New Zealand Stream Skilled Independent

It doesn’t pause for Christmas…

As we all start winding down for the end of the year and head into Christmas, there is no easing up on the Migration front.

 

New Zealand Stream Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

Over the weekend the Department of Home Affairs announced that, effective immediately, the New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa has temporarily closed to new applications until 1 July 2023. This means that new applications cannot be made from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023.

What happens now?
The Department have confirmed that during this period they will seek to finalise the majority of pending applications in the New Zealand stream and have established a dedicated task force to prioritise these applications. In addition, the following requirements for pending applications have been removed and no longer need to be satisfied for the grant of the visa:

• the period of residence in Australia;
• the income threshold; and
• Health.

The Australian Government will take this time to consider future options for New Zealand Citizens living in Australia to more appropriately reflect the close ties of the two nations.

As a complimentary measure, those granted a New Zealand streams subclass 189 visa, will have their Australian Citizenship pathway expedited from 1 January 2023. These changes will only apply to applications submitted on or after 1 July 2023 with more information to be released closer to this
time.

NSW Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

Over the weekend the NSW State Government have announced that the previously published points scores and work experience guides for the Skilled Nominated subclass 190 visa have been removed.
Whilst the selection-based invitation process will still be competitive, you can now once again submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with a minimum of 65 points in NSW across all occupations on the NSW Skilled Occupation List.

First Class Migration Australia Christmas Closure!

 

Our office will be closing over the festive season from 23 December 2022 until 8 January 2023. Our first day back in office will be 9 January 2023. That’s all for now, however, we will be sure to keep you updated with any further announcements. Don’t forget to follow us on social media also. We would like to take this opportunity from our family to yours to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year!