Immigration experts in Australia and NZ
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Expedited citizenship pathway for New Zealanders who hold Australian Permanent Residency

 

The Australian Government has made significant changes to Australia’s migration policies, including great benefits for New Zealanders living in Australia that will benefit from priority processing of Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa applications and the drop of certain visa requirements that you can read in our recent article here.

Adding to these changes, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced that from 1 January 2023, New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa holders who have previously held a Special Category (subclass 444) visa will have the commencement of their permanent residence period for Australian citizenship purposes backdated to 1 January 2022.

 

What are the benefits?

To meet the general residence requirement for Australian citizenship by conferral an applicant must be lawfully present in Australia for 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.

The backdating of permanent residence that has been announced means that, from 1 January 2023, New Zealanders that hold an Australian permanent residency are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship by conferral immediately following the visa grant, without needing to hold this visa for 12 months.

 

Does this change also apply to family members?

This benefit also applies to their New Zealand citizen family members who hold a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa and also affects children born in Australia to certain Special Category (subclass 444) visa holders.

Children born in Australia between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023, before the grant of their parentโ€™s New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, and where this visa was also granted between these dates, may retrospectively acquire Australian citizenship automatically by birth. Children who meet these circumstances can apply for evidence of citizenship.

 

For further information including your eligibility to apply to this visa pathway or to discuss the best option that suits your circumstance, please email aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation.

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you donโ€™t miss an update.
download

About Sleek

Sleek.com is your one-stop shop for everything back office related, from setting up your company to handling day-to-day accounting, taxes, ASIC/ATO compliance, payroll and more โ€“ all on a single platform.

We take a human-first approach, using technology to tackle the boring stuff so you can focus on building your business. Our expert team is always here to give you personalised advice, with in-house tax experts who can handle your big questions.

With a presence in Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, weโ€™ve gained the trust of over 450,000+ modern businesses, and are a team of 500 strong devoted to your success.

Free initial consultation with Sleek experts:

Get your free initial consultation with Sleek experts. Mention โ€˜Absolute Immigrationโ€™ and enjoy a free initial consultation and subsequent discounting.