As of 10 December 2022, the Department of Home Affairs has stopped accepting new applications for the New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. This implies that from the period of 10 December 2022 to 1 July 2023, no new applications may be submitted for the New Zealand stream.
According to the media release, the Department noted that this is a temporary pause on new applications as the Australian Government considers future migration and citizenship pathways to Australia for New Zealand citizens.
Acknowledging the group of New Zealand citizens who have been long-term residents of Australia and assisting in its economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following requirement for New Zealand stream on-hand applicants have been removed:
- A period of residence in Australia;
- The income threshold; and
- Health, as the New Zealand citizens in Australia have access to Medicare.
A dedicated team has been established to focus on the processing of the majority of on-hand applications in the New Zealand stream from 10 December 2022 to 1 July 2023.
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