F7.5 Citizenship procedure

1. The Department of Internal Affairs administers the Citizenship Act 1977 and determines whether or not an adopted child has a claim to New Zealand citizenship.
2. Adoptive parents who are New Zealand citizens must apply to the appropriate overseas post or to the Department of Internal Affairs to determine the citizenship of the child.
3. The process of determining citizenship involves establishing whether or not the adoption meets the requirements under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955, and the process can be both complex and lengthy.

F7.5.1 Immigration requirements for adopted children

1. Children adopted overseas or in New Zealand must meet immigration requirements unless, and until, their New Zealand citizenship is established.
2. Evidence of New Zealand citizenship should be supplied to INZ if a child on a temporary visa in New Zealand is granted citizenship.

Effective 29/11/2010