According to the Department of Home Affairs there were 657,186 New Zealanders in Australia on a Special Category (SC) Visa subclass 444, as of 30 September 2020.
Nowak Migration in Noosa Junction prides itself on quality, hassle-free and efficient processes which allow them to be the agency of choice to help solve your visa issues.
SC 444 visa is being granted upon arrival to Australia and comes with work rights and no expiry date on how long they can stay.
However, this visa does not entitle its holder to many benefits available for Australian Citizens and Permanent residents.
Without being an Australian permanent resident or citizen, they are not allowed to apply for HECS-HELP loan or some social benefits from Centrelink, for example.
To become a permanent resident, it all depends on when they first arrived in Australia, how long they have been living here, work, family composition.
It is worth to note there are few Permanent Residency visas available just for New Zealanders.
Also, there are few ways to become an Australian citizen: Citizenship by Conferral is the one where most people could be eligible. However, applicants must be a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen when applying for citizenship. Another thing is a residency requirement – an applicant must have been:
a. living in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years;
b. a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen for the past 12 months;
c. away from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months;
d. New Zealand and Australia are allowing dual nationality, so having a NZ and Australian passport is possible.
Why would New Zealanders apply for Australian Permanent residency and / or Australian Citizenship? Some reasons are:
a. They would be allowed to include their kids, or partner who does not hold NZ or Australian passport as dependants;
b. There are some jobs in Australia which are reserved only for Australian citizens and permanent residents;
Charles Nowak is the MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) migration agent and has many years of experience working with visa services.
“At Nowak Migration, we have helped many New Zealanders get their PR and Citizenship in Australia,“ Mr Nowak said.
“Should you have any questions, we can assist you with the whole process.“
Feel free to call Nowak Migration on (07) 5405 9551 or pop in to the office at 12/28 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junction.
For more information visit www.nowakmigration.com.au or search NowakMigration on Facebook.
