New Zealand citizens: your pathway to Australian citizenship
Kiwi in Queensland? Your pathway to citizenship may be closer than you think. Clear advice for New Zealand citizens living in Australia on direct citizenship, and on visas for partners and family members who are not New Zealand citizens.
- Advice direct from a Registered Migration Agent
- Honest assessment, even when the answer is no
- Phone, video or in-person in Brisbane
★ 4.8 on Google from 64 reviews
Get in touch
Free, no-obligation response within one business day.
Thank you, we've got your enquiry.
We'll be in touch within one business day. If it's urgent, call us now.
0485 094 360Sorry, something went wrong sending your enquiry. Please call us instead. 0485 094 360
The rules changed. Many Kiwis still don't know.
Having worked in both New Zealand and Australian migration, I still meet New Zealanders who have lived here for years and assume they need a permanent visa before they can become Australian citizens. For many, that is no longer true.
Since 1 July 2023, many New Zealand citizens living in Australia on a Special Category visa can apply directly for Australian citizenship once they meet the residence requirement, usually four years.
Things get more complicated when your partner or children are not New Zealand citizens, when you have spent long periods overseas, or when there are character issues. That is where advice pays for itself.
Key points
Direct citizenship
Eligible Special Category visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship without first getting a permanent visa.
Residence requirement
Usually four years living in Australia, with limits on time spent overseas.
Family members
Partners and children who are not NZ citizens may need their own visa. Options depend on their nationality and circumstances.
Children born here
Children born in Australia to an eligible New Zealand parent may have citizenship by birth or a simpler pathway.
Figures are general information current at 14 October 2026 and change regularly. They are not advice about your circumstances.
How it works
Eligibility check
Your arrival date, residence history, travel and family situation.
Family plan
Options for partners or children who are not New Zealand citizens.
Application
Citizenship or visa applications prepared and lodged, with follow-up through to a decision.
Who you'll be speaking with
I'm Nathan Joo, founder and principal director of Cornerstone Migration and a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1173091). For nearly two decades I have worked in Australian and New Zealand migration, employer sponsorship, skilled visa pathways and workforce strategy.
I started this practice because I believe migrants deserve advice that puts their future first. You will get an honest assessment, including when the answer is that a visa is unlikely, and you will deal with me, not a call centre.
You can verify my registration on the official register of migration agents.
What our clients say
Genuine reviews from Cornerstone Migration clients on Google.
64 Google reviews
“Nathan was highly professional and promptly responded to our requests and inquiries. Thank you, Nathan and your team, for fulfilling our dearest brother's wish.”
“The whole process has been incredibly fast, smooth, and professional. Communication has always been clear, polite, and very responsive… They genuinely care about their clients and explain everything clearly.”
“Everything was prepared so carefully and professionally, and I always felt that I was in good hands. The attention to detail and clear guidance made the whole process much less stressful.”
Common questions
Do I need permanent residence first?
Many New Zealand citizens on a Special Category visa no longer do. Your arrival date and history matter, so check before applying.
Will I lose my New Zealand citizenship?
Australia and New Zealand both allow dual citizenship, so in most cases you can keep both.
My partner is not a New Zealander. What can they do?
There may be a specific visa for family members of New Zealand citizens, or a partner visa once you become Australian. We'll compare them.
I have spent time overseas. Does that count?
Time overseas can affect the residence requirement. Bring your travel history to the consultation.
Let's look at your situation
Call now or send an enquiry and we'll come back to you within one business day.