//Foreword//
Last week, the Australian government suddenly announced that
temporarily closed the application for New Zealand visa category.
However, on the official website of the Australian Immigration Bureau,
announced the optimization of backlog visas.
#01:
189 visa New Zealand category temporarily closed,
approval optimization measures announced
Australian government announced that applications for New Zealand visa category will be suspended from December 10 for six months.
Australia's Ministry of Home Affairs said that the 189 independent skilled immigration New Zealand category will stop accepting new applications from December 10, and will be restored on July 1 next year.
This allows eligible New Zealand citizens to live, study and work permanently in Australia.
Image source: Australian Immigration Bureau
Australian Immigration Bureau official website shows that when the government considers the future immigration and naturalization channels of New Zealand citizens in Australia, new applications will be temporarily suspended, reflecting the close ties between Australia and New Zealand. The announcement of
also pointed out that due to the limited number of places allocated to this group in recent years, most New Zealand category applicants have to wait several years to complete their visa application.
so during the period when the visa is temporarily closed, Australia Immigration Bureau will start processing the current backlog of applications and stated that a special team has been established to give priority to these applications.
In addition, Australian Immigration Bureau will also streamline the application process and remove some requirements. Includes :
- Residence in Australia (residence in Australia for at least 5 consecutive years before the application date and residency before February 19, 2016);
- Income threshold (reaching the taxable income threshold for three income years within five years immediately before the application date, including the income year that ends most recently before the application date, or exemptions such as caring for children who will remain in Australia);
- New Zealand citizens living in Australia must purchase Medicare health insurance (meeting the Public Interest Standard for Health-related Public Interest (PIC) 4007).
Image source: Australian Immigration Bureau
However, after December 10, 2022, the partner and children of the applicant can still be added to the New Zealand category application submitted before December 10, 2022.
After the application conditions are optimized, New Zealand-class visa holders issued under the 2022-23 immigration plan will be able to obtain permanent residence faster, especially if they have the right to directly join the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme, and their Australian-born children can automatically obtain Australian citizenship at birth.
#02:
Australia will optimize visa applications,
is expected to be announced on Anhui New Zealand Army Day
A spokesperson for Australian Home Minister Clare O'Neil pointed out in a statement that the changes "are to recognize the unique and lasting close relationship between Australia and New Zealand."
"
As Prime Minister Albanese pointed out in July, the Australian government is looking at how to improve the access to residence and citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia.
During this period, we will process existing applicants for the 189 visa and suspend any further applications to avoid disappointment.
"
Image source: ABC News
Previously, the Australian Home Minister also admitted that Australia treats New Zealanders as second-class citizens.
She said
"
This is something that has bothered me for a long time, and I know, and also troubled our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. I think the tone of our relationship between the two countries has really changed, which is largely based on the truly deep and sincere friendship between our Prime Ministers.
So we are now thinking about what we can do to make it fairer because the fact is that Australians in New Zealand are treated very differently than New Zealanders in Australia, and that is the problem the government wants to solve.
”
Just five months ago, Australia announced that it would implement major reforms to make it easier for New Zealanders to become Australian citizens and get "more and more consistent rights".
It is reported that the adjustment of the visa application is under review and is expected to be on 2023 Anzac Day (ANZAC) Day) officially announced .
last
It can be seen that the temporary closure of the New Zealand category visa this time is not bad news. In the future, it will be easier for New Zealanders to immigrate to Australia.
The current optimization process can also be used as a reference. That is to say, in the future, New Zealanders may continue to omit these requirements.
However, how the specific policies will be adjusted will still be announced before the Australian government will announce it.
