Citizenship query
 

Hello to all in NZ forum. Just wanted to verify something with you, an easy question I hope..

In Australia, time spent on say a WHV would count towards the 4 years required for citizenship, the applicant only needs to have spent the last 12 months as a permanent resident. I believe this is not the case in NZ and the full 5 years would need to be as permanent resident. Is that correct?

Re: Citizenship query
 

yes

Re: Citizenship query
 

Thank you, I do like a nice concise response.
:)

Re: Citizenship query
 

Woh! Not strictly true.

To claim citizenship in NZ a person has to complete 5 years as a Resident to qualify......not a Permanent Resident.
These are two different visas and both count towards citizenship.

Normally a person will come over to NZ first as a Resident (the visa that allows a person to remain here permanently but with the 2 year travel condition), then after 2 years they would apply for permanent residency whilst in NZ which should be a formality. Then after another 3 years as a permanent resident they would be eligible for citizenship.

You don't have to apply for permanent residency to be eligible for citizenship. One could remain here on a resident visa for 5 years and then be eligible for citizenship.

Regards,

Re: Citizenship query
 

Ooh ok. We don't have the concept of resident and then permanent resident in Australia. Is somebody who applies as a regular skilled migrant a resident or a permanent resident?

Is there a third status? Would somebody on say working holiday just be "non resident"?

Re: Citizenship query
 

I was answering on WHV :D

Re: Citizenship query
 

Err, there is no difference between a resident and a permanent resident in NZ. If you have either a Resident Visa with travel conditions or a Permanent Resident Visa[PRV] then you are a permanent resident. You have the right to remain in NZ indefinitely.

The PRV refers to travel conditions only. There is no difference in status within NZ.

So someone who applies for residency either via partnership, as a Skilled Migrant or via Residence from Work is a permanent resident right from the start. Any other visas-work, WHV, study etc-do not give you residency at all and MrsF got it right, time on these visas cannot be used to gain citizenship.

The previous terminology where we had two year and indefinite returning resident visas is starting to look like it was less confusing:ohmy:

Re: Citizenship query
 

I agree.

Someone on a working holiday visa is on a temporary visa & is not NZ resident.

Have a read HERE BermudaShorts ...and welcome to our wee NZ forum. :)



* travel conditions attached
** no travel conditions attached

Re: Citizenship query
 

Thank you everyone. :)