Australia Subclass 189 — New Zealand Stream (Closed)
The New Zealand Stream within the Australia Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa was a dedicated permanent-residency pathway for New Zealand citizens who had been living long-term in Australia. It offered a relatively clear PR route for a defined cohort and attracted significant attention over recent years.
It is important to note, however, that this stream has been permanently closed since 1 July 2023 and no longer accepts new primary applicants.
This page therefore exists to explain the historical policy background, the original eligible cohort, and current alternative pathways, helping you accurately understand the policy change and avoid misjudgement.
Free alternative-pathway assessment →What was the 189 New Zealand Stream (historical policy)
The New Zealand Stream was originally a special pathway within the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), targeted at New Zealand citizens who had been living long-term in Australia.
Why this stream was created
- New Zealand citizens could live long-term in Australia under the Special Category Visa (SCV)
- However, for a long time there was no direct pathway to permanent residency
The Australian Government therefore established this stream to give eligible New Zealand citizens an opportunity to convert to PR.
Who the stream originally applied to
Prior to closure, the New Zealand Stream primarily served the following cohort:
This stream did not rely on the traditional points-based system and did not require an EOI invitation.
Core identity requirements
- Hold a New Zealand passport
- Hold an Australian Special Category Visa (SCV)
- Have lived and worked in Australia long-term
Typically also required
- A minimum period of residence in Australia
- A stable record of income
- Compliance with tax-lodgement requirements
Why this stream was closed
In line with adjustments to Australian migration policy, the government progressively changed the way New Zealand citizens obtain permanent residency.
From 1 July 2023:
- Eligible New Zealand citizens can apply directly for permanent residency under a new policy arrangement
- The original 189 New Zealand Stream no longer exists as a standalone application pathway
The stream has therefore been formally discontinued.
Current policy status (key points)
In relation to the 189 New Zealand Stream, the following points should be made clear:
- Permanently closed
- No longer accepting new primary applicants
- Not a viable migration pathway in the current policy environment
Applicants still researching this stream are usually doing so because
- They are relying on outdated sources
- They are unclear on the policy update
At the current stage, the priority should be to evaluate other viable pathways.
If you are a New Zealand citizen, what alternatives remain
Although the New Zealand Stream has closed, eligible New Zealand citizens may still be able to obtain Australian permanent residency through other channels.
A personalised assessment is therefore recommended in order to design the migration plan that best fits your circumstances.
Common directions include
- Direct PR pathways under the new policy arrangement
- Other skilled migration or family visa categories
- Long-term residency options selected to match individual circumstances
The specific pathway depends on
- Length of residence in Australia
- Current visa status
- Employment and income situation
Professional advice from Newstarsec
For situations involving policy changes or closed streams, the focus should be on:
- Whether the current policy remains in force
- Whether alternative pathways exist
- Whether you meet the new eligibility criteria
Newstarsec offers applicants with a New Zealand background:
- Up-to-date policy interpretation
- Alternative-pathway assessment
- Tailored migration plan design
helping you make sound decisions based on the current policy.
Consultation and assessment
If you fit any of the following situations:
- Hold a New Zealand passport
- Have lived or worked in Australia long-term
- Previously considered applying for PR via the 189 New Zealand Stream
We recommend obtaining a professional assessment as early as possible to confirm the pathways currently available to you.
Newstarsec offers one-on-one consultations to help you clarify your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the 189 New Zealand Stream still be applied for today?
The stream is currently closed and no longer accepts new applicants. Many applicants searching for information online still encounter content that reflects the old policy, which can easily lead to misunderstandings. We recommend relying on the latest policy and avoiding plans based on outdated information.
Is the 189 New Zealand Stream permanently closed or only temporarily suspended?
This stream is permanently closed, not temporarily suspended. Following the policy adjustment, the Australian Government has replaced the original pathway with a new arrangement, so the chance of it being reinstated in the short term is low. Applicants should focus on currently viable options rather than waiting for the old stream to reopen.
How can New Zealand citizens obtain Australian permanent residency now?
Eligible New Zealand citizens can now apply for Australian permanent residency under the new policy arrangement. Such pathways are typically tied to length of residence, employment situation and income records in Australia, rather than being granted through the traditional points-based or invitation mechanism. Each applicant’s individual circumstances therefore directly affect which pathway is viable.
Can an SCV visa be converted directly to PR?
Whether you can convert to permanent residency depends on a combined assessment of time held, income situation and individual background. The SCV itself is simply a visa category that permits residence and work in Australia; it is not automatically equivalent to permanent-residency status. A further assessment is therefore needed to determine whether you meet the conversion requirements under the current policy.
Understand the latest policy and plan a viable pathway
The 189 New Zealand Stream may be permanently closed, but you may still obtain Australian permanent residency through other pathways. Newstarsec provides up-to-date policy interpretation and alternative-pathway assessment based on your specific circumstances.
Free alternative-pathway assessment →
