Australia: Citizenship Pathways for New Zealanders 

Key Points  

• Australia will introduced a direct pathway for New Zealand citizens to apply for Australian citizenship beginning 1 July 2023 

Overview  

The government of Australia introduced a direct pathway for New Zealand citizens to apply for Australian citizenship beginning 1 July 2023.  

Eligible applicants include New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for the past four years or more and who have held permanent residence status for a period of at least 12 months.  

Holders of Special Category visas (SCV) who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 will be automatically considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have the period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022. 

These measures will also apply to New Zealand citizens currently residing overseas but who held a valid SCV when they last left Australia. For further information on eligibility under these new measures, check here.  

What are the Changes?  

The government of Australia introduced new pathways for citizenship for citizens of New Zealand. According to the government announcement, these measures reflect Australia’s close ties with New Zealand and highlight the positive contribution that New Zealand citizens make to Australia.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Australia’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.