Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) New Zealand Stream

Permanent Visa for New Zealand Citizens only

The Australian Government announced a new permanent visa pathway dedicated to certain New Zealand citizens who meet strict criteria. This pathway became available on 1st July 2017 and is still currently open.

This visa is a Skilled Independent Visa for Kiwis.

CRITERIA:

1. Must earn a taxable income $53,900 for four years immediately before lodging an application.
2. Usually resident in Australia on or before the 19th February for a continuous period of years prior to application.
3. Exemptions exist for certain applicants whose income have fallen below the $53,900 threshold due to prescribed circumstances such as approved parental or carers leave, parenting orders, receiving compensation for a work related injury.
4. Meet health and character checks.
5. Partners and dependant children may me able to be included as additional applicants in this type of application.
6. The main applicant must be the holder of a Special Category Visa, subclass TY444.
7. Hold a valid passport.
8. There are no age restrictions for the applicant to make this type of visa application.
9. There are no capped limits to how many of the permanent visas can be granted.
10. There are no points requirements as compared to the general Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa criteria.
11. Once the visa has been granted, then the earliest you may be able to apply for citizenship is 12 months. This is subject to meeting residency requirements.

*This visa can not be applied for by any kiwi how arrived to live in Australia from the 20th February 2016 onwards.