Citizenship timeframes
Check this page regularly for up-to-date citizenship processing times.
Citizenship by grant application timeframes
This is how long it is currently taking to process citizenship applications, based on reporting data from August 2023.
If your application is processed within these timeframes, the Department of Internal Affairs cannot provide any further information on the status of your application.
The time taken to process an application in the past is no guarantee of how long it may take in future.
Application assessment
The oldest applications now being picked up for assessment were received in July 2022.
Outcome of application
97% of applicants received an outcome within 16 months of submitting their application.
Total application process – including citizenship ceremony
95% of applicants were granted citizenship within 19 months.
Citizenship ceremonies are arranged by local councils.
About citizenship timeframes
Urgent applications
Utility links and page information
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