Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - New Zealand Stream

The New Zealand stream provides a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency for New Zealand citizens who have established themselves in Australia. This stream recognizes the special relationship between Australia and New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.

Understanding the Pathway

New Zealand citizens automatically receive a Special Category Visa (SCV - subclass 444) upon arrival in Australia, allowing them to live and work indefinitely. However, the SCV is a temporary visa that doesn’t lead to citizenship or provide full social security access. The 189 New Zealand stream bridges this gap, offering full permanent residency.

Key Advantages

• No competition: Direct application without points or invitation rounds
• Simple requirements: Income and residence thresholds only
• No English test: NZ citizens automatically meet English requirements
• Family inclusion: Partner and children on single application
• Full benefits: Access to all permanent resident entitlements

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidates:

• New Zealand citizens living in Australia 5+ years
• Steady employment meeting income threshold
• Families seeking permanent settlement
• Those wanting Australian citizenship pathway
• NZ citizens seeking full social security access

Primary Requirements

To be eligible for the New Zealand stream, you must meet ALL of the following:

1. Be a New Zealand citizen (not just permanent resident)
2. Hold a Special Category Visa (444) at time of application
3. Meet residence requirement:
   • Usually resident in Australia for at least 5 years
   • Started residing before specific cutoff dates apply
4. Meet income requirement:
   • Taxable income at or above threshold for 5 years
   • Current threshold: $53,900 per year (2024-25)

Residence Requirement Details

5 Years of Residence:

• Must have been “usually resident” for 5 continuous years
• Short trips overseas are acceptable
• Extended absences may affect eligibility
• Calculated immediately before application

Demonstrating Residence:

• Tax returns showing Australian tax residency
• Employment records
• Property rental/ownership
• Children’s school enrollment
• Medicare records
• Driver’s license history

Income Requirement Details

Meeting the Threshold:

• Must meet Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
• Current threshold: $53,900 (indexed annually on 1 July)
• Must be met for each of the 5 years
• Can combine multiple income sources

Acceptable Income: ✅ Employment income (salary/wages) ✅ Business income ✅ Investment income ✅ Rental income ❌ Centrelink payments ❌ One-off windfalls ❌ Non-taxable income

Special Circumstances

If you don’t meet standard requirements:

Option 1: Protected SCV Holder

• Arrived in Australia before 27 February 2001
• Spent at least 12 months in Australia in the 2 years before 27 Feb 2001
• Different pathway with relaxed requirements

Option 2: Family Violence Provisions

• Experienced family violence from Australian partner
• May be eligible despite not meeting all requirements
• Special provisions apply

Health & Character

Standard requirements apply:

• Health examinations if requested
• Police clearances from all countries
• No substantial criminal record
• No outstanding debts to Australian government

Income Threshold Strategies

Meeting the $53,900 Requirement:

1. Combine All Income Sources

   • Primary employment
   • Secondary jobs
   • Investment returns
   • Rental income
   • Business income

2. Understanding Taxable Income

   • Use taxable income from tax return
   • Not gross salary before deductions
   • Salary sacrifice reduces taxable income
   • Plan accordingly if close to threshold

3. Timing Your Application

   • Threshold increases each July 1st
   • Apply before increase if borderline
   • Ensure all 5 years meet requirement at lodgement

Documentation Best Practices

Income Documentation:

• Request ATO tax transcripts online
• Keep all group certificates/payment summaries
• Maintain employment contract records
• Document any income changes

Residence Documentation:

• Request travel records early (can take weeks)
• Create timeline of addresses
• Keep utility bills and bank statements
• School records for children strengthen case

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Counting non-taxable income - Only ATO-assessed income counts ❌ Gaps in residence evidence - Document entire 5-year period ❌ Forgetting family members - Include all dependents initially ❌ Old police clearances - Must be less than 12 months old ❌ Incorrect stream selection - Ensure selecting NZ stream, not Points Tested

Special Considerations

For Protected SCV Holders:

• Different requirements apply
• May not need to meet income threshold
• Shorter residence period possible
• Check specific eligibility

Family Applications:

• Partner doesn’t need to be NZ citizen
• Children must be under 23 (or dependent)
• All family members need health/character checks
• Single application covers whole family

Comparison with Other Options

After Grant Considerations

Immediate Actions:

1. Update Medicare to permanent resident
2. Notify employer of PR status
3. Update myGov details
4. Apply for RRV before first travel

Long-term Benefits:

• Citizenship eligibility after 12 months as PR
• Full social security access
• Student loans for children
• First home buyer eligibility
• No travel restrictions with RRV

Alternative Pathways

If you don’t meet NZ stream requirements:

1. Wait until eligible - If close to 5 years or income threshold
2. Points Tested stream - If under 45 with skills assessment
3. Partner visa - If partner is Australian citizen/PR
4. Employer sponsorship - 186/494 visa options
5. State nomination - 190/491 if occupation in demand