Do you have to renounce your current citizenship for NZ Citizen — 4-Year SCV → Direct Citizenship (Albanese 2023 Reform)?

No — this Australia route does not require renouncing your current citizenship.

NaturalizationAU-NAT-04

NZ Citizen — 4-Year SCV → Direct Citizenship (Albanese 2023 Reform)

Citizenship in Australia

Eligibility: NZ direct citizenship pathway (signature route): From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa (subclass 444 SCV) under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and Migration Regulations
Timeline: fast
Indicative cost: $575
Renunciation: Not required

Example scenarios

eligible
Meets §21(2) 4-year residence + B2 English. Standard pathway.
not yet eligible
Needs additional year of residence to satisfy §21(2).

Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-05-17.

Check your eligibility Ask the AI

Track changes to this route

Descent and naturalization rules change. We'll email you in plain English when anything affecting Australia updates — no spam.