Australia: Closure of Immigration Pathway for New Zealand Nationals as They Become Eligible for More Direct Route to Citizenship

The Department of Home Affairs announced that the Subclass 189 (Skilled-Independent) visa in the New Zealand stream will close on July 1, 2023 to new, primary applications. However, partners and dependents of individuals whose primary applications are still pending can still join these applications after this date. The announcement is in line with the new rule changes that allow New Zealand nationals living in Australia for four years or more on a Subclass 444 Special Category visa to directly apply for Australian Citizenship by conferral, eliminating the need for a permanent visa and making the Subclass 189 (Skilled-Independent) visa unnecessary. However, due to the rule change, non-New Zealand family members of these new Australian citizens will need to be sponsored for a permanent child or partner visa before being eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Additionally, New Zealand nationals seeking to live and work in Australia can continue to utilize the Subclass 444 Special Category visa.