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

Govt to toll three new highways
Policy

Govt to toll three new highways

The Transport Minister has unveiled reforms to support more toll roads.

Oliver Lewis 13 Dec 2024
Kiwibank won't bring banking Revolut-ion
Finance

Kiwibank won't bring banking Revolut-ion

Forget Kiwibank. Revolut is the force big banks will have to reckon with, expert says.

ACC under review as levies rise
Policy

ACC under review as levies rise

The review aims to speed up rehabilitation times.

Jem Traylen 12 Dec 2024
Arise Winston, minister of railways
Policy Analysis

Arise Winston, minister of railways

The NZ First leader has regained ministerial oversight over KiwiRail.

Oliver Lewis 12 Dec 2024