Skilled · Subclass 189
Skilled Independent visa, New Zealand stream
Closed to new primary applicants from 1 July 2023. New Zealand citizens now have a direct pathway to citizenship.
Closed: 1 July 2023. We do not lodge new applications in closed programs. This page is for people who already hold, or are covered by, an eligible visa. See closed and repealed visas.
Who it is for
Eligible New Zealand citizens who applied before the stream closed. Home Affairs continues to process applications on hand. Partners and children can still be added to applications lodged before 10 December 2022.
Key eligibility
- New applications cannot be lodged. The stream closed permanently to new primary applicants on 1 July 2023.
- Applicants had to be in Australia holding a Special Category visa (444) when they applied.
- On-hand applicants may consider withdrawing and applying for citizenship by conferral under the direct pathway; first instalment charges are not refunded.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Closed. Previously in Australia holding a 444.
Your journey, step by step
Review a pending application
Decide whether to continue or apply for citizenship directly.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent compares the cost and timing of the second instalment against a citizenship application.
Continue or withdraw
Withdraw in ImmiAccount if choosing citizenship.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains that first instalment charges are not refunded.
Citizenship
Apply for citizenship by conferral if eligible.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks citizenship eligibility.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| New applications | Closed |
The charge was paid in two instalments (20% at lodgement, 80% before grant). No current amount is shown in the pricing table.
Fields set to null were not published for this visa or do not apply; check the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs visa processing time guide, read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Not applicable to new applications.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
Closed permanently to new primary applicants.
Applications paused; applications made before this date are still processed.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Skilled Independent visa, New Zealand stream
- Home Affairs: skilled migration recent changes
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.