New Zealanders flock to Australia

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Created on Friday, 19 July 2013 15:18

Written by Editorial staff

According to Statistics New Zealand, a total of 1,600 people migrated from The Land of the Long White Cloud to Australia in June 2013.

While this isn't anywhere near the record-high 3,600 that crossed the proverbial ditch in September 2011, it's still a pretty substantial number.

That's because coming to Australia is relatively easy if you're a Kiwi. And it's even easier if you've got one or two migration agents in your corner.

Since 1994, states the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), all non-citizens have been required to hold a visa to step on Australian soil.

The citizens of New Zealand are no exception to this rule; however, a special visa - by name and nature - was introduced that same year just for them.

It's called the Special Category Visa, or SCV, and allows Kiwis to stay in Australia temporarily.

If you want to enter Australia and you come from New Zealand, you'll have to present a valid New Zealand passport and an incoming passenger card in order to gain immigration clearance.

By doing this, the DIAC will consider you as having applied for a visa and - provided your health and character are up to the required standards - you will be granted an SCV.

And what, exactly, are these health and character standards? Well, that's something one of Australia's registered migration agents can tell you a little more about.

The DIAC does, however, make special mention of New Zealanders who are suffering from tuberculosis or have any criminal convictions that resulted in imprisonment or a suspended sentence.

If you fall under any of these categories, the DIAC recommends you get in contact with an Australian immigration office and discuss your options before travelling to Australia.

The SCV is an electronically recorded visa, though your passport may be stamped on the day you arrive in Australia. If you use SmartGate, an automated border processing system, at the airport, this will advise you that you have been granted a visa.

A number of changes were made to the travel arrangements between Australia and New Zealand in 2001 - some of which prevented Kiwi actor Russell Crowe from becoming a citizen of Australia.

All migration agents in Australia can go through these changes with you and let you know how they might affect your travel plans.