Are you a New Zealander seeking Australian permanent residency? The Government has recently approved legislative amendments to allow skilled New Zealanders to more easily access permanent residency through a separate ‘New Zealand stream’ for the Subclass 189 visa from 1 July 2017.
Under the new stream, New Zealanders will have less eligibility requirements for a subclass 189 visa compared to other streams for that visa, allowing for an easier pathway to permanent residency.
Here’s 4 things you need to know about the new stream:
- Usually applicants for the 189 visa need to meet stringent health requirements, however New Zealanders will be eligible for a health waiver under certain circumstances.
- You won’t be restricted by your age. From 1 July 2017, the maximum age to apply for a 189 visa is 45 years old, however the new age limit will not apply to the ‘New Zealand’ stream.
- You won’t have to meet the English language requirements. 189 visa applicants usually need to meet ‘competent’ English language requirements but given that New Zealand is considered a native English-speaking country, this restriction does not apply to the new stream.
- The primary visa applicant will be required to show their income during the past 5 tax years as shown below:
- 2012/13 : $51,0000
- 2013/14: $53,900
- 2014/15: $53,900
- 2015/16: $53,900
- 2016/17: $53,900
An added benefit for New Zealanders is that they won’t need to wait four years as an Australian permanent resident before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.
Find out more about Australian skilled work visas here or to understand if you are eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, we encourage you to get in touch Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents for a visa assessment. You can also contact [email protected] or call to speak to us on +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858).
Source:
Interstaff
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
