Closed permanently to new primary applicants.
Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Skilled Independent visa, New Zealand stream 189
Closed to new primary applicants from 1 July 2023. New Zealand citizens now have a direct pathway to citizenship.
Closed to new applicants
File: 189
Main chargeClosed
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
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.
Closed to new applicants: 1 July 2023
Published 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 you apply from
Closed. Previously in Australia holding a 444.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Review a pending application
Decide whether to continue or apply for citizenship directly.
Where a registered migration agent can helpCompares the cost and timing of the second instalment against a citizenship application.
- 02
Continue or withdraw
Withdraw in ImmiAccount if choosing citizenship.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains that first instalment charges are not refunded.
- 03
Citizenship
Apply for citizenship by conferral if eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks citizenship eligibility.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| New applications | Closed |
The charge was paid in two instalments (20% at lodgement, 80% before grant). The stream is closed and the Home Affairs pricing table no longer lists a charge for it. Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand stream (applications on hand) | 54 months | 61 months |
Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Not applicable to new applications.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Pending applicants
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Applications paused; applications made before this date are still processed.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Skilled Independent visa, New Zealand stream
- Home Affairs: skilled migration recent changes
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.