What are the benefits of becoming an Australian Permanent Resident?

Kiwis holding a Special Category Visa subclass 444 may be eligible for Permanent Residence.

Contrary to popular belief, New Zealand Citizens who arrive in Australia must hold a visa. New Zealand citizens who meet basic criteria on each entry to Australia are eligible for an automatically-granted visa on arrival. This is thanks to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA) between Australia and New Zealand.

On each arrival in Australia, New Zealand passport holders must complete an incoming passenger card and meet certain health and character criteria in order to be automatically granted a Special Category Visa subclass 444. Unless you are, by definition, an Eligible New Zealand Citizen (as defined), the Special Category Visa (SCV) is a temporary Australian visa only and the holder is a temporary Australian resident only.

With benefits such as full work rights, Medicare and paid parental leave afforded to Kiwi’s crossing the ditch, it leaves a lot of New Zealand Citizens wondering…

What are the benefits of becoming an Australian permanent resident?

Australian Citizen children

Children born in Australia to at least one permanent resident parent automatically become Australian Citizens.

Sponsoring parents or partner

Once you are a permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor applications for your parents or spouse/de facto partner.

As the holder of a SCV 444, how do I become a Permanent Resident?

New Zealand citizens holding a SCV 444 may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 in the New Zealand Stream. This is a permanent visa specifically for New Zealand citizens who meet certain criteria. It does not require the applicant to find an employer sponsor or have an occupation on a relevant list. There is also no age limit to apply for this visa.

SCV 444 holders may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa if they started living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016, usually resided here for at least the last 5 years and have met the following income thresholds (certain exceptions apply) for each of the 4 income years prior to applying.

The main applicant must have lodged their tax returns for each income year and received their Notice of Assessment from the Australian Tax Office, evidencing taxable income of at least the stated amounts in each respective income year.

You can include family members in your application (partner and children). Onshore secondary applicants must be the holders of a substantive visa, Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B or Bridging Visa C. This means that spouse and de facto partners, and children, who are not New Zealand citizens are able to apply for this visa on the basis of their relationship with the primary applicant.

Each applicant must satisfy standard health and character requirements and must not have had a
previous visa cancelled or refused.

Applicants granted the visa will have full work rights and all the benefits of a permanent resident outlined above.

Cost:

• Main applicant = $3,750.00
• Secondary applicant over 18 = $1,875.00
• Secondary applicant under 18 = $945.00

The visa application charges are paid in instalments. At the time of applying, 20% of the total cost is payable. On satisfaction of the criteria, the remaining 80% of the total cost is payable. Credit card surcharges apply.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only about the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 (New Zealand Stream) and the benefits of being a permanent resident. This information should not be intended to substitute for migration advice specific to your individual circumstances.

Hawk Migration is a migration agency specialising in permanent visa applications. We encourage you to explore your eligibility for permanent residence with us. Please contact us on info@hawkmigration.com.au in order to make further inquiries into the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 (New Zealand Stream), or to explore other visa options which may be available to you.

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