Introduction
Great news for New Zealand citizens living in Australia! On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens. These changes come into effect on 1 July 2023, and we at Migrate Home are here to help you understand the new requirements and navigate the application process.
New Pathways for Citizenship
From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been residing in Australia for at least four years on a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) can apply directly for Australian citizenship without needing to obtain a permanent visa first. Protected SCV holders remain eligible for direct citizenship applications.
To facilitate this change, the period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes will be backdated for long-term residents, allowing them to meet the 12-month permanent residence requirement under the general residence requirement.
Key Dates and Provisions
From 1 July 2023, all SCV holders will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. Those granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence backdated to 1 July 2022, while those granted an SCV for the first time on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered permanent residents from the date of their SCV grant. This applies to both New Zealand citizens in Australia and those overseas who held an SCV before their last departure.
Please note that these provisions will not apply to citizenship applications submitted before 1 July 2023.
Impact on Children Born to SCV Holders
The backdating of permanent residence will also affect children born to SCV holders. Any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth. From 1 July 2023, eligible children can apply for evidence of citizenship.
Different Pathways Available from 1 July 2023
Starting 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens have the option to either remain on the 444 SCV and allow their partners to stay temporarily via a 461 visa, or apply for citizenship and subsequently apply for a partner visa onshore or offshore to bring their family to Australia on a permanent resident pathway.
Book a Consultation with Migrate Home
To better understand these changes and assess your eligibility, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents. Our 40-minute consultations cost $99 and include a review of your eligibility. You can book your consultation online at www.migratehome.com.au/booking-portal.
If you choose to use Migrate Home to manage your citizenship application, the cost of the consultation can be deducted from our service fees.
Don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of these new pathways to Australian citizenship. Let Migrate Home help you make your dream of becoming an Australian citizen a reality!
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