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New Zealand to Require Citizenship Test for Migrants From 2027
Applicants will need 75% correct on a 20-question in-person test covering rights, voting and government structure, officials said.
- Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced on Wednesday that New Zealand citizenship applicants must pass an in-person, 20-question test beginning in the second half of 2027.
- Currently, applicants only sign a declaration of understanding; Van Velden said the test ensures migrants grasp the "responsibilities and privileges" of citizenship, including freedom of speech and equality before the law.
- Applicants must answer at least 75 percent of the English-language, multi-choice questions correctly, covering the Bill of Rights Act, voting rights, and government structure.
- ACT leader David Seymour claimed the announcement as a victory, stating, "Nearly a decade later, ACT has got it over the line," after arguing since 2016 that migrants deserve equal legal rights.
- The Department of Internal Affairs is developing the test and guidance materials to replace the existing simple declaration form, preparing applicants for the 2027 implementation.
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Changes coming to New Zealand citizenship test
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. File photo supplied Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced a test to strengthen New Zealand citizenship by the grant process will be introduced from late 2027. “Citizenship is a commitment to our shared responsibilities and privileges,” she says. “By ensuring applicants understand these responsibilities and privileges, we strengthen what it means to be a citizen of New Zealand…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 33%
C 50%
R 17%
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