The subclass 189 - Skilled – Independent visa has three streams: the Points-tested stream for those lucky enough to receive an invitation to apply from the SkillSelect system, a Hong Kong stream for Hong Kong nationals usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years, and a New Zealand stream.

The New Zealand stream is for New Zealand nationals where the primary applicant holds a subclass 444 – Special Category visa, was usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 5 years and that period of residence started on or before 19 February 2016. They also must meet certain income requirements notwithstanding exceptions due to court orders for the custody of a child or children, receiving compensation for injury affecting earnings, parental leave, and disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic.

An instrument registered last week streamlines the New Zealand stream and does away will the residence and income requirements. The catch: the application must have been lodged before 10 December 2022.

This means that any valid application that was lodged under this stream where the primary applicant did not meet the income or residence requirement can now have their application approved. The purpose of streamlining the requirements is so quick approvals can be made to on-hand applications. Applicants must still meet common public interest criteria (PIC).

Those wishing to take advantage of the generous changes or even be considered under the old requirements cannot as the stream is closed from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023.

The reason for closing the stream temporarily is to consider future arrangements. Obviously, any new requirements should be revealed before 1 July 2023 when the stream reopens.