New Zealand citizens have several pathways for obtaining an Australia PR.
Subclass 444 Special Category Visa
Citizens of New Zealand usually arrive in Australia through the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa. This category of visa permits them to reside in Australia for an indefinite period of time enjoying complete rights to work. It is however considered to be a provisional visa with certain limitations.
Kiwis residing in Australia prior to February 26, 2001
Citizens of New Zealand who were present in Australia before February 26, 2001, or had settled here prior to this date are considered to be ‘Qualified Citizen of New Zealand’. These individuals are entitled to the same rights that are enjoyed by permanent residents in Australia with respect to the ability to sponsor relatives, Citizenship of Australia and social security benefits.
New pathway for PR for Kiwis
From July 1, 2017, a new pathway for Australia PR will be available for the citizens of New Zealand. It will be applicable to the citizens of New Zealand who are residing and working in Australia for five years. It is an attractive PR option as it has diverse relaxations in terms of normal fee for the application, health and English language proficiency. It is however applicable to New Zealand citizens who were residing in Australia by November 26, 2016, as quoted by ACACIA AU.
Employer Sponsor category
It is a category of visa that is a permanent sponsored visa by the employer. It has diverse relaxations for citizens of New Zealand who are working in Australia. New Zealand citizens who are working in Australia through the sponsored jobs listed on the STSOL from past 24 months in the last 36 month period have a specific pathway for Australia PR. In this case, the applicants have relaxation in terms of assessment for skills that are applicable for ENS category and the normal age limitation.
General Skilled Immigration
Citizens of New Zealand can choose the program of General Skilled Immigration. It will require them to clear the assessment for skills, secure the minimum 60 masks and receive and Skill-select invitation.
Partner Immigration
Citizens of New Zealand who have a partner who is a Qualified New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident of Australia or citizen of Australia are eligible to be sponsored for a partner visa. It will lead to an Australia PR and is usually a process involving two stages over a span of 24 months.
Family members of New Zealand citizens
Subclass 461 Family Relation visas can be availed by the New Zealand citizens in Australia for their children and partners. To obtain this visa for their family members they must possess the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa or be qualified for Subclass 444 Special Category Visa on arriving in Australia. A subclass 461 visa is valid for five years offering complete travel and work permit and is renewable.
If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Visit, Invest or Work in Australia, contact Y-Axis, the world’s most trusted Immigration & Visa Consultant.