Citizenship by grant – what to be aware of in 2027
On 6 May 2026 the Minister of Internal Affairs (Minister) announced that people applying for citizenship by grant will be required to sit a citizenship test. The purpose of the test is to ensure applicants understand their shared responsibilities and privileges.
When will this new test come into effect?
In late 2027.
What will the test involve?
Applicants for citizenship will need to sit the test in person. The test itself will:
- Have 20 questions pulled from a wider pool of questions at random
- They will be multichoice
- The test will be in English
- Questions will cover the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, human rights, voting rights and democratic principles, the system of government, some criminal offences, and travelling overseas on a New Zealand passport.
What do I need to score to pass the test?
Applicants must score at least 15 out of 20, (75%) to pass.
What if I fail the test?
You will get six attempts to pass; with a compulsory 30 working day wait before the fourth test if you fail the first three tests.
Is there a cost?
Yes, there will be a fee. The indications are that this will need to be paid every time an applicant sits the test. The fee is yet to be determined.
Where will the tests be held?
Test locations have not yet been decided. However, it is likely they will be throughout New Zealand, and not just in the main centres.
Does everyone applying for citizenship by grant need to sit the test?
No, some applicants won’t need to sit they test. They include:
- Children under 16 years old
- People aged 65 or over
- People who have been granted a waiver of the English language requirement
- People who are not of full capacity
- People with severe medical conditions that would prevent them from completing the test
- People with unique circumstances that would prevent them from completing the test
- New Zealand citizens by descent applying for citizenship by grant
- People applying from overseas but meet the presence requirement (for example, live in the Cook Islands or work for the New Zealand Government).
Duncan Cotterill’s immigration team will continue to monitor any announcements about this new test. In the meantime, if you are seeking advice about applying for New Zealand citizenship or any other immigration related matter, then contact our immigration team.
Special thanks to Partner Nicola Tiffen, Special Counsel Nicky Robertson, and Law Graduate Benedict Sheehan or preparing this article.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
