The New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa has temporarily closed to new applications

The New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa has temporarily closed to new applications

Immigration have announced that the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa through the New Zealand stream has temporarily closed to new applications.

So no new application cannot be lodged from 10 December 2022 to 1 July 2023.The reason for this pause is so Immigration can have time to consider future migration and citizenship options for New Zealand citizens in Australia.

During this period, Immigration will try and complete the the majority lodged applications in the New Zealand stream.

This announcement is seen as good news for New Zealanders in Australia as visa criteria will be eased for them to be able to obtain permanent residency.

These changes include removing the requirement for the (189) New Zealand stream on-hand applicants to satisfy criteria relating to:

• a period of residence in Australia;
• the income threshold; and
• health, given the access New Zealand citizens already in Australia have to Medicare.
  
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If you would like Visa Makers to manage your visa application please contact Andrew McAuley (MARN: 1278335) on [email protected]