How New Zealand citizens and their spouses immigrate to Australia

New Zealand citizens holding a valid New Zealand passport do not need a visa to immigrate to Australia. If you apply for and meet the criteria for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) (SCV) when you enter Australia, we will grant you a visa.

From July 1, 2023, New Zealand citizens who immigrate to Australia can directly obtain Australian citizenship

On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to apply for and be granted a permanent visa first. These changes apply to New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV). Protected SCV holders will continue to be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship.

For New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for a long time, this will be done by backdating their permanent residence. This will allow them to meet the 12-month permanent residence period under the general residence requirement.

Australian Citizenship Act 2007Sets out general residence requirements for obtaining Australian citizenship by grant. To meet the general residence requirements, an applicant must have been lawfully resident in Australia for four years immediately preceding the date of application, including 12 months as a permanent resident.

From July 1, 2023:

• For citizenship purposes, all New Zealand citizens who hold an SCV are considered permanent residents.
• New Zealand citizens who were granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their permanent residence granted backdated to 1 July 2022.
• New Zealand citizens who first obtain an SCV on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered permanent residents from the date the SCV was obtained.

Related Links:Policy news about "New Zealand citizens can directly obtain Australian citizenship from July 1, 2023"

About Special Category 444 Visa

This temporary visa allows you to visit, study, stay and work in Australia if you are a New Zealand citizen and meet the eligibility criteria.

When you enter Australia, show your completed Incoming Passenger Card and your valid New Zealand passport to the officer. We will usually process your visa application at the airport or seaport where you enter Australia.

Related Links:444 Special Category Visa Related Immigration Bureau Official Website

How to travel to Australia with your spouse and children if they are not New Zealand citizens

If your spouse and children are not New Zealand citizens, they may be eligible for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461).

The 461 temporary visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for 5 years from the date of approval, with no limit on the number of times you can return to Australia during the 5-year period. The visa fee is AUD 385 (2023 data)

Related Links:461 Temporary Visa Related Immigration Department Official Website

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