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Introduction: 

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) under the New Zealand stream offers eligible New Zealand citizens an opportunity to permanently reside and work in Australia. This visa is planned for persons who have revealed a strong commitment to and made significant contributions to Australia.

Key Features:

  • Permanent Residence: Grants permanent residency status in Australia.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Specifically tailored for New Zealand citizens meeting defined contribution and commitment benchmarks.
  • Work Privileges: Allows recipients to work and live anywhere in Australia.

Benefits:

  • Flexibility: Freedom to choose where to live and work in Australia.
  • Permanent Status: Provides security with permanent residency rights.
  • No Sponsorship Required: Independent pathway without needing employer sponsorship.

Application Process:

  1. Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of eligibility against specified criteria.
  2. Documentation: Submission of required documents to support claims.
  3. Decision: Notification of visa approval and next steps.

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - New Zealand stream is an ideal pathway for eligible New Zealand citizens seeking permanent residency in Australia, reflecting their commitment and contributions to the nation.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - New Zealand Stream

Overview: 

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - New Zealand stream offers extensive benefits to eligible applicants, providing pathways to live and work in Australia permanently. Here’s what you can expect with this visa:

  • Stay Indefinitely: Enjoy the privilege of residing in Australia for an indefinite period.
  • Work and Study Rights: Freedom to work and pursue education opportunities in Australia.
  • Healthcare Access: Enrolment in Australia's Medicare public health care scheme for comprehensive healthcare coverage.
  • Family Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor your relatives to join you in Australia.
  • Travel Flexibility: Journey to and from Australia as frequently as you like for up to 5 years from the visa grant date.
  • Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting requirements.
  • Financial Considerations: New residents may face initial waiting periods for certain Australian Government payments and benefits.
  • Duration of Stay: This visa is permanent, allowing indefinite residence in Australia. It comprises a travel constituent effective for 5 years from the visa grant date.
  • Including Family: You can include your family members in your visa application:
    • Include them at the time of lodging your application.
    • Add them after lodging but before a decision is made. Family associates must fulfill health and character standards.
  • Cost: The visa application fee is AUD 4,240 for the main applicant. Extra charges are applicable for family associates.
  • Payment Structure: Visa fees are divided into two installments: 
    • 20% at lodgment 
    • and the remaining 80% before visa grant.
  • Application Requirements: You must apply from within Australia while holding a Subclass 444 visa. Family members can apply from within or outside Australia, provided they hold a valid visa.
  • Processing Times: Visa processing times vary based on individual circumstances, such as completeness of application and response times to requests for information.
  • Obligations: You and your family members must comply with all Australian laws during your stay.
  • Travel Privileges: Enjoy multiple entries into and exits from Australia for 5 years. Afterward, a Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) is obligatory for re-entry as a permanent resident.
  • Visa Label: Your visa will be electronically linked to your passport, removing the requirement for a physical label.

This visa pathway provides a robust opportunity for New Zealand citizens to establish long-term residency in Australia, supporting their integration and contributions to Australian society.

New Changes to Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - New Zealand Stream

Closure of New Applications: 

Effective from 1 July 2023, the New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa has permanently ceased accepting new applications from primary applicants. This closure supports a new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens. Submissions of applications already in progress will continue to be treated by the Department of Home Affairs.

Withdrawal Options:

 New Zealanders with pending applications in the New Zealand stream, where family members hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444), may opt to withdraw their application. They can instead consider applying for Australian citizenship through the direct pathway. This option may offer cost benefits compared to completing the second Visa Application Charge required for a New Zealand stream visa.

Considerations for Applicants: 

Before deciding on the next steps, applicants should evaluate:

  • Their unique circumstances.
  • The advantages of permanent residency versus citizenship.
  • Timeframes associated with citizenship processing, during which they would remain temporary residents.

Citizenship Benefits:

New Zealand citizens obtaining Australian citizenship via the new pathway can explore visa options to sponsor their family members. Possible visa choices include Partner and Child visas, detailed on the Department’s website.

Applications Before December 2022: 

Applications lodged in the New Zealand stream before 10 December 2022 will continue to be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Partners and children can still be added to these applications.

Withdrawal Process: 

Applicants wishing to withdraw their New Zealand stream visa application can do so through their ImmiAccount. It's important to note that the first instalment Visa Application Charges paid will not be refunded.

Refund Policy:

 Once granted, refunds of the Visa Application Charge are not available for New Zealand citizens who have received a New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, including their family members who are also New Zealand citizens.

These changes reflect the Australian government's adjustments to visa policies aimed at facilitating citizenship pathways while managing application processing.

Step-by-Step Procedure After Applying for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Step 1: Application Confirmation

After submitting your application, understand what actions are required and what you can expect:

  • Application Acknowledgement: You'll receive confirmation once we've received your application.
  • Additional Requirements: There may be additional steps or information needed from you.
  • Status Updates: We provide updates beyond standard processing times. Check ImmiAccount for any data requests.
  • Travel Considerations: While your application is processed, you can travel outside Australia without notifying us if you're currently in the country. Ensure your return visa is valid using VEVO.
  • Health and Biometrics: If necessary, we'll inform you about required health examinations or biometric data.
  • Document Submission: If not already attached, promptly submit any outstanding documents through ImmiAccount.
  • Maintaining Legal Status: While your application is reviewed, maintain lawful presence in Australia with a valid visa. If eligible, a bridging visa may be granted if your current visa expires.
  • Second Instalment Payment: Pay the second instalment upon receiving the invoice.
  • Adding Family Members: You can include family members after applying but before a decision is made. Use Form 1436 via ImmiAccount, ensuring they meet health and character requirements.
  • Newborns: Notify us promptly if a child is born after your application submission but before visa determination.
  • Application Corrections: Inform us immediately of any errors on your application using Form 1023 via ImmiAccount.
  • Managing Application Assistance: Update us if you no longer wish a designated person to receive your correspondence or provide immigration advice.
  • Updating Information: Keep us informed of changes such as contact details, marital status, child births, or if you wish to withdraw your application.

This structured approach ensures clarity and compliance throughout your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application process, facilitating a smooth pathway towards residency in Australia.

Step 2: Visa Outcome Notification

Upon reaching a decision on your visa application, here’s what you can expect:

Location Flexibility: You can be inside or outside Australia when we finalize your application. Our verdict will be conveyed to you in writing.

Granted Visa Details: If your visa is approved, we will provide:

  • Your visa grant number
  • Start date of your visa
  • Applicable visa conditions, if any

Record Keeping: Keep a copy of the decision for your records.

Visa Refusal Details: If your visa application is declined, we will specify:

  • Reasons for the refusal
  • Whether you have the right to request the verdict/decision

Application Charge Policy: Please note, the application charge is non-refundable in case of visa refusal.

This process ensures transparency and clarity regarding the outcome of your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application, whether granted or not, supporting informed decision-making and next steps.

Living with the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Arriving in Australia:

 If you're outside Australia when your visa is granted, ensure you enter by the specified date on your visa grant letter.

Before Departure: 

Ensure your travel documents are in order:

  • Valid visa for entry
  • Valid passport or alternative travel document

At the Border: 

Complete an Incoming Passenger Card upon arrival. For quicker processing, utilize SmartGate with facial recognition and an ePassport.

In Australia: 

Discover what you can do with this visa:

  • Live indefinitely in Australia
  • Work and study
  • Access Medicare, Australia's public health care scheme
  • Sponsor relatives to join you
  • Journey to and from Australia for 5 years
  • Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. Check your visa conditions using VEVO.

Responsibilities on this Visa: Adhere to all Australian laws, including your family members.

Updating Details: Inform us of changes such as passport updates or address changes. Learn what to do if your circumstances change.

Duration and Travel: This visa is permanent, allowing indefinite stay in Australia. Travel is permitted for 5 years from visa grant date. Afterward, obtain a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) via VEVO to re-enter as a permanent resident.

For New Zealand Passport Holders: When clearing immigration, inform officers that you hold a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and do not require a Special Category visa (subclass 444). Failure to do so could inadvertently grant you a subclass 444 visa, impacting your permanent residency and citizenship eligibility.

Verifying Your Visa: Use VEVO to confirm your visa status and conditions. Request international movement records to document your travels in and out of Australia.

Employment Rights: Enjoy protection under Australian workplace laws. Acquaint yourself with your rights and privileges/entitlements.

Sponsoring Family: As a permanent resident, explore options to sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia via various visa pathways.

Becoming an Australian Citizen: Explore the eligibility criteria and process for obtaining Australian citizenship over time.

Departing Australia: Before departure, ensure your travel documents are valid. Verify visa status and re-entry eligibility using VEVO. Learn what to do if your visa is expiring soon or has expired.

Departure Efficiency at the Border: Use SmartGate for faster airport departure processing through automated facial recognition technology and your ePassport.

After Leaving Australia: Request international movement records for proof of your travel history to and from Australia.

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive information about the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189 - Points-tested Stream), readers are advised to conduct their research from reliable sources. Visit official government websites or consult authorized immigration experts to verify details such as eligibility criteria, application procedures, and current regulations. YourPressUSA.com encourages readers to seek multiple sources for a complete understanding before making any decisions regarding visa applications.



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