New Zealanders to gain faster pathway to Australian citizenship under major changes to immigration rules
About 380,000 New Zealanders will gain the right to apply for Australian citizenship without becoming permanent residents first, under sweeping changes restoring reciprocity to the rights of expats of the two countries.
On Saturday the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, and immigration minister, Andrew Giles, will announce the changes ahead of a visit by New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins.
Before 2001, New Zealanders who came to Australia were automatically granted permanent residency but under changes by the Howard government new arrivals were placed on a special category visa.
This allowed New Zealanders to live and work in Australia indefinitely, but placed limits on their access to Medicare and welfare, and required them to apply for permanent residency before seeking citizenship.
Permanent visas such as the subclass 189 skilled independent visa were subject to medical and income tests, leaving some without a pathway to Australian citizenship.
From 1 July all special category visa holders will be able to apply directly for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first, as long as they meet a four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.
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There are currently 670,000 New Zealanders in Australia on special category visas, including about 380,000 who arrived after 2001 who are eligible for citizenship.
Albanese and former New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, first flagged changes in July, promising a faster pathway to citizenship and increased protections against deportation.
Hipkins will visit Australia over the weekend, including attending an Australian citizenship ceremony in Brisbane with Albanese on Sunday.
Albanese said that “Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook”.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the trans-Tasman travel arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship,” he said in a statement.
“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a special category visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”
O’Neil said the announcement “will mean the many people already living and working in our communities can enjoy the benefits of citizenship”.
“Anthony Albanese is ensuring the deep, strong connection between our two countries is reflected in how we treat Kiwis living in Australia.”
Giles said “it is only fair the opportunity to become an Australian citizen is made easier for our closest friends and allies”.
Before the announcement, Joanne Cox, the chair of Oz Kiwi, the peak body representing New Zealanders in Australia, said that New Zealanders were anticipating the “biggest change in trans-Tasman relations and the rights of New Zealanders in Australia since 2001”.
Cox told Guardian Australia they expected “a very positive change” restoring a “fair pathway” towards Australian citizenship.
Oliver Alderson is one New Zealander in Australia set to benefit from the change.
An air traffic controller who has lived in Australia since 2006, Alderson plans to live in Australia indefinitely with his wife and children.
But he told Guardian Australia under existing rules he faced thousands of dollars of visa application fees.
“It’s not been something I’ve done in the past,” Alderson said. “But if the costs are reduced and it would align with what you’d get going the other way, I’d be applying right away.”
Alderson said becoming a citizen has become “a more pressing issue” as citizenship will be required in future for his job as an air traffic controller.
“It gives peace of mind, and a bit more security about living here – it is my home really.”
An estimated 70,000 Australians live in New Zealand and are eligible to vote, receive unemployment benefits and work in public service and defence roles.
In July Albanese said Australia would consider giving voting rights to New Zealanders, an issue currently being examined by the joint standing committee on electoral matters as part of its inquiry into the 2022 election.