New Zealand Citizenship to Australian Citizenship | New Zealand Citizenship to Australian Citizenship: Four Important Dates

There are multiple pathways to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens. Four important dates mark significant changes to these pathways:

Time point 1: September 1, 1994

• New Zealand citizens who came to live in Australia before this date automatically received a permanent residence visa (PR).
• If you once had but lost this type of PR, you can still regain PR through a Returning Resident Visa (RRV).
• RRV application requirements: no vocational test, English, physical examination, or age requirements.

Time point 2: February 26, 2001: Protected SCV visa

• New Zealand citizens who were in Australia on this date, or who were not in Australia but had lived in Australia for one year in the previous two years and returned to Australia since then, can obtain a protected Special Category Visa (SCV).
• You can become a citizen after meeting the requirements.
• Protected SCV visa holders enjoy PR treatment.

Time point 3: February 19, 2016: 189 Special channel for skilled immigrants to New Zealand

• Effective from July 1, 2017.
• Only New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia on or before February 19, 2016 are eligible to apply.
• Lived in Australia for the past five years, had an income above the minimum threshold ($539,000) for four years, and met mandatory health, character and security check requirements.
• New applications will be stopped from July 1, 2023. Already applied will be refunded and you can become a citizen through the new policy in 2023.

Time point 4: July 1, 2022: Direct naturalization

For regular SCV visa holders:

• Effective July 1, 2023.
• The time you have lived in Australia from July 1, 2022 will be counted as PR's effective residence time.
• No PR treatment will be enjoyed during the holding period.
• If other conditions are met, you can obtain naturalization directly.

For protected SCV visa holders:

• Not subject to the above start time restrictions.
• Enjoy PR treatment during the holding period.
• According to the naturalization and residence requirements for ordinary PR, you can become a citizen if you meet the requirements.

These dates and associated policies provide New Zealand citizens with a number of pathways to Australian citizenship. Understanding these pathways and requirements is essential in planning for the future.

转载请注明：Australian Chinese Encyclopedia AU6001.COM » New Zealand Citizenship to Australian Citizenship | New Zealand Citizenship to Australian Citizenship: Four Important Dates