From 1 July 2017, all New Zealand citizens, who:
hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa;
have been usually residents in Australia for a continuous period of five (5) years immediately prior to application, and have commenced that period of usual residence on or before 19 February 2016;
have a taxable income at or above an income threshold for each income year in the five (5) years prior to lodging an application (unless claiming an exemption);
meet mandatory health, character and national security checks; and
lodge a visa application and pay the relevant visa application charges,
will be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent 189 (New Zealand) visa. This visa will give many New Zealand citizens permanent residence status and it gives an option to apply for Australian citizenship after a period of 12 months.
You will also be able to include you partner and your child/step-child or your partner’s child/step-child in your application.
More information can be found from the Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection website.
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