Am Loolah

I know BORING - been asked before, BUT, out of idle interest?

Hubby NZ citizen, 4 kids, citizens by descent, little old me, has PR in NZ ... can we go to Oz? What do we/I need to get in?

Thanking you muchly.

Buzzy--Bee

Yes you can go to Oz!!!

Hubby and kids get a visa called TR444 at the border, no application needed. You will need to apply for a visa called TR461. I am in Australia on that visa. It is not related to your NZ PR, which counts for nothing.

If you do a search on the immigration forum (to where I have moved this thread) on TR461 you will find a lot of info.

Please ask me if you need any help with your application.

Oh.... and it's great in Oz!

Buzzy

JAJ

461 is not a good visa to live on long term. If either spouse has a chance of permanent residence through points tested, state nominated or employer nominated, this should be taken.

Even the 444 visa for New Zealanders has some issues long term, but it's much better than the 461. Those with PR in New Zealand should consider becoming NZ citizens first, if possible.

And before leaving NZ, the children's NZ citizenship by descent should be "upgraded" to grant of NZ citizenship (naturalisation). This is to protect the future status of the next generation. The residence requirement does not apply to children under 16.

Buzzy--Bee

Agreed, but it's a great start when you have no other options. Plus you can pick up extra points for PR along the way eg for 1 years Oz work experience.

Question, JAJ - does time spent in Oz under TR444/461 count towards the 4 years required for citizenship, assuming PR is awarded in the meantime?

Thanks

Buzzy

JAJ

Quite, and employer nomination is more accessible too. But a plan to get PR is essential.

Up to 3 years can be counted.

Buzzy--Bee

Thanks JAJ

Buzzy

ex_exile

I'm told that NZ citizenship requests are taking 8-9 months to be approved at the moment and you have to (well, you are supposed to and they can tell if you are not and may stop processing you request until you return) be present in NZ during the time it is being processed.

JAJ

What's 8 or 9 months in the context of your whole life?

Applicants for New Zealand citizenship are generally expected to intend to live in NZ. Obviously, since you can't prove an intention or otherwise, the Citizenship Office generally look at where people are established and in the absence of any definite declaration to the contrary, will assume they plan to remain.

Bottom line is that you need to stay living in NZ until sworn in, and only make plans to leave afterwards - ie, not before. But once you're a citizen you can leave for as long as you like.

The point regarding "upgrading" the citizenship of NZ by descent children is really not well understood. To the cost of many who find out that the next generation, if born in Australia, the UK or elsewhere, won't be eligible for NZ citizenship as a result,

ex_exile

Very little unless you have already comitted to being somewhere before that, I added the this for the benefit of the original poster so that she has all information at hand on which to base her decision.

JAJ, additional relevant information can be provided by other people you know, but you seem to get very defensive whenever someone else contributes can you tell me why this is?