Australia: Closure of Immigration Pathway for New Zealand Nationals as They Become Eligible for More Direct Route to Citizenship
June 27, 2023
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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.
Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.
Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.
Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.
Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.
Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.
Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.
Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.
Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.
Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.