Breaking | New Zealanders living in Australia will be able to become citizens without having to secure permanent residency first.
New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for four years will be able to apply directly for citizenship without first securing permanent residency.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra in February.From July 1, all Special Category Visa holders – the visa granted to most New Zealand citizens on arrival – will be able to apply for Australian citizenship, providing they have lived in Australia for at least four years and comply with other eligibility requirements.
“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook,” Albanese said.“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”
The federal government estimates the pathway will be available to about 350,000 New Zealanders living in Australia who arrived after 2001, when citizenship access was tightened.Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the two countries shared a special bond and “it’s important that we reflect that in the way we treat New Zealand citizens who choose to make Australia home”.
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