Australia Introduces Citizenship Rules for New Zealanders

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has outlined the conditions for permanent residents, specifically New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa (subclass 444), to apply for Australian citizenship through conferral in 2026. This provision uniquely applies to New Zealand citizens, treating them as permanent residents for citizenship eligibility.

Applicants aged 59 years and under must be permanent residents or SCV holders at the time of application and when the department decides on their application. They must also be in Australia during the decision process and intend to maintain a lasting link with Australia while overseas.

Changes to the permanent residency commencement date apply to certain New Zealand citizens holding an SCV or a New Zealand stream Skilled Independent visa. The article also notes that citizenship application fees generally increase annually on July 1, with specific provisions for children and different requirements for applicants aged 60 and older or those with impairments.