350k Kiwis fast tracked for Aussie citizenship

Sandy Boyce has been living in Australia for 15 years, and for almost ten of those has been fighting to become an Australian citizen.

The New Zealander made the move across the Tasman Sea in 2008 to join her husband, and – despite planning early on to only stay here a couple of years – soon fell in love with the country and set up a home in Perth.

Now, almost 60 years old and with a grandchild, she and her husband want a clear and direct pathway to citizenship so that they can reap the benefits of the taxes they have dutifully paid for so many years.

Changes in 2001 made it more difficult for Kiwis who move to Australia, like Ms Boyce, to attain citizenship.

Her wishes are set to be answered this weekend, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing New Zealanders living in Australia will have a direct pathway to Australian citizenship from July 1, 2023.

Mr Albanese will make the announcement on Saturday, coinciding with his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins’ visit to Australia.

Under the changes, all Special Category Visa holders will be able to directly apply for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first – provided they meet four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.

The changes will bring Australia’s treatment of New Zealanders in line with New Zealand’s treatment of Australians.

Ms Boyce said she and her husband had struggled immensely over the past decade trying to figure out the path to citizenship.

“I have no intention of going back to New Zealand, I just want to be a citizen here,” she told NCA NewsWire.

“I want to know I can become a citizen, I can stay here – get a pension, get a seniors card like everyone else.

“I’m not looking for the moon from the government – I would just like an easier path to citizenship.”

She said she had spent years trying to become a citizen, but was constantly passed around between departments and was never able to find answers.

“It’s just become too hard,” she said.

Mr Albanese said the change would further strengthen the long friendship between the two countries.

“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values, and common outlook,” he said.

“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.

“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”

Since February 2001, New Zealand citizens in Australia have been considered “non-protected” SCV holders, and have had restricted eligibility to social security benefits.

They have only been eligible to those benefits if they obtain citizenship after being granted permanent residency.