From 1 July 2023, new changes mean that many Kiwis living in Australia can apply for citizenship by conferral without having to get permanent residency first.  If you have lived in Australia for at least 4 years on a subclass 444 visa and meet the residency and character requirements, you can apply.

Book your consultation today.

We’ll take care of your immigration needs.

Book now
NZ: +64 21 208 5894
AU: +61 485 800 497

Australian Citizenship.

  • To be eligible to apply under the 2023 changes, you must be on a subclass 444 Special Category Visa and meet residency and character requirements.

  • Residency requirement – you must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years prior to 1 July 2023, and you must not have been absent for more than 12 months in those 4 years and for no more than 90 days in the 12 months prior to applying. There are some exemptions so get in touch if you think you do not meet the residency requirement.

  • Character requirement – you must be of good character.  If you have a criminal record, please get in touch to discuss whether you are still eligible.

  • If you are a Kiwi and have a different kind of visa, such as a Resident Return Visa or subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (NZ Stream), you will have to wait for 12 months from the date that visa was granted before you apply for citizenship and meet the residency and character requirements.

For more information on the new 2023 citizenship changes for Kiwis in Australia, see our resources below or book in a consultation today.

Resident Return Visa.

  • If you entered Australia as a New Zealand citizen prior to 1 September 1994, you may be eligible to apply for a Resident Return Visa provided you are now residing in Australia.

  • This is because you may be classed as a ‘former Australian permanent resident’.

  • You might even be eligible if you only visited for a holiday or short trip before 1 September 1994.

  • You must have a valid reason for then leaving Australia, and you must now be residing in Australia and you’ll need to show strong ties of benefit to Australia.

  • You can only make this application for yourself.  Dependent children and partners can’t be included.

  • If you are eligible, and have been in Australia less than 4 years, you can apply for this visa and become an Australian permanent resident while you wait to meet the residency requirement for citizenship.

Why get Permanent Residency and Citizenship if you can live in Australia on a Temporary Visa?

There are many great reasons to obtain permanent residency and citizenship if you are a New Zealander living in Australia.

If you get sick or lose work

As a New Zealander, you are able to live and work in Australia, but if you can’t find work, or get sick, you are on your own. The Government won’t help you unless you are a permanent resident or citizen.

Security

Get the security of permanent residents or citizen so if the laws in Australia become tougher for temporary visa holders, you will be more protected.

Disability Services

You are excluded from the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Disability Support Pension.  Depending on what state or territory you live in, you may be excluded from other disability and housing services.

Student loans

If you are a New Zealander on a temporary visa, you won’t be able to get a student loan.  Neither will your kids.

Voting

You can’t vote in the general elections unless you are an Australian citizen.

Your Australian family

If you have an Australian partner and/or children, having the same status as them will give you peace of mind.

Fleur, Mornington, Australia.

“I loved working with Alex from start to finish on my Australian permanent residency. As a Kiwi living in Australia with an Australian family, I had been thinking about applying for a long time – it was always on my to-do list. Alex made the whole process easy for me. She is experienced and knows these complex processes inside out. With her help, I got my permanent residency last year and am now applying for my citizenship with her assistance.

I reckon Kiwis who are eligible should apply. We are very privileged to be able to live in Australia so easily but there’s a point when people should commit, particularly with Covid-19. I also think if kiwis have Australian partners and children or know they want to live in Australia for the long term, they should do it – I’m so glad I did.”