Starting from July 1, 2023, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia on a Special Category 444 visa (SCV) for at least 4 years will be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship directly, without the need for a permanent residency visa.
The following changes will apply to fulfill the general residence requirement of a 12-month permanent residence stay:
- New Zealand citizens with an SCV will be assessed as permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
- New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia before July 1, 2022, will be considered permanent residents in Australia as of July 1, 2022.
- New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia on or after July 1, 2022, will be considered permanent residents from the date of their SCV grant.
This provision applies to all New Zealand citizens who are currently in Australia and those who hold an SCV grant but are currently overseas. It is important to note that this change does not apply to citizenship applications lodged before July 1, 2023.
Furthermore, children born to SCV holders in Australia on or before July 1, 2022, will be eligible to acquire Australian citizenship at birth as of July 1, 2023.