Permanent Residents of Australia and New Zealand citizens have pathways to citizenship if they meet certain criteria

• They are a holder of a current permanent resident visa
• Have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least the last 4 years
• Have held a permanent residency visa for at least the last 12 months
• Have not spent more than 12 months outside of Australia in the last four years including not being outside of Australia for more than 90 days in the past 12 months
• They are of ‘good character’
• Complete the Citizenship Test (if applicable)
• Not have any past issues relating to identity, character, risk factor or if you ceased to be an Australian Citizen in the past 12 months

Australian Citizenship – NZ Citizens Special Category (SC444) Visa Holders

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia on Subclass 444 Special Category Visa (SCV) holders will no longer need to obtain Australian permanent residence first. You will be eligible to now apply directly for Citizenship, provided you meet the general residency requirements.

In order to meet the general residence requirement for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must be lawfully present in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.

By effect of these changes and as 1 July 2023:

• All New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV for the first time on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes from the date of their SCV grant.