All non-citizens in Australia must hold a visa. The Special Category Visa (SCV) was introduced for New Zealand citizens. New Zealand citizens arriving in Australia after 26 February 2001 are required to apply for and granted Australian permanent visas to access certain social security benefits. On 19 February 2016, the Australian Prime Minister announced a new pathway for Australian permanent residency for New Zealand SCV holders already in Australia, and thereafter leading to Australian Citizenship. This stream will be available as of 1 July 2017.

In order to be eligible for this new pathway, SCV holders should meet the following criteria:

    • Have resided in Australia for at least 5 years before applying for this visa
    • Shown commitment and contribution to Australia
    • Provide evidence of income tax returns of taxable income at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently at $53,900
    • Meet health, character and security checks
    • Demonstrate they were resident on the date of announcement

The Australian Government has estimated approximately 60,000 to 70,000 of SCV holders who have been living in Australia the past 5 years to be eligible for this visa pathway. The Minister also announced that there will be concessions on the Visa Application Charge (VAC), where applicants will only pay 20% of the VAC on lodgement of the application and the remainder will be payable before the grant of the visa. There will also be provisions for exemptions to the income test, which will be determined by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and the Minister for Social Services.

Special Category Visa (SCV)

New Zealand citizens are eligible for the Special Category Visa, provided they are not assessed as a behaviour or health concern by the Australian Government. This visa allows New Zealand citizens to enter and live in Australia as long as they remain New Zealand citizens. The visa is granted on arrival in Australia on presentation of a valid New Zealand passport and completed passenger card and remain valid until they exit Australia. Family members of SCV holders living in Australia, who are not New Zealand citizens, can obtain a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship temporary visa (subclass 461), valid up to 5 years.

Other pathways to permanent residency

In the meantime, SCV or subclass 461 visa holders who are ready to become Australian permanent residents, or those who may not meet the above criteria, there may be other pathways available to obtain permanent residency.
Please contact Forward Migration for an initial assessment to identify the various pathways which may be suitable for you, whether it is under employer sponsorship, skilled migration or family visa categories.