Overview
Unlike most people from overseas, New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. As long as they are eligible, the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) will grant New Zealand citizens a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) (SCV) upon arrival.
The SCV does not limit how long a New Zealand citizen can stay in Australia. This is why many New Zealand citizens do not apply for a permanent visa. However, the SCV itself is a temporary visa. Therefore, if you are a New Zealand citizen who wants to stay in Australia permanently, then you can choose to apply for a permanent visa.
Not only you will able to stay in Australia permanently, but you are also able to access additional entitlements as a permanent resident.
With this visa, you can
• work and study anywhere in Australia
• sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
• if eligible, become an Australian citizen
So, how to apply for permanent residence in Australia if you are a New Zealand citizen?
Applying for permanent residence
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand) stream is one permanent visa option for New Zealand citizens.
You might be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa if you:
• hold an SCV
• have been living in Australia for 5 years
• started residency in Australia on or before 19 February 2016
• have a taxable income at or above an income threshold for all 4 income years before lodging an application (unless claiming an exemption)
• meet health, character and security checks
You would need to provide Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment (NOA) showing that you have earned annual taxable income at least equivalent to Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the last 5 financial years. Since 2013-2014, the TSMIT and has been AUD53,900.
However, you may be eligible for an income exemption if you:
• were required to stay in Australia due to a family court order
• were receiving compensation for an injury and payments would cease if you returned to New Zealand
• took maternity, paternity or carers leave during the 4 years
You can include your partner and dependents in your application.
The best thing from applying for subclass 189 visa with New Zealand stream is that there is no English language testing, skills assessment, points test, or sponsorship by an employer. Also, there is no age limit for New Zealand citizens who want to apply for permanent residency.
Cost
From AUD4,045, for the main applicant. The visa application charge is paid in two instalments (20% at the time of lodgement and 80% as a second instalment before we can grant the visa.)
Processing Time
• 75% of applications: 10 months
• 90% of applications: 27 months
Do you want to know more about the Permanent Residency for New Zealand citizens? Contact Pace Migration now and call us on 0434 123 123 for a quick chat or email us on [email protected] to book an appointment to have a consultation with our migration agent.
Thanks for reading!
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, legislation.gov.au
