass 461 Family of NZ Citizen visa, but they will need to explore other visa options once their NZ citizen partner or family member gains Australian citizenship.
The new pathway also applies to Kiwis who arrived in Australia before 1 July 2022, as their period of permanent residency is backdated to that date, automatically fulfilling the 12-month requirement. For those who arrived before 26 February 2001, they are considered 'Protected SCV holders' and continue to be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship.
To check your visa status, you can use the Home Affairs VEVO system. Additionally, it is recommended to keep your passport valid, even though it is not a mandatory requirement for the citizenship application.
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Citizenship ceremony
As a New Zealand citizen, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you have lived in Australia for at least four years, hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), and meet the standard citizenship criteria. The application fee is $540 for adults, $330 for 16-17 year-olds, $330 for those aged 15 and under, or no cost if included on a parent's application.
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, which is conducted by the Council on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). This is a crucial step in the process, as SCV holders who apply for citizenship will remain an SCV until they attend this ceremony.
At the citizenship ceremony, you will make the Australian Citizenship Pledge, which is a legal requirement for becoming an Australian citizen. The pledge is typically along the following lines:
> "From this time forward, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."
After taking the pledge, you will be presented with a certificate that confirms your Australian citizenship. This certificate is not automatically issued, and you will need to apply for it separately.
Citizenship ceremonies are often held on significant days such as Australia Day or Anzac Day, and you can invite guests to witness the event. You should receive an invitation via email, so ensure your contact details are up to date in your ImmiAccount. If you have any urgent or compassionate grounds for an earlier ceremony, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.
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Benefits of citizenship
As of 1 July 2023, New Zealanders residing in Australia on a Special Category Visa (SCV) can apply for Australian citizenship. This new pathway not only simplifies the process but also strengthens the bond between the two nations.
Citizenship brings several benefits to New Zealanders residing in Australia. Firstly, it grants them the right to vote in Australia, which they do not have as SCV holders. Secondly, Australian citizens have access to student loans, which can be beneficial for those seeking higher education. Thirdly, Australian citizens can travel to approximately 160 countries without a visa, and in some countries, they will be granted a visa upon arrival, making international travel more convenient and accessible. Fourthly, Australian citizenship provides individuals with social security payments and healthcare benefits, which can offer financial and health security. Finally, Australian citizenship allows individuals to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand, enabling them to live, work, or study there without the need for a visa.
In addition to these benefits, Australian citizenship strengthens the bond between New Zealand and Australian citizens and their families. It provides them with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to fully integrate into Australian society. It also eliminates the need for New Zealanders to obtain a permanent residence visa before applying for citizenship, saving them time and money.
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Frequently asked questions
From 1 July 2023, Kiwis can apply for Australian citizenship if they have lived in Australia for at least four years. Applications can be made online via an ImmiAccount. Paper applications are also available.
Applicants must meet the standard criteria for citizenship, including an English test, demonstrating "adequate knowledge" of Australia, and character checks. There is no income threshold or health check required. Applicants must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
The application fee is $540 for an adult, $330 for 16 or 17-year-olds, $330 for those 15 and under, or no cost if included on the parent’s application.
