Skilled Independent (New Zealand stream)

What this visa is for#

The Skilled Independent (New Zealand stream) visa, subclass 189-nz, is a permanent visa. It is for long-term New Zealand citizen residents.

This stream sits in the permanent migration program as a residence pathway. In the data for this page, its category is citizenship and its stream is Residence.

A permanent visa can let the holder stay in Australia indefinitely. It can also include access to work and study, enrolment in Medicare if the usual rules are met, and a pathway to citizenship if the separate citizenship rules are met at the time of application.

This page explains how the process works in general. It does not assess any person’s circumstances or say whether a person meets the legal requirements.

Who it is generally for#

This visa is for people who are New Zealand citizens and have been living in Australia on a long-term basis.

This visa is for people who want permanent residence rather than a temporary stay. It exists to cover a specific group of New Zealand citizen residents who use this stream as a residence pathway.

This visa is not a points-tested skilled visa stream in the way some other subclass 189 pathways are discussed. The New Zealand stream has its own legislative framework, evidence requirements and application process.

Applications can also include certain family members if the law and application settings allow that at the time of lodgement. The Department still assesses each person included in the application against the relevant legal requirements for that person.

What it costs#

The government visa application charge listed for this visa is:

• Main applicant: $420
• Additional applicant 18 or over: $210
• Additional applicant under 18: $105

These are the government charges for the visa application itself. The government charge is the same no matter who lodges it, whether that is the applicant, a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.

Charges by a registered migration agent or lawyer are separate. Professional fees vary because some matters are straightforward and some involve more work, more documents, more family members or follow-up requests from the Department.

Other third-party costs can also arise during preparation or processing, such as police certificates, health examinations, translations or replacement identity documents. Those are not part of the government visa application charge.

Government charges are indexed and usually change on 1 July. The amount payable is usually the amount that applies on the date the application is lodged.

How long it takes#

Processing times can change during the year. They depend on application volumes, staffing, how complete the application is when lodged, and whether the Department needs more information.

Some applications move faster because the identity, residence history and supporting records are clear from the start. Others take longer where there are gaps in travel history, name differences across documents, expired documents, or delays in health or police checks.

The Department publishes processing information, but published figures are general guides only. They are not a promise that any particular application will be decided in the same period.

A practical way to reduce delay is to lodge a complete application with consistent supporting documents and to respond to Department requests by the due date. Delays are common where the file needs repeated requests for missing evidence.

What the process involves#

The process usually starts with checking the current legislative settings, the application form and the document checklist for this stream. The Department may update forms, identity requirements and evidence settings, so the current version matters.

The application is usually lodged online through the Department’s ImmiAccount system. The form asks for identity details, address history, travel history, family details and other background information.

Supporting documents are then attached. These often include passport identity pages, evidence of New Zealand citizenship, records that show residence in Australia over the relevant period, and civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates where relevant.

If a document is not in English, the Department may require a translation. It is also important that names, dates of birth and document numbers match across the application and the attached evidence, or are explained with formal documents if they do not.

After lodgement, the Department may acknowledge the application and may later ask for more information. Requests can cover identity, character, health, residence history, family composition or updated documents where something has expired since lodgement.

Health examinations are handled through the Department’s health process if required. Police certificates may also be requested or may be sensible to prepare early if they are likely to be needed, noting that certificates can expire for visa purposes if processing takes time.

While the application is on hand, the applicant needs to keep details current. That includes passport renewals, changes of address, changes in relationship status, births, and any other change that affects the information in the application.

At the end of the process, the Department grants or refuses the application in writing. If granted, the grant notice sets out the date of grant and the visa conditions or travel facility details that apply.

What commonly goes wrong#

A common problem is incomplete evidence at lodgement. The form may be submitted, but the file does not contain enough material to show identity, residence history or family details clearly, so the Department has to stop and ask for more.

Another common issue is inconsistency across documents. A name may be spelt one way on a passport and another way on a birth certificate, or dates may not match. If the difference is not explained with formal evidence, the Department may question whether the documents relate to the same person.

Documents also expire mid-process. Passports, police certificates and some health results can go out of date before a decision is made. When that happens, the Department may ask for updated documents, which adds time and can create avoidable stress.

People also miss Department messages. Requests are often sent through ImmiAccount or by email, and deadlines can be short. If the inbox is not checked, or the email address is old, the due date can pass before the request is even seen.

Not telling the Department about a change of address is another practical problem. Important notices may go to the old address, and that can affect time limits for responding or understanding the status of the application.

Travel history is often understated or recorded roughly from memory. If entry and exit dates do not line up with passport stamps, visa records or other government records, the Department may need clarification.

Family details can also cause delay. A relationship, separation, marriage, birth of a child or change in who is included in the application needs to be reflected properly in the file, with supporting civil documents where required.

Poor quality scans are a simple but frequent issue. Cut-off corners, glare, black-and-white copies where colour matters, and multi-page documents uploaded out of order can all slow assessment.

Some applicants assume a bridging visa carries the same rights as the substantive visa they held before. That is not always the case. Work rights, travel rights and re-entry arrangements depend on the visa in effect and its conditions, not on assumptions based on an earlier visa.

Another avoidable problem is waiting too long to replace lost or damaged identity documents. If the Department asks for an updated passport or civil certificate and the replacement process starts only then, the application can sit unresolved while those documents are being reissued.

Frequently asked questions#

What is the Skilled Independent (New Zealand stream) subclass 189-nz visa?#

It is a permanent residence visa for long-term New Zealand citizen residents. In this guide’s data, it is listed under the category citizenship and the stream Residence.

How much is the government fee for the 189 New Zealand stream?#

The government charge is $420 for the main applicant, $210 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over, and $105 for each additional applicant under 18. These government charges are the same no matter who lodges the application.

Is the 189 New Zealand stream a permanent visa?#

Yes. It is a permanent visa, which means the holder can remain in Australia indefinitely from the date of grant, subject to the legal effect of the visa and any travel facility limits that apply.

Can a migration agent or lawyer lodge this visa application?#

A registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can lodge an application if formally appointed to act. Their professional fees are separate from the government visa application charge.

Why is my 189 New Zealand stream application taking so long?#

Processing times vary and can change. Delays often happen where documents are missing, information does not match across records, health or police checks are outstanding, or the Department has asked for updated documents after earlier ones expired.

About this page. This is general information about how the Skilled Independent (New Zealand stream) (subclass 189-nz) works. It is not immigration assistance and it is not advice about your situation. Under section 280 of the Migration Act 1958 only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can give you that. Charges are indexed and most change on 1 July, so check any figure against immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before you rely on it, and check any agent's registration on the OMARA register.