New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Citizens – Australian Visas, Permanent Residency & Citizenship Lawyers

At Just Fair Law, we proudly assist New Zealand citizens who have made Australia their long-term home and wish to secure Australian permanent residency or citizenship.

Our experienced Australian migration lawyers and visa attorneys provide strategic, up-to-date advice on the best pathways for New Zealand citizens, including citizenship applications, permanent residence, skilled visas, work visas, family visas, and related migration options.

We assist clients across Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, and Australia-wide, with remote consultations available.

Best Migration Lawyers for New Zealand Citizens in Australia

The laws governing New Zealand citizens living in Australia are complex and have changed significantly over time. Whether you are eligible for direct Australian citizenship or must first obtain permanent residency, it is critical that your status is assessed correctly.

A key legal concept is whether you are classified as an “Eligible New Zealand Citizen” under Australian migration law. Many New Zealand citizens living in Australia assume eligibility incorrectly, which can place their future at risk.

Our migration lawyers ensure your eligibility is assessed accurately and your application is prepared with the correct legal evidence.

Who Is an “Eligible New Zealand Citizen”?

You may be an Eligible New Zealand Citizen if one or more of the following applies:

• You were physically present in Australia on 26 February 2001 as the holder of a Subclass 444 Special Category Visa (SCV); or

• You spent at least 12 months in Australia on an SCV in the two years immediately before 26 February 2001; or

• You hold a Centrelink certificate issued before 26 February 2004 confirming you were residing in Australia.

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship, subject to providing strict documentary evidence.

If you are unsure how to prove eligibility, our Australian citizenship lawyers can assist.

New Zealand Citizens Who Arrived After 26 February 2001

If you arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001, you are not immediately eligible for Australian citizenship.

In most cases, you must first obtain Australian permanent residency, after which you may apply for citizenship once you meet the eligibility requirements.

There are over 200 Australian visa subclasses, including:

• Skilled migration visas

• Employer-sponsored and work visas

• Partner and family visas

• Other permanent and temporary visa pathways

Our migration lawyers for New Zealand citizens will identify the most effective and secure visa option for your circumstances.

Why Australian Permanent Residency and Citizenship Matter

In our experience, many long-term New Zealand residents in Australia have faced visa cancellation or removal, often due to character-related issues, despite having lived in Australia for decades.

Some clients have:

• Lived in Australia for 20–30+ years

• Built families, careers, and businesses here

• Had little or no remaining connection to New Zealand

Without permanent residency or Australian citizenship, your right to remain in Australia can be vulnerable.

If Australia is your home, securing your legal status is essential.

Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa

If you do not hold a New Zealand or Australian passport, but your partner is a New Zealand citizen living in Australia (and not an Eligible New Zealand Citizen), you may be eligible for the Subclass 461 visa.

Subclass 461 Visa Benefits:

• Live, work, and study in Australia

• Visa validity of up to 5 years

• Renewable while eligibility continues

⚠️ Important:
If your partner is an Eligible New Zealand Citizen, the Subclass 461 visa will not apply. Other partner or family visa options may be available.

Our family visa lawyers can assess the correct pathway for you.

Speak With Trusted Australian Migration Lawyers

If you are a New Zealand citizen seeking Australian permanent residency or citizenship, or a family member applying under the Subclass 461 visa, contact Just Fair Law today.

We provide clear, strategic migration advice across:

Sunshine Coast | Brisbane | Sydney | Australia-wide

Important Disclaimer

The information on this website is general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Each matter is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our office for advice specific to your circumstances.