A visa is your legal ticket and an approved document issued by a country you plan to visit, temporarily work in or make it a permanent stay. This is a detailed and long procedure, depending on a type of visa you’re seeking. This is why many neighboring countries have established special programs to ensure safe and easy commute of citizens between the two. For example, EU countries do not require visa program. Instead, EU citizens can visit different countries with a valid passport only. The same is true for Australia and New Zealand. These two neighbors have also established a special visa program, which allows their citizens to move between the countries without any problem.
Requirements
One of major requirements of Australian Government is that all non-Australian citizens must obtain visa in order to visit, work or live in Australia. Upon entering Australia, or to be more precise, at customs chekpoints, you need to show your New Zealand passport which is considered as if you have applied for Australian visa. However, there is no waiting period or additional documents required and you will automatically receive SCV – Special Category Visa. Your passport will be stamped, showing the arrival date in Australia. This is the only needed evidence which proves that you are a holder of SCV. As a New Zealand citizen and holder of SCV, it is not necessary to apply for a permanent Australian visa. The SCV allows every New Zealand citizen to work and live in Australia as long as they remain New Zealand citizen. If you, however, want to obtain Australian citizenship, you’ll need to apply for permanent Australian residence.
To be eligible for SCV you must be New Zealand citizen, have a valid passport and be in good health and without a criminal record. All New Zealand citizen must meet certain criteria. For example, in order to be eligible for an Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizens must be at least 18 years old and have a copy of their personal records issued by Ministry of Justice. In case you don’t understand something, you can always consult with migration agent Australia. An immigration agent Australia registered with the MARA – Migration Agents Registration Authority, can help you with everything and can give you answers to any questions. If you do not want to use the services of a registered migration Australian agent, you can always visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and get needed information from their site.
