Practice tip - NZ citizens – ENS concessions

New Zealanders who are not eligible for Australian citizenship on the basis that they were resident in Australia on or before 26 February 2001 or born here before 20 August 1986, must access the general visa program if they wish to seek permanent status in Australia for themselves and family members. However, there are some significant concessions for New Zealanders in that program. Under the Employer Nomination Scheme, for example, New Zealanders who have worked for their nominating employer in their nominated occupation as the holder of a Subclass 444 visa for two of the three years before applying, are exempt from the requirements to provide a skills assessment and to be under 50 at the time of application. They are also considered to meet the English language proficiency requirement on the basis of their passport.