New Zealand Nationals to be Eligible for New Permanent Residence Visa Category
February 23, 2016
On or after July 1, 2017, eligible New Zealand nationals currently in Australia holding a Special Category Visa will be eligible to apply for permanent residence under a new stream in the Skilled Independent visa category.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifying factors include the following criteria:
- Presence in Australia on or prior to February 19, 2016 as a Special Category Visa holder;
- Residence in Australia for at least five years immediately prior to visa application;
- Income for the last five years that meets or exceeds the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, currently set at AUD 53,900 (limited exemptions apply); and
- Meeting mandatory health, character and security checks.
It is expected that approximately 60,000 - 70,000 New Zealand nationals currently in Australia under the Special Category Visa will be eligible for the new visa category.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Eligible New Zealand nationals should benefit from an additional pathway to permanent residence which, if granted, would also provide a route to citizenship. Interested applicants should contact their immigration professional to discuss application guidelines and income exemptions.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
MARN: 0004980
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Awards
Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Awards
Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.