On the 19th Feb 2016, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met with New Zealand Prime Minister Jon Key to acknowledge the special relationship between nations and announced a streamlined process to Australian citizenship.
Eligible New Zealanders who have been residing in Australia for 5 years (or more) will be eligible to apply for the Special Category Visa (SCV), becoming available as of July 1st 2017. This visa will give New Zealanders a permanent Australian residence status which enables them to apply for Australian citizenship.
Australians and New Zealanders have always shared a strong history and bond, which have made the barriers to entry very simple. However, the same did not apply to permanency in the rights of some New Zealanders who arrived post 26 February 2001. The recently announced pathway will open the door to a whole new world of exciting opportunities for Kiwis.
Obviously there are a few other pathway requirements, in addition to 5 year Australian residency, that you must meet in order to become eligible:
- Contribution to Australia during residence through income tax returns (Notice of Assessment) at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- Compulsory security, health and character tests.
If you are one of the 60,000 – 70,000 post 2001 SCV holders who are expected to be eligible for this pathway, please contact Hunt Migration today and speak to one of our qualified Immigration Consultants for more information.
Alternatively, we will be holding three information evenings during May where we will provide you with up-to-date information and assist you with obtaining your residence quickly, cheaply and without all the hassles:
- Brisbane – May 17th 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- Sydney – May 24th 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- Melbourne – May 31st 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Register your interest to any of these events by clicking here.
Inna Feldmann
National Operations Manager
