The Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs

Te Tari Taiwhenua

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation

 

Services › Citizenship › Citizenship Important Notices


Information Matching


Information you supply to us may be used by other government agencies to allow more effective verification of information and help assess your eligibility for various services. Information matching is carried out under the authority of, and consistent with, Part 10 of the Privacy Act 1993 and is monitored by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. For more information please see the list of authorised agencies and the purposes for matching.


Refunds for New Zealand Citizenship by Grant Applications

If you choose to withdraw your application you may be eligible for a refund of part of the application fee.

Usually the main reason that people withdraw their application is that, after the initial processing of their application, they are advised by the Citizenship Office that they do not clearly meet the requirements for the grant of New Zealand citizenship. If this happens to you, you will be advised of your options. Generally one of these options will be to withdraw your application and re-apply when you clearly meet the requirements.

The table below indicates the portion of your application fee that will be returned should you be eligible for a refund.

Application TypeApplication FeeAmount Refundable
AdultNZ$470.20NZ$316.90
ChildNZ$235.10NZ$158.40

Please Note: Refunds cannot be granted for any applications other than for New Zealand citizenship by grant (i.e. determinations and confirmations).


Processing Times for the Grant of Citizenship

Currently it is taking approximately four months from the time you send us your application to the time you attend a ceremony and become a citizen.

This is an average time, and some applications can take longer. We suggest you do not make plans to travel on a New Zealand passport until you have received your citizenship..


Changes to Citizenship by Birth in New Zealand from 2006

Until the end of 2005, most children born in New Zealand (or in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) were automatically New Zealand citizens at birth (with few exceptions).

From 1 January 2006, children born in New Zealand (or in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) acquire New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one of their parents:
  • is a New Zealand citizen; or
  • has residency (i.e. is entitled to be in New Zealand or Australia indefinitely); or
  • is entitled to reside indefinitely in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.
For further information see the Changes to Citizenship by Birth in New Zealand from 2006: Frequently Asked Questions.
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Photographic Image Requirements for New Zealand Travel Documents and Citizenship Applications

By following the photo guidelines you can avoid application-processing delays by ensuring that acceptable photos are taken the first time.

To read the photographic image requirements and tips for taking travel document and citizenship photos click on the links below. A written summary of the photo guidelines can also be found in the appropriate application form.

Citizenship Amendment Act 2005

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2005 came into effect on 21 April 2005. As a result of this legislation there have been some important changes to the requirements for New Zealand citizenship. You can find out more about the changes at General Requirements for a Grant of New Zealand Citizenship or see Citizenship Amendment Act 2005: Frequently Asked Questions.


Relevant Law and Policy

Citizenship Act 1977, and subsequent amendments
Citizenship Act (Western Samoa) 1982
Citizenship Grants Policy Manual
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