Provide a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens in Australia from 1 July 2023.
The Government will provide a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens in Australia from 1 July 2023, by allowing those who hold a non-protected Special Category visa (subclass 444), and meet general residence and other eligibility requirements, to apply directly for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first. This measure is estimated to increase payments for government services and benefits by $1.3 billion over 5 years from 2022-23, and increase receipts by $795.0 million over 5 years from 2022-23. Funding for this measure has already been provided for by the Government. This measure builds on the 2022-23 October Budget measure titled Migration Program -