The change will come into effect from 1 July 2023.

From 1 July 2023

• Long term New Zealand citizens resident in Australia will have their period of permanent residence backdated for citizenship purposes
• All New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV for the first time on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes from the date of their SCV grant.
• Provisions will also apply to New Zealand citizens who are overseas, but held an SCV immediately before last leaving Australia.

Children of SCV holders

• From 1 July 2023, any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth.
• From 1 July 2023, children who meet these circumstances can apply for​ evidence of citizenship.

Australia citizenship applications until 1 July 2023

These provisions will not apply to citizenship applications submitted before 1 July 2023. Applications submitted before this date must meet the current requirements at that application before this date, and you do not meet the eligibility requirements.