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11 Jul 2017

4 things New Zealanders need to know about their new permanent residency options

Are you a New Zealander looking to apply for Australian permanent residency (PR)? There is good news for you.

The Immigration Department has recently approved legislative amendments to allow skilled New Zealanders to access PR more easily through a separate ‘New Zealand stream’ for the Subclass 189 visa from 1 July 2017.

Under the new stream, New Zealanders will have less eligibility requirements for a subclass 189 visa compared to other streams for that visa, enabling an easier pathway to PR.

We’ve broken the new legislation down to 4 things New Zealanders need to know about their new PR options:

– Normally applicants for the 189 visa need to meet strict health requirements, however under the new stream New Zealanders will be eligible for a health waiver under certain circumstances.

– You won’t be restricted by age limits. From 1 July 2017, the maximum age to apply for a 189 visa is 45 years old, however the new age limit will not apply to lucky New Zealanders under the new stream.

– You won’t have to meet stringent English language requirements. Applicants for a 189 visa usually need to meet ‘competent’ English language requirements, but given that New Zealand is considered a native English-speaking country, this restriction will not apply.

– Another important thing to note is that the primary visa applicant will be required to show their income during the past 5 tax years as shown below:

2012/13 : $51,0000

2013/14: $53,900

2014/15: $53,900

2015/16: $53,900

2016/17: $53,900

New Zealanders will also benefit from not needing to wait four years as an Australian permanent resident before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.

To understand if you are eligible for permanent residency, we encourage you to get in contact with Sheila or Elain, our Registered Migration Agents for a complimentary visa assessment. You can contact Sheila or Elain at hello@immigracious.com.au or 08 6263 4406.

Source:
Immigracious
Department of Immigration and Border Protection


Sheila Woods

Posted by: Sheila Woods

A very experienced migration agent, Sheila has always been fascinated by this field. Her university degree thesis was on Australia’s post-war immigration history (and it earned her first-class honours).


Filed in: Visas

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