In addition, the Department is looking at changing some requirements for the visa so that Kiwis can access Permanent Residency more easily.
Find the details below.
What Happened Between the period of 10 December 2022 to 01 July 2023?
The Department of Home Affairs will focus on assessing the applications that have been in line for years during the period.
Besides, the Department of Home Affairs will consider future options for Kiwis residing in Australia. So, to avoid disappointment for prospective applicants, the Department decided to put the application on hold and will accept new applications once the new options are announced.
These options will be made to represent better the strong relationships between the two countries and the valuable contribution Kiwis make to Australia.
When will the Department Accept New Applications for the 189 Visa NZ Stream?
The Department of Home Affairs pauses new applications from 10 December 2022 until 01 July 2023. If you have met the requirements, you should be able to lodge a new application for the 189 Visa NZ stream from 02 July 2023at If I Submitted 189 Visa NZ Stream before 10 December 2022?
If you submit your 189 Visa New Zealand Stream before 10 December 2022, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application as usual.
You may also include your partners and children in your application while it is still in process.
Proposed New Requirements for 189 Visa NZ Stream
The Department of Home Affairs is looking to remove or ease the below requirements for the main applicant of the 189 Visa New Zealand stream:
- Be a resident in Australia continuously for at least 5 years before the date of application. The residency must be started before 19 February 2019;
- Meet minimum taxable income threshold in the last 3 years within 5 years of residence;
- Satisfy the relevant PIC relating to health requirement
The Department of Home Affairs might possibly remove the above-listed requirements or reduce them so that the processing time would be faster for Kiwis in Australia.
