Australian Residence
Visa Pathway
The Australian immigration system is one of the most complex in the world, and the path to an Australian Residence Visa is not obvious or straightforward in many instances.
VisaAide specialises in the movement of people between New Zealand and Australia. We have expert insights into the complex nature of both the Australian and NZ immigration systems.
As such we’re often able to provide you with Australian Residence Visa pathways you may not easily have discovered by yourself.
Be aware that the Australian Residence Visa process is very involved and can become expensive if you approach it incorrectly.
Australian permanent residency options for New Zealanders
Here are some of the most common pathways for New Zealanders to gain permanent residency in Australia.
- Direct Entry;
- Labour Agreement: which must have an employer with a labour agreement;
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: for which you must hold a Subclass 457, Subclass 482, or related Bridging A, B, or C visa.
New Zealand citizens would normally consider the Direct Entry stream. For this stream you must have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
New Zealand citizens who have worked for the nominating employer in the same position for at least two years in the last three years may not need to complete a Skills Assessment. Or else provide evidence of at least three years’ previous work experience. They may also be exempt from the age requirements. This makes this visa option available to those who are over 45 years of age, as well as making it a lot simpler than the Subclass 189 points-tested visa.
Find out more about Subclass 186.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) New Zealand Stream
Here’s a quick overview of Subclass 189. You must have:
- Started living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016;
- Be a holder of a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444 visa);
- Been usually resident in Australia for the last five years prior to application lodgement, and that this time started on or before the 19th of February 2016;
- A taxable income at or above a prescribed income threshold for a set period of time before your application is lodged;
There’s no need for an offer of employment or a sponsor for Subclass 189 NZ Stream. Read more about Subclass 189.
- An occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List; and
- A skills assessment; and
- Meet English criteria; and
- Meet the points criteria; and
- Complete an Expression of Interest and be invited to apply for this visa
This application does not require an offer of employment or sponsor.
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List;
- Undergo a skills assessment;
- Meet English language criteria;
- Meet the points criteria;
- Be nominated for this visa by an Australian state or territory government agency; and
- Complete an Expression of Interest and be invited to apply for this visa.
Similar to Subclass 189, Visa Subclass 190 allows you to gain additional points for nomination. However, you may be required to work in the nominated state or territory for a period of time.
Find out more about Subclass 190.
Find out more about travelling to Australia with a criminal record.
Subclass 461 is a five-year open work visa that allows unlimited travel to and from Australia within that time period.
Find out more about the Subclass 461 Visa.
This application can only be made while you are in Australia as the holder of a Subclass 444 (Special Category) Visa.
If you have spent more than five years outside of Australia since your pre-September 1994 arrival, you will need to provide evidence of your compelling or compassionate reasons for being absent from Australia.
Other Australian Residence Visa pathways
There may be other pathways for becoming a permanent resident in Australia, so you can stay indefinitely.
Please contact us to discuss your visa options for Australia.
Do you need help with Australian residence visas?
We specialise in Australian visas – contact us for up-to-date advice.
