Australian Citizenship Test for New Zealanders 2026
If you're a New Zealander living in Australia, you can now apply for citizenship — and more Kiwis are doing it than ever.
Since July 2023, New Zealand citizens on a Special Category Visa have had a direct pathway to Australian citizenship. If you've been living here for four years (with at least 12 months as a permanent resident), you're eligible to apply. The citizenship test is part of that process.
This article explains exactly what the test involves, what's different for NZ citizens, and how to prepare.
What changed in July 2023?
Before July 2023, most New Zealanders living in Australia couldn't access the standard citizenship pathway. The 2023 reforms changed that.
New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia on or after 26 February 2001 on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) can now apply for permanent residency — and then citizenship — after meeting the residency requirements. Those who arrived before that date have an even more direct route.
This opened the door for hundreds of thousands of Kiwis who had been living, working, and paying taxes in Australia for years without a clear path to citizenship.
Do New Zealanders have to take the citizenship test?
Yes. The citizenship test is the same for everyone — there's no special NZ version.
You'll sit the same 20-question, computer-based exam at a Department of Home Affairs office. The same rules apply:
- You need at least 15 correct answers (75%) to pass
- All 5 questions about Australian values must be answered correctly
- The test is in English — no interpreter is available for the test itself
The good news: most New Zealanders find the test straightforward. You've lived here. You know the culture. The values section in particular tends to feel natural if you've spent years as part of Australian life.
What does the test cover?
All questions come from the official study resource: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond. You can download it free from the Department of Home Affairs website.
The book covers four areas:
Australia and its people — history, geography, national symbols, and the diverse communities that make up modern Australia.
Democratic beliefs, rights and liberties — freedom of speech and religion, the rule of law, equal rights for all.
Government and the law — how federal, state, and local government works. The role of the courts.
Australian values — this section carries the most weight. All 5 values questions must be answered correctly, or you don't pass regardless of your overall score.
For New Zealanders, the government and history sections are where preparation pays off most. The political systems are similar but not identical — the differences are worth knowing.
How long does it take to prepare?
Most people need 5–10 hours of focused study. Given that you're already living here, you'll likely find large parts of the study book familiar.
A simple approach that works:
Days 1–3: Download and read the official study book. Don't try to memorise — just get a feel for the structure and key facts.
Days 4–6: Take practice tests. Start with a full mock exam. Note which categories you dropped marks in.
Days 7–8: Focus your revision on weak spots. For most NZ applicants, that's Australian government structure and historical dates.
Day before your test: Do one final mock exam under timed conditions. If you're scoring 85%+, you're ready.
What's the citizenship process for NZ citizens?
The test is one step in a broader process. Here's how it fits:
- Confirm your eligibility — check that you meet the residency requirements (4 years in Australia, including 12 months as a permanent resident)
- Apply online — submit your citizenship application through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Attend your citizenship appointment — this includes an interview and the citizenship test
- Sit the test — 20 questions, 45 minutes, at a Home Affairs office
- Attend the citizenship ceremony — if you pass, you'll be invited to a ceremony where you make the Australian citizenship pledge
The whole process from application to ceremony typically takes several months, depending on processing times.
Common questions from NZ applicants
I've lived in Australia for 20 years. Do I still need to take the test? Yes, unless you're 60 or over, or under 18. The test applies regardless of how long you've lived here.
Do I lose my New Zealand citizenship if I become Australian? No. Australia and New Zealand both allow dual citizenship. You can hold both passports.
I arrived before 26 February 2001. What's my pathway? If you arrived before that date on a Special Category Visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship directly without first becoming a permanent resident. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for your specific situation, or speak to a registered migration agent.
My English isn't perfect. Can I get help with the test? The test is in English and interpreters aren't available for the exam itself. However, you can request an interpreter for your citizenship interview. If you're concerned about language, spending extra time on practice tests — which use the same phrasing as the real exam — is the most effective preparation.
What if I fail? There's no limit on resits. Book a new appointment and come back better prepared. Failing doesn't affect your citizenship application.
Start practising now
The citizenship test is straightforward if you prepare. Most NZ applicants find the values section natural and the history and government sections manageable with a few hours of study.
CitizenshipTest.au gives you a full mock exam — 20 questions, timed, just like the real thing — free, no account needed.