22-04-2023, 12:29 PM
From July this year - it can't have been that damn difficult if they've managed it this quickly. And it has to be said :"About bloody time, Australia."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politic...licy-shift
"Here's what you need to know
Oz Kiwi Association chairperson Joanne Cox, speaking before the announcement, said she expected to be “very happy” with the changes. Her advocacy group had been working closely with senior Labor Party figures to change the immigration rules for years.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politic...licy-shift
"Here's what you need to know
- [b]Rights come into effect on July 1, 2023.[/b]
- [b]Applies to Kiwis on temporary, special category, visas who have lived in Australia for four years, and meet the standard Australian citizenship criteria (e.g. pass a character check, adequate knowledge of Australia, a basic English competency, will continue to reside in or have a connection with Australia) and attend a citizenship ceremony.[/b]
- [b]Is retrospective. Those in Australia since 2001 will be able to apply directly for citizenship without gaining permanent residence first.[/b]
- [b]Is affordable (the fee is A$490).[/b]
- [b]Has no minimum income requirement or health requirement.[/b]
- [b]Gives Kiwis access to services and benefits, once they become citizens.[/b]
- [b]Allows Kiwi children born in Australia to become citizens at birth (rather than waiting till they turn 10, as they do now).[/b]
From July, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for four years on the current temporary, special category visa provided to all New Zealanders will be able to directly apply for citizenship, without first having to become a permanent resident.
Applicants will have to pass a character check and basic English test, demonstrate “adequate knowledge” of Australia, and pay a fee of A$490, or NZ$534.
The change largely unwinds a decision in 2001 that restricted New Zealanders’ access to citizenship and social service payments. Oz Kiwi Association chairperson Joanne Cox, speaking before the announcement, said she expected to be “very happy” with the changes. Her advocacy group had been working closely with senior Labor Party figures to change the immigration rules for years.
She said the 2001 changes to New Zealanders’ status had caused “immense hardship, disenfranchisement, disadvantage, just terrible, terrible things”.
“Everything's fine until it goes bad, and then it's too late.”
