On Friday the 19th February, it was announced by the DIBP that New Zealand citizens residing in Australia for at least 5 years and earning a decent income will have a new and easy pathway to become Australian Permanent residents. This new visa is set to begin on the 1st July 2016.
This is seen as a major concession to New Zealanders (who arrived in Australia after 26th February 2001) who have struggle to find a pathway to Australian Citizenship.
New Zealand citizens have had access to Australia through the New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) which enables them to work and live here indefinitely but it does not given them access to social security such as unemployment or pension benefits. This new pathway will be a lifeline to SCV visa holders who are looking to remain in Australia for their lifetime.
The major components of this visa for the main applicant is expected to be as follows;
* Residence in Australia for 5 years,
* During these five years demonstrate employment at a minimum income level of $53,900,
* Arrived in Australia after the 26th February 2001 but before the 20th February 2016,
* Pass health and character checks
It is also expected that there will be a special concession from the basic income requirement for what will be classed as "vulnerable individuals". These details are still to be finalised.
There will be also be a consideration for those main applicants who have taken maternity leave from work during the 5 year period.
Costs
The visa is expected to cost $3600 for the applicant, $1800 for their partner and $900 for children. In a ground breaking concession, applicants will only have to
pay 20% of these costs upon application and the remainder before the visa is granted.
You can read the
DIBP news release here.