In July 2022, the Australian government announced that it would be reviewing the rights of Kiwis in Australia and that by Anzac Day 2023, there would be new options to make it easier for Kiwis to get citizenship. This is a reflection of the close relationship between the two countries, and the value that Kiwis in Australia provide to the community.
Needless to say, we are excited about what these changes will look like!
Changes to date
It is assuring to see that changes are already being made by the Government which benefit Kiwis.
These are:
- Pausing new applications to the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) New Zealand stream from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023. While this might not seem like a benefit – read on.
- During this period, a taskforce has been established to prioritise finalising applications already lodged as the majority of applicants have been waiting several years for their applications to be finalised.
- Streamline processing of those applications include removing the requirement to satisfy criteria relating to a period of residence in Australia, the income threshold and health criteria.
- From 1 January 2023, anyone who is granted a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) New Zealand stream from 1 January 2022 can apply for citizenship without having to hold the visa for 12 months first (which is normally required).
- Children born in Australia between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023 before the grant of their parent’s subclass 189 visa can apply for citizenship.
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