I am from New Zealand but moved to Australia in 1999. I would like to become an Australian citizen. My husband is also from New Zealand and moved here in 2002. How can we do this?
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Answer by Kate Dodgson, Indooroopilly 4068 QLD
- The rules changed for New Zealanders becoming Australians on 26 February 2001.
- Anyone such as yourself who arrived in Australia prior to this date is likely to be living on a temporary visa called a Special Category Visa.
- You now just need to satisfy the general eligibility criteria in order to apply to become an Australian citizen.
- As your husband arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 he will first need to apply for a permanent residency visa before he can seek Australian citizenship.