Australian Citizenship (By Conferral)

Citizenship is a privilege and suitable for those who have a long-term commitment to Australia.

It is important to demonstrate that you will continue to live in Australia and maintain a close and continuing link with Australia while overseas.

To be eligible for An Australian citizenship by conferral, the applicant must meet the following except if exemptions apply:

• have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before the day you apply
• hold a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months immediately before the day you apply and
• not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying.

Children under 16 do not need to meet the general residence requirement but must be a permanent resident.

If you are an SCV holder you will continue to be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes while outside Australia, provided you held an SCV immediately before your departure.

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more are eligible to apply directly for an Australian citizenship. 

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.

They need to live in Australia lawfully for 4 years as a permanent resident to be able to apply for an Australian citizenship.

Mary is a holder of a New Zealand passport. She arrived in Australia for the first time as a holder of 444 visa on 2 July 2023. She is regarded a permanent resident for the purpose of the Australian citizenship as she arrived after 1 July 2023. She me be eligible to apply after 2 July 2027.

John is a holder of a New Zealand passport. He arrived in Australia for the first time as a holder of 444 visa on 10 February 2017. He is regarded a permanent resident for the purpose of the Australian citizenship since 1 July 2022. He can apply for an Australian citizenship since 1 July 2023. He is eligible to apply for an Australian citizenship as he has lived in Australia lawfully more than 4 years ago and at least 12 months as a permanent resident. This is even if John has been travelling in and out of Australia occasionally to NZ for short stay of couple of days and has been in New Zealand on the 1 July 2022 but came back on 10 July 2022. He was the holder of SCV before 1 July 2022 therefore he became an eligible permanent resident of Australia for the purpose of the application for an Australian citizenship.