Australia and NZ are both touting a residency 'fast track' – but how fast are we talking?

Australia and NZ are both touting a residency 'fast track' – but how fast are we talking?
"Fast track" applicants often wait for over a year to get a visa - is it really a fast track? (Source: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Fast-tracked pathways to residency are a myth, but the process isn’t much better across the Tasman, says veteran immigration adviser Iain MacLeod.In May, the government announced a “green list” of highly skilled occupations that from September would be offered a “straight to residence” fast track, but MacLeod told BusinessDesk what they are really getting is a place in a very long queue.MacLeod pointed to the one-off 2021 residence visa which the government promised would be a fast track to residency but so far onl...

More Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'
Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'

Adam Feeley on the reluctance to call out poor performers in NZ infrastructure sector.

Oliver Lewis 30 Jun 2025
Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend
Policy

Infrastructure Plan floats higher health, electricity spend

Draft plan identifies priority projects and recommends transport system reform.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025
Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out
Policy

Infrastructure plan: 17 projects made it, 31 missed out

Rail, prison and ferry terminal projects excluded from infrastructure priority list.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025