[London Kiwi]

Hi all,

Once you have arrived in Aus how long does it take to get citizenship and are you allowed to leave before you get citizenship? Also I have heard that there is a citizen test, is it easy to pass?

[Cliff]

If you are a new Zealand citizen then these rules will apply:

"As a New Zealand citizen your eligibility for Australian citizenship depends on whether you arrived in Australia before or after 26 February 2001.

On arrival in Australia, most New Zealanders are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV). This visa is a temporary visa which allows the holder to remain and work in Australian indefinitely.

Up to 26 February 2001 the holders of SCVs were considered to be permanent residents for citizenship purposes.

In most cases, New Zealand citizens who first arrived after 26 February 2001, and were granted SCVs on arrival in Australia, are not permanent residents for citizenship purposes."

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/applying/how_to_apply/nz/

There is also a factsheet that you might want to look at:

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm

[Richard]

Info about the test,

"The citizenship test is designed to assess whether you have an adequate knowledge of Australia and the responsibilities and priviliges of citizenship.

The test is also designed assess whether you have a basic knowledge of the English language. English is our national language. Communicating in English helps you to play a more active role in Australian society. It helps you to take full advantage of education, employment and the other opportunities Australia has to offer.

Test resource book and practice test
Everything you need to know to help you pass the test is contained in the free citizenship test resource book (http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/test_resource_book/). Make sure you are studying the correct resource book for your test appointment.

There is a practice test and tutorial to help you with your test."
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/