Eligibility Criteria
New Zealand citizens must first check the citizenship criteria carefully to see if they are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. However, not all New Zealand citizens can apply for citizenship unless they are a permanent visa holder or an Eligible New Zealand Citizen (also known as a Protected SCV holder) and meet the residency requirements.
All other New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa and are therefore considered permanent residents must check to see if they meet the residency requirements.
Application fees for citizenship range from $35 through to $490 depending on what type of 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 post their citizenship applications to their closest Department of Home Affairs office.