Subclass 189 NZ Stream Temporarily Closed

The Australian Government has temporarily closed the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa (New Zealand Stream only) for new applications from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023. The Department of Home Affairs has established a taskforce to prioritise the processing of on-hand applications, many of whom have been waiting a number of years to have their application finalised. The Department aims to have the majority of those on-hand applications finalised by mid-2023. To facilitate priority processing of these applications, the Department has removed the requirement for all primary applicants of on-hand applications in the New Zealand stream to:

• Be resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 5 years immediately prior to the date of application and that residence began prior to 19 February 2016

• Meet the taxable income threshold in three of the five years immediately prior to application

• Satisfy health requirements (this also applies to all family members included in the application
  

The Australian Government has advised that although new subclass 189 visa applications in the New Zealand stream cannot currently be lodged, it is considering future options for New Zealand citizens in Australia which it says will more appropriately reflect the close ties the two nations have. If you are a New Zealand citizen looking to obtain permanent residency in Australia, contact one of our Registered Migration Agents for a personalised assessment of your visa options.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.