1. Do I have to apply?
    • YES! You will not automatically be granted Australian citizenship. You must make an application to the Department of Home Affairs and provide a range of documentation and information.  You must meet the criteria for citizenship.
  1. What is the criteria?
    • Residence requirement – you must have lived in Australia for 4 years before applying, and not been away from Australia for more than 12 months total in those 4 years, and no more than 90 days total in the 12 months before applying.
    • Character requirement – you must be of good character. If you have a criminal record get in touch to discuss how this might impact your application.
    • Close and continuing link – you must continue to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing link if you go overseas.
    • Knowledge and language requirement – If you score 75% or more on the citizenship test, and answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly, then you meet the knowledge and language requirements. Those 15 and under, or 60 and over do not have to take the test.
  1. I moved to Australia in 2022 can I still apply?
    • Yes – you will be eligible to apply in 2026 as you must have lived in Australia for 4 years straight and meet the presence requirement. For example, if you moved on 1 October 2022 then you can apply on 1 October 2026.
  1. I have lived in Australia for many years, but have travelled heaps, can I still apply?
    • Yes – so long as you have not been away from Australia for more than 12 months in those 4 years before applying, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. This is known as the residence requirement.
  1. Can I apply now?
    • If you arrived AFTER 26 February 2001, you have to wait until 1 July 2023. But get ready now.  You can apply for your travel movement records if you need to get your travel dates, and Australian Federal Police check.  You can also gather your documents.
  1. What happens if I arrived before Feb 2001?
    • You are already considered eligible for citizenship so you can apply now, and don’t have to wait until 1 July.
  1. Can I include my kids or with my partner?
    • Each person 16 and over has to have a separate application. If your kids are 15 and under, you can include on your application for free.
  1. Is it income tested or skill tested?
    • Nope!
  1. Is there an English language requirement?
    • Yes – but it’s not what you think. If you score 75% or more on the citizenship test, and answer all 5 questions on Australian values correctly, then you meet the language requirement.
  1. I have a health condition, am I still eligible?
    • Yes! Having a health condition is not a problem – there is no health criteria for Australian citizenship.
  1. What is the process?
    • Create ImmiAccount online
    • Prepare and lodge application through ImmiAccount. You pay the fee when you lodge.
    • Attend your citizenship interview and take the citizenship test. You will be given a date.
    • Your application will either be approved or refused.
    • If approved you must attend a citizenship ceremony. You will be given a date.
  1. How long will it take?
    • Processing times are currently 11 – 23 months. These can change, and it could take longer or shorter.  The Department is under no obligation to stick to these timeframes.
  1. How much does it cost?
    • For those 18 years old to 59 – $490.
    • For those 16 and 17, or 60 and over – $300
    • For those 15 and younger – free if on parent’s application
    • If you have a concession card, you may be entitled to a discount – $35
  1. I was locked out of Australia during Covid for more than 12 months during the last 4 years, can I still apply?
    • While there are some grounds for exceptions to the residence requirements, unfortunately as the law stands, being locked out of Covid is not one of them and there is no wiggle room on this. You will have to wait 4 years from the date you came back to Australia after being locked out.
  1. Can I move overseas after I apply or do I need to be in Australia when my citizenship application is decided?
    • You must be living in Australia when its decided.
  1. I am on a Resident Return visa, or hold another permanent resident visa – can I apply on 1 July 2023?
    • You have to wait until you have held your permanent resident visa for one year to apply for citizenship, provided you have lived in Australia for 4 total and meet the residence requirement. This is because the changes apply to holders of the temporary Special Category Visa subclass 444 that is automatically granted to Kiwis when they arrive in Australia.
  2. Are we considered permanent residents now?
    • No.  The change means that Kiwis holding temporary Special Category Visas subclass 444 visas do not have to apply for permanent residents to apply for citizenship – they will be considered permanent residents only for the purposes of applying for citizenship.

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