FAQs for Australia

Application Process

Which New Zealand citizens can apply for Australian citizenship?


New Zealand citizens who:

  • hold a TY444 visa and
  • who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001
  • and have been living in Australia for 4 years may be able to apply directly for Australian citizenship
  • who meet the residence requirements
  • those who are Protected SCV holders/eligible NZ citizens can still apply as normal

If you are unsure, you could try using the Residence Calculator to check whether you are eligible or request a copy of your movement records.

All NZ citizens will still also need to meet other criteria such as residency and character requirements and some will need to pass the Citizenship Test regardless of when they arrived in Australia.

Is there an income requirement, age limit or health requirement?


No, none of these are required for Australian citizenship as these criteria apply to certain visa applciations only.

 

How long do I have to be in Australia before I can apply for Australian citizenship?


All TY444 visa holders will be able to apply for Australian citizenship provided they meet the 4 year residence requirements along with other eligibility requirements.

What is the cost for an Australian citizenship application?


Costs for application fees vary depending on the type of citizenship application and may increase as of 1 July 2023.

Fees can range from $0 to $540 for citizenship by conferral applications. Applicants who are 60 years and over or 17 years and younger pay lower fees.

Exemptions and concessions are also available in certain circumstances.

See the Citizenship Fees table Form 1298i for all current citizenship fees.

Professional fees to get a professional such as ourselves to do the application for you will depend on your situation. We cannot provide quotes without doing an assessment which requires a consultation booking first (assessment fees apply).

What if my passport has expired? Do I need a new passport first?


Updated passports that are current are not required for citizenship purposes.

They are however needed for the purposes of applying for a visa.

How long does it take to get citizenship?


Citizenship by conferral can vary in processing times and can sometimes take longer, depending on a variety of factors.

 

 

Is it an easy process?


The process varies from person to person and depends on the complexity of the case as well as a person’s ability to use technology, provide correct information and have good written communication skills.

Applications can range from completing all the application requirements, including making the correct applications, filling out the correct forms, paying the correct fees, monitoring, updating, corresponding with the Department of Home Affairs or other stakeholders, preparing submissions, applying for waivers of various types (if need be) collecting and providing unique types of evidence and responding to the Department’s requests.

As experts in this area we work extremely hard at making sure everything is done correctly and to the highest quality and standard because we know this is the difference between whether an application is refused or approved.

Will NZ citizens still need police checks from New Zealand and Australia?


Not necessarily although we strongly recommend police checks should be applied for and checked before applying in order to be confident the correct information has been provided.

If a NZ citizen has resided in any other country for 90 days or more since turning 18 years old they may be required to apply for a police check from that country also.

Can I include children who are not my biological or adopted children on my application?


The answer will vary depending on whether the applicant has legal guardianship or not and whether this can be proven. These cases need to have a full assessment before advice can be given.

Can children be included on a citizenship application with a parent?


Children who are eligible to apply may be included on a parent’s application up the the age of 15 years old. From the age of 16 years old they must then apply on their own.

If I prepare my own citizenship application, can I get advice and guidance from Morunga Migration?


Yes, we can provide guidance and advice for you through our online Zoom (video call) consultation process (Consultation fees apply).

Can I just get Morunga Migration to do my citizenship application for me and what is the cost?


Yes, we can assess, prepare, lodge, liaise, monitor and manage your citizenship application from start to finish.

Our professional fees will depend on your situation, circumstances and what type of help you require and what type of work we will need to do.

We cannot provide quotes without doing an assessment which requires a consultation booking first (assessment fees apply).

 

Does Morunga Migration offer payment plans or discounts?


Our payment requirements are 50% deposit and 50% due prior to lodgement.

We offer discounts for couples and families as well as clients who pay 100% upfront.

Again, we cannot provide quotes or costings without an assessment which first requires a consultation booking (fees apply).

How can I get someone to help me?


Applications are mostly done online by creating an IMMI Account through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Alternatively, we can also assist you with your application from start to finish.

If you wish to seek our assistance, you will need to first book an assessment and we will then provide you with a quote, Service Agreement and we will provide advice on what we will need from you.

We cannot provide quotes without doing an assessment which requires a consultation booking first (assessment fees apply).

 

What documents are needed for Australian citizenship?


Documents vary on the type of application but usually include at the very least these documents:

  • Evidence of identity
  • Evidence of residence
  • Evidence of citizenship
  • Evidence of name changes
  • Evidence of entry and travel history
  • Identity Declaration and photograph
  • Police checks

I am ready to apply for Australian citizenship, what is the first step?


Seeking assistance from us…

You will need to first book an assessment with us. We will then provide you with a quote, Service Agreement and provide advice on what will be needed from you.

We are unable to provide quotes without doing an assessment first which requires a consultation booking first (Fees apply).

Doing your own application…

If you wish to apply on your own without any assistance from us, you will need to create an IMMI Account and follow the prompts.

The steps you have to take will vary from person to person.

You can also check the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date information on eligibility criteria and more.

What if I have a criminal record?


Applicants who are 18 years and over must be of ‘good character’. In citizenship applications, these usually refers to the term ‘enduring moral qualities of a person’. However, applicants of any age may not be approved citizenship in certain circumstances relating to their criminal offences.

Each case is different so it is important to have your situation assessed before ever making any applications to the Department of Home Affairs.

Criteria for character requirements is also different from the character requirements for visas. It pays to seek professional advice and have an assessment.

Want to know more?

Our Happy Clients