Citizenship by Conferral

What is Citizenship by Conferral?

Citizenship by conferral is granted to Australian permanent residents who meet certain criteria and lodge an application to become an Australian citizen.

As of 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who are not ELIGIBLE NZ CITIZENS may also apply, provided they meet the residency and eligibility criteria.

How to apply?

Most citizenship applications are done online nowadays. If you are doing your own application, you will need to create an ImmiAccount.

Paper forms can also be completed in some circumstances but is not recommended.

What is the Process?

The processes vary for people depending on their age. 60 years and over do not need to sit the Australian citizenship test.

For those under 60 years the process starts with: Completing the application paperwork > Attending an appointment to sit the citizenship test > Waiting for the outcome > If approved, wait for an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony > Once a ceremony is attended, that is the day a person becomes an Australian citizen

Special Circumstances

Some applicants may be exempt from sitting the citizenship test and attending a citizenship ceremony.

This includes applicants who may have certain types of Disabilities or are Permanent/Enduring Mental Incapacity such as:

🔹 Permanent loss or substantial impairment of hearing

🔹 Permanent loss or substantial impairment of speech

🔹 Permanent loss or substantial impairment of sight

🔹 Permanent or enduring physical incapacity

🔹 Permanent or enduring mental incapacity

Processing times vary

For more information

Form 1290 Form 1300t ImmiAccount

Erina and her team were amazing. We had a particularly difficult application, and I don’t think anyone but Erina could have got it over the line. This application was years in the making, and it’s such a relief to finally have everything approved. Thanks Erina, you are highly recommended.

BDW, QLD

Information for New Zealand citizens

There is often confusion with New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for many years. Since the 1st of September 1994, all New Zealand citizens were granted the Special Category Visa, subclass TY 444. This is a temporary visa.

Recent announcements made on 22 April 2023 by the Australian Government now consider all New Zealand citizens to be permanent residents under the Citizenship Act as of 1 July 2023. Therefore, eligible to apply directly for citizenship without having to first apply for a permanent visa.

In addition, New Zealand citizens who apply for and are granted a permanent visa are also considered permanent residents.

New Zealand citizens must check the citizenship criteria to assess if they are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Absolutely the most caring professional team to deal with. Thank you so very much for all your kindness and assistance with my citizenship journey, highly recommend the services of Erina and team @ Morunga Migration.

Michelle Morehu, WA

Citizenship Application Fees

Application fees for citizenship range from $40 through to $540. The cost will depend on what type of citizenhip application is being applied for and whether the applicant qualifies for a concession rate (see Form 1298i).

Applicants seeking exemptions or a concession rate cannot apply online. They must apply for citizenship by downloading the appropriate form and posting their citizenship applications to their closest Department of Home Affairs office.

Residency requirements for New Zealand citizens

Residency requirements are complex and vary depending on the New Zealand citizens’ unique circumstances.

Some New Zealand citizens may be eligible for exemptions and special circumstances whilst recent changes for New Zealand citizens holding a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa allows applicants to apply without needing to hold a permanent visa for 12 months.

Book a Consultation

Erina and her team were awesome helping me to get my citizenship. Immigration had no records of me entering Australia prior to 2000, but Erina found I had proof because I had registered with Centrelink in the early 1990’s. Once she had proof of this I was able to sidestep the permanent resident process and basically go through the Citizenship process, which is a slow process in itself (Erina had already forewarned me prior). All the processes and timeframes described by Erina on my initial zoom meeting were very accurate and she and her team did all of the ground work required, which was great for me as I work very long hours underground with no reception. I can’t praise Erina or her team enough as it is all deserved. Thank you to Morunga migration as I officially became a citizen on the 14/3/22.

Stacey Waitoa, QLD

Picture paints a thousand words ….I have had the privilege to be represented by Morunga Migration in my journey. I am now a proud citizen of Australia !! They were supportive through out my journey and explained each step as we proceeded. Through my experience I would recommend without hesitation ❤️❤️❤️

Krissie Anderson, QLD

Oz Citizen on Australia Day ceremony. He tino mihi ki a Morunga team, me Erina……AWESUME. The time and behind the screen effect, was absolutely That said, I need to acknowledge my sister Whatuhuia who was instrumental in my success throughout the entire process. Love you sister XOXO”

Grace Voller, QLD

Erina your kite of knowledge and the essence of what it is to be Maori is like the scent of a rose, that will always stay on the hand of the giver. Because of you and your wonderful team, my wings are no longer bound, I can soar high on the winds of life with confidence and free. You have done this for me, for which I’m more then grateful. Whira te tangata e hoa. He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. You weave the people together. Thank you, thank you Erina

I just want to encourage those who are of two minds. I would say, give Erina a call/email or live feeds, have a korero. By the end of my first korero with Erina, I knew what visa I was/could use for PR. Erina dispelled all the myths out there ( which stopped me for years). Before I knew it, my citizenship started. I made a economic decision to invest in Erina, her expertise and her knowledge. It has been a wise and seamless process.

Blessings to you Erina”

Whatuhuia Voller, QLD

Disclaimer

Morunga Migration Pty Ltd is committed to providing quality immigration assistance and advice to our audiences and broader migrant communities both in and outside of Australia.

The information contained within this website is to provide advice of a general nature only and is not to be taken as individual advice for your personal circumstances. Immigration information is subject to change at any time. Before proceeding with an application we recommend seeking professional and personalised advice about your circumstances.

We cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions as Australian immigration law and regulations change regularly. It is always best to contact us for advice before making any decisions. Alternatively, up to date information can be checked on the official Australian Government website, the Department of Home Affairs.

Our Happy Clients

My family and I first approached Erina and her team at Morunga Migration a year ago to begin the process of our Dual Citizenship. From the get go, Erina was very professional, very knowledgeable and informative during our conversations. When we were faced with challenges Erina would reassure us, all will be okay and would promptly find a resolution. Myself and my children are all now Dual citizenships of NZ & Australia, all thanks to Erina and her team at Morunga Migration. Thank you for never giving up on our whanau Erina. We highly recommend Morunga Migration to anyone who is wanting to begin their journey! Aroha Nui.
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Filoinunu Lealaogata

6/16/2024

Erina Morunga is a competent intelligent person who has been a great help as a Migration Consultant in assisting, guiding, informing me of the New Zealand to Australia Citizenship journey. I have recommended her to a family member and also to anyone else I meet along the way who seeks advice about this path. Many thanks Erina also for your helpful links. I am much comforted by your presentation and generosity. Take care and best of luck with your ongoing journey in educating and informing Kiwis of their need to take out Citizenship. Trish Parkinson
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Trish Parkinson

6/10/2024

An amazing webinar with great information. The three hours went so quick and it was well worth the time😊😊
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Rachel Rose

5/17/2024
Joined the Webinar today with Erina, thank you for your time. You were very, knologeable, amazing, kind and patient. I found the information invaluable. I have the confidance to try my own application.
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Amy

5/17/2024

Thank you so much Erina really enjoyed our session and appreciate you sharing profesional your wealth of information, suggestions, guidelines links and your experience and expertise. It was a relaxed zoom atmosphere attendees felt comfortable to ask questions and we got answers and explanations in easy laymans terms, and if some were more complex we can book a consultation zoom for a one on one to determine if we might need to have the Morunga migration team do the application for you. I highly recommend attending this zoom offer hand over fist great value 🙌👏😍
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Margaret Brown

5/17/2024

Have had an excellent experience getting to meet and know this great team, highly recommend Erina and her team of Professional Migration Agents to anyone wanting to further their migration requirements 😃
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Gary Mackie

4/17/2024
Thank you Erina, Kathleen and Glenda for your valuable time, advice and guidance for our Zoom meeting today. Very well presented, clearly explained to put our minds at ease and an abundance of resources to follow up on along with answers to our questions to put our minds at ease to continue the journey to obtain our citizenship by conferral and overcome the overwhelming appmocatuon process. Look forward to a further consultation.
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Sheryl Thompson

4/17/2024

I have had a fantastic experience using this service. They have taken the stress and given me piece of mind helping me obtain my permanent residency. Highly recommended.
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Rachel Bennett

4/17/2024

Absolutely professional, very knowledgeable, compassionate, cannot recommend enough, my application was not simple but Morunga Migration nailed it. Thinking about engaging Morunga Migration you will have no regrets .. money well spent. I am so humbly grateful to you all 🌿
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Tania White

2/17/2024
Erina and her team handled all aspects of our permanent residency application, approachable and professional. Thank you.
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Carol George

11/17/2023

My wife, Jean-Ann and I, are so pleased to give Erina and her team our highest recommendation. Erina completely excels at this work and going down this pathway with her leading the way was such an incredible relief. Immigration is a scary process and we’d had a number of hiccups along the way, particularly with a language and process that is not that accessible to the layperson. Before we discovered Erina, we were actually approaching the application in a manner that would have been more expensive, taken much longer and possibly not succeeded, no thanks to some faulty advice from another party. Thankfully, Erina sorted it for us before any damage had been done. Then the process became much more straight forward, and she quickly gained our confidence with her expertise and smarts. Moreover she consistently treated us with respect, warmth, and we happily shared many laughs together. Thus the above mention of incredible and immeasurable relief during the saga and at its happy conclusion on the occasion of my citizenship ceremony! Thank you and warmest best wishes to Erina and the fabulous Morunga Immigration team!
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Steve Mackenzie

10/05/2023

There was a show about an Angel - to me that's ERINA. Her team is very like minded, thank you Kathleen. It's been a pleasure dealing with Erina & her team. I will be eternally grateful for her time & effort.
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Jacqueline

9/22/2023
The team of Morunga Migration is FANTASTIC! Erina, Kathleen and Glenda, followed up with any concerns I had about the process as to becoming an AUS citizen! They have successful helped my family get to the stage of becoming AUS citizens and I THANK them so much! Also, THANKS to Sarah and Dion! If you should need help in this area, reach out to them. They know what they are talking about! Arohanui Ritz xoxo
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KarenRitz Davis

9/22/2023

I cannot stress how much easier my visa process would have been if I had started with Morunga Migration than trying to do it myself. Unfortunately the Australian immigration system is in a constant flux of change and making a mistake can be extremely costly. Erina and her staff are professionals and able to make sure you avoid mistakes. Do it right the first time
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Keith Seanard

9/06/2023

The team at Morunga Migration are fantastic, super friendly, knowledgeable and organsied. They made the whole process a breeze and were highly professional, responsive and above all very helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend them - five stars!
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Jenny Mulcock

9/06/2023
I want to thank the Morunga team wholeheartedly for all their efforts in helping my family and extended family gain citizenship (9 of us in total). They made the whole process so easy and stress free. They were so prompt in communication and I recommend them highly. It was so good to be able to contact them over any questions and was worth the cost to know that our applications were done correctly from the start. Each of them professional, yet fun and understanding. I enjoyed our interactions and appreciate you all so much. THANK YOU ALL.
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Toni Walshe

9/06/2023

Erina and her team were extremely helpful with helping me gain my Australian citizenship with my unusual circumstance, I would highly recommend her team to others.
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josh irving-cook

8/06/2023

Very knowledgeable, very helpful, and they are genuinely concerned about your matter being resolved as best as it can. Highly recommend.
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Jack Muir

7/06/2023
I highly recommend Erina, Kathleen and the team at Morunga Migration for all matters and concerns around New Zealand citizens wanting to become Australian citizens. They individually address each request with professionalism. They are the best problem solvers and constantly reassured me during each process that we would overcome any hurdles. I have always gone back to them throughout the years and highly recommended my other friends and family to seek their guidance and advice. They are kind, wonderful and approachable. I cannot recommend them enough, I have great respect for how they work and extremely grateful to them for helping my family get their Australian citizenships. I'm extremely thankful to Morunga Migration, the weight of this burden has been lifted by you. Thank you!!!
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Lolina Foliola

5/06/2023

Erina and her team are truly wonderful to deal with. Very professional service and really a pleasant journey. I would highly recommend Morunga Migration Team. I am glad that I made the right choice, great work Team. Now me and my husband a citizen of Australia. Very very happy customer. Thank you. God Bless!
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sam panama

5/06/2023

The process working with Morunga Migration was a free flowing, and Erina & the team, kept you up to date the whole way. It was a pleasure to have such an attentive level of service, and I would highly recommend to all others. Larry T 19/03/2023
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Larry Thorstensen

3/22/2023
Great experience. Fast, professional and made the process very simple. Recommend
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Rowan Coker

3/08/2023

Morunga Migration has been a blessing for my family and I. With their help I was able to get my Permanent Residency visa granted within 3 months of lodging.They’re very helpful, responsive and empathetic to my individual circumstance. This helped me establish a relationship of trust and care throughout the process. Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu Morunga Migration.
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Jone Temo

3/08/2023

I discovered Morunga Migration via Facebook and i knew from that video, that was my ticket to permanent residency. I have now known Erina and her team since 2020, and I'm so proud to announce that my son and I are now official permanent residents of this beautiful country Australia, on 10th Feb 2023. My son and I are very grateful to Erina and the team of Morunga Migration. Now we move onto the second phase of the migration process, "Citizenship!" Erina and the team at Morunga Migration are relentless, professional and they care. I highly recommend Morunga Migration to all my family and friends and to you! Good luck with it all x
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Emma-Lee “Miss Em” Ngaheu

2/14/2023
Highly recommend Morunga Migration agent for their skills, professionalism knowledge and experience. Thank you for a smooth journey towards obtaining my partner visa 🙏.
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Jamuna Krishnan

2/07/2023

Excellent Service and Work! Erina and her team knows the "in and outs' of Australian immigration laws. Because of this, we were able to get our Permanent Residency without any stress. Warm, transparent and a friendly team. It is costly but worth the money, as you will benefit in the long term.
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Mary Perese

2/07/2023

Erina and her lovely team helped me with my application for Permanent Residency. Every interaction with the team was professional, friendly and supportive. From start to finish I was informed of my options and was kept informed of progress and what will happen next. The responses to my queries were prompt. Erina and her team took away the stress and saved me time of filling in paperwork and following up. Erina and the team are now helping me apply for my Citizenship so I highly recommend them!
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Iva M

2/07/2023
Erina and her team were amazing. We had a particularly difficult application, and I don't think anyone but Erina could have got it over the line. This application was years in the making, and it's such a relief to finally have everything approved. Thanks Erina, you are highly recommended.
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BDW

2/07/2023

Erina has worked so hard for us as a family of 5! After Covid came along I needed to think about my family more as alot friends had moved back home after not being able to survive here just being a NZ citizen. Yesterday we received our visas and we thank Erina and the team for making this possible. This is for my kids as they grow up here in Ahitereiria they can access alot more then what we could’ve previously to becoming a permanent resident!! Arohanui and please take heed of the advice Morunga Migration offers. They are current and up to date with the daily challenges New Zealanders face with this current issues.
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Vince Mellars

2/07/2023

Absolutely the most caring professional team to deal with. Thank you so very much for all your kindness and assistance with my citizenship journey, highly recommend the services of Erina and team @ Morunga Migration.
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Michelle Morehu

2/07/2023
Erina and her team have a fantastic service. They are extremely knowledgeable of all the different scenarios immigration law presents, making the process as streamlined as bureaucracy allows.
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Amy Kellahan

2/07/2023

Erina and her team are THE BEST. Tried someone else in the past and just wasted money. Erina knew all the details, law, entitlements etc and was very good in communicating with us, as I am quite busy during the day. She has been looking out for the whole process from start to the end. We are awaiting for our citizenship ceremony soon and we are very grateful to her and her team that made it all possible. Our case was not a simple or easy one, but she guided us step by step and achieved what we thought is not achievable. Thanks Erina
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Ance Kuzev

6/07/2022

Picture paints a thousand words .... I have had the privilege to be represented by Morunga Migration in my journey. I am now a proud citizen of Australia !! They were supportive through out my journey and explained each step as we proceeded. Through my experience I would recommend without hesitation ❤️❤️❤️
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Krissie Anderson

5/29/2022
My situation mayb the same as others or different but my need to become citizenised outweighed not doing anything… My enquiry began with asking the right questions for me.. Erina was approachable on all accounts. My questions were complex for me bcos I had been in Aussie 35 or so years at the time of my enquiry. I didn’t think I was Citizenship material bcos I had a DUI Charge from years earlier.. I was hoha believing this one reason.. So i Messengered Erina and it was there and then I knew my Category Class .. I’d also seen it on my Centrelink Acc…Erina also availed her rates and this included a payment Plan Option. It was made clear there was no guarantee of Citizenship but she could help with setting up the Application. For me I appreciated Erina’s honesty, her expertise and the manner in which she knew the avenues of accessing my info from NZ. My decision to hire Erina’s services was acknowledged and realised because I was time poor. Erina explained everything and I was clear about what I was agreeing to. My application required lots of signing paperwork and Erina would proceed. This was achieved by email. I thought the quicker I signed the paperwork the quicker Erina could proceed. Every step of the process was explained and I understood each process was capable of being complex etc. I found Erina patient, wholley understanding and Empathetic with my insecurities of sharing my past. I felt amazing because Erina was sincere and she truely had experience dealing with all levels. My approval process was speedy like 14 months and as soon as I received the great news to attend a ceremony I applied for my Aussie Passport immediately afterwards. Having Citizenship opens doors and now having the right to live here is confirmation of superseding a temporary visa.. My Aussie Passport also ensures i do not have to line up in ‘the naughty lane at International’ yay.. Erina offers support and it’s ongoing.. I have encouraged other whanau to be citizenised or start the process towards PR … I didn’t mind paying Erina’s fees becos I was investing in myself long term and the benefits of this outweighed anything temporary … Erina has hired more Officers to meet demand. That’s proof her mahi is authentic helping NZers gain the right to reside in Aussie Thank you Erina .. I’m a holder of an Aussie PP bcos I trusted your professionalism as a Migration Agent and it was convenient for me as a Remote Nurse FIFO and DIDO to leave you to coordinate my application.
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Kathryn Ranui

5/29/2022

My husband and I cannot thank Erina and her team enough after being in and out of Australia for 30 years, we were in 2020 refused entry. When we were eventually allowed in we contacted Morunga Migration who after a video consult with Erina and extended enquires by her and her team we were advised that we qualified for Resident Return Visa .She did the paper work and much to our surprise we were granted Our Visa in a couple of weeks. She is now in the process of applying for our Citizenship. We are now confident in leaving Australia with the right to Return, my husband since then has been to the UK and back with no problems. We can not thank Morunga Migration for their help and the professionalism of their service . We cannot recommend them highly enough. Once again a great big Thankyou Erina and your team.
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James Archibald

5/29/2022

Erina and her fabulous team made what we thought was impossible, possible! The care and attention to detail, the professionalism, thinking outside the box and going above and beyond made us feel like their only clients. A long distance relationship and the pandemic didn’t stop them. They are so knowledgeable and guide you through the entire visa process end to end. We’re so pleased we engaged their services to gain PR status because we wouldn’t be together and now married (yay!), if we didn’t have their help. No obstacle is too big to overcome. It was the best decision we made. Thank you all so much for everything. We can’t speak highly enough of you and never hesitate to recommend your services.
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Ruth Barlow

5/07/2022
Erina and her team were awesome helping me to get my citizenship. Immigration had no records of me entering Australia prior to 2000, but erina found I had proof because I had registered with Centrelink in the early 1990’s. Once she had proof of this I was able to sidestep the permanent resident process and basically go through the Citizenship process, which is a slow process in itself (Erina had already forewarned me prior). All the processes and timeframes described by Erina on my initial zoom meeting were very accurate and she and her team did all of the ground work required, which was great for me as I work very long hours underground with no reception. I can’t praise erina or her team enough as it is all deserved. Thank you to Morunga migration as I officially became a citizen on the 14/3/22
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Stacey Waitoa

4/29/2022

What a complex process this is! Thank you for clearing up all the incorrect keyboard warrior advice that’s out there. Much appreciated.
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Carol George

1/01/2022

Thankfully my family came across Erina and her Team.Erina has secured my husbands PR in only 42 days. The money we have invested in a professional consultation and her assistance with the application was the best money we have ever spend. Immigration regulations are very complex in Australia and it takes so much knowledge for an agent to look into your options. The question you need to ask yourself is, do you rather pay $300 and get useless advice or you pay $700 and you have an agent knowing exactly what has to be done. Kiwis are not treated correctly by the Australian government and Erina can assist you and your family to hopefully secure PR asap. I will be thankful for the rest of my life for the help of Morunga Migration and I would always recommend Erina to any Kiwi in need of an Immigration agency.
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Lisa-Marie Hinton

1/01/2022
Amazing team who are truely passionate about getting the best for those living in Oz! Keep up the amazing mahi ladies ♥️
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Tania Brackenridge

1/01/2022

Professional and honest agentsWorth the money and peace of mind to get it done correctlyKiwis helping kiwis thrive in Australia
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Sharna Lee

1/01/2022

Morunga Migration are truly wonderful to deal with, they always put your best interests first and are very transparent with costs. They are very professional, trustworthy company, constantly communicate with you every step of the way, answering questions, making it easy for you to understand and most importantly make you feel comfortable. Erina and the team, really make you feel like you are part of their whanau and being kiwi’s themselves, they are very relatable. I’ve been on my immigration journey for a few years and it’s been worth every cent. I can’t thank Morunga Migration for all the hard work they have put in, especially when it felt like obtaining citizenship for me and my whanau was unachievable. I would highly recommend Morunga Migration and their team for their superb knowledge, competence and expertise regarding immigration needs.
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Maree Sargent-Rata

12/24/2021
Thank you to the incredible team at Morunga Migration. You made this process so easy and stressfree. Your team are professional, friendly and thorough. I would highly recommend.
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Kim Black

12/24/2021

Hi,I would like to totally show my support and respect to the team here.They helped me work through my Australian Citizenship application which was successful.Yes there were some hurdles and there is a cost involved.But I did achieve something I did not think possible.Initially I did try to process my own application ,but quickly I realised this was not my area of expertise and needed someone who dealt with this on a daily bases.I have since recommended this service to another ,who did not believe they had an opportunity to gain Australian Citizenship.But they have.
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Ray Daley

12/24/2021

Over the last 18 months my partner (Italian) and I have been working with Erina and her team to navigate the Australian immigration system because it is difficult and I’m forgiving if you provide not enough info, incorrect forms or just apply for the wrong visa. Morunga have been awesome, it’s been a one stop shop we have been informed well ahead of time or what our requirements are as there is more than one way to apply to stay in Australia. Kiwis, I recommend these guys 100% especially if you want you and your whanau to be lawfully safe as permanent residents of Australia because despite all appearances….us normal kiwis are not.
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Tarm Heraud

12/24/2021
I recently called Morunga Migration to find out all my options to be able to gain citizenship. Erina was so helpful and let me know exactly what I needed to do, she gave me all the information needed and I knew what to expect. My case was not an easy one & the pathway for me was difficult, that I needed her help. There were parts of it I was able to do on my own, but she guided, & supported through it all.The application was tiring and very time consuming to gather all the large amounts of information that I needed. And it was very stressful at times to do.After months of preparing paperwork, rewriting some parts, we put my application in and a few months later I got approval and my permanent residencey. I could not have done this on my own.But I'm so thankful for all the work that Erina and her team at Morunga Migration did for me. For all the knowledge, and strategic planning that went into helping me come a step closer to my citizenship. And for staying way ahead of the deadlines and sharing such valuable wisdom that she has gained in her years of working with Migration issues.I am forever grateful to everyone at Morunga Migration.You love our people and you work extremely hard, and you get results.Many blessings.Nga mihi Norma
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Norma King

12/24/2021

Excellent people, excellent service!! Extensive experience in the process of migration for New Zealanders. Guided me from the consultation to the granting of my citizenship. Very cost effective with everything they provided.
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Jane Epiha

12/24/2021