Direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens in Australia
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New Zealand citizens currently living in Australia will soon have access to a direct pathway for Australian citizenship. From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least four years will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship without first obtaining permanent residence.
What are the citizenship requirements from 1 July 2023?
The general residence requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 stipulate that an applicant must be resident in Australian for a total period of 4 years (including 12 months as a permanent resident) in order to be eligible for Australian citizenship.
From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. New Zealand citizens granted an SCV prior to 1 July 2022 will have their permanent residence backdated to 1 July 2022. New Zealand citizens granted an SCV on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident from the date of grant.
Children born to SCV holders in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 may acquire citizenship automatically upon birth. Children who meet these requirements can apply for evidence of citizenship from 1 July 2023.
This is an additional pathway to the one provided at the end of 2022 in keeping with the Prime Ministers Commitment to ensuring easier pathways for New Zealand citizens that have been contributing to Australia over the years.
How Macpherson Kelley’s Migration team can help?
Our expert immigration lawyers have extensive experience with facilitating travel ban exemption requests and assisting with complex immigration matters. Please contact our offices should you, or someone you know require assistance.
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Direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens in Australia
New Zealand citizens currently living in Australia will soon have access to a direct pathway for Australian citizenship. From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least four years will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship without first obtaining permanent residence.
What are the citizenship requirements from 1 July 2023?
The general residence requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 stipulate that an applicant must be resident in Australian for a total period of 4 years (including 12 months as a permanent resident) in order to be eligible for Australian citizenship.
From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. New Zealand citizens granted an SCV prior to 1 July 2022 will have their permanent residence backdated to 1 July 2022. New Zealand citizens granted an SCV on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident from the date of grant.
Children born to SCV holders in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 may acquire citizenship automatically upon birth. Children who meet these requirements can apply for evidence of citizenship from 1 July 2023.
This is an additional pathway to the one provided at the end of 2022 in keeping with the Prime Ministers Commitment to ensuring easier pathways for New Zealand citizens that have been contributing to Australia over the years.
How Macpherson Kelley’s Migration team can help?
Our expert immigration lawyers have extensive experience with facilitating travel ban exemption requests and assisting with complex immigration matters. Please contact our offices should you, or someone you know require assistance.