The 189 Visa is for 444 Visa holders who have been contributing to the Australian economy to apply for Permanent Residency
This visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have shown a genuine commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in the country. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for long-term residents who meet specific eligibility criteria.
If you are not a New Zealand Citizen, you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent 189 Visa.
Please note: The New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. Existing visa holders and applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for updates and ongoing eligibility requirements.
You may be eligible to apply for this visa if you meet the following requirements
With the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you can:
Live in Australia indefinitely
Work and study anywhere in Australia
Access Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
Sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia
Travel freely to and from Australia for five years
Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Duration of Stay
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely. It includes a travel facility that is valid for five years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to continue traveling in and out of Australia.
Including Family Members
You can include members of your family unit in your Subclass 189 visa application. This can be done:
When you lodge your application
After lodging, but before a decision is made
All included family members must meet health and character requirements.
If your partner or dependent children are not part of the application, you must provide a reason — for example, if they already hold Australian citizenship or are permanent residents.
Applying from Australia
To apply for the Subclass 189 visa (New Zealand stream), you must be in Australia and hold a Subclass 444 visa at the time of application.
Family members included in your application can be in or outside Australia. If they are in Australia, they must hold either a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B, or C visa.
When will you receive a decision on your 189 Visa?
50% of visas are processed within 43 months
90% of visas are processed within 52 months
Processing Times Updated 1 November 2025
You can incude family in your visa application
Applicants can include the following people in their transitional permanent residency application:
• Married or de facto partner
• Dependent children/step-children
AGE
There is no age restriction on this visa stream
HEALTH & CHARACTER
Meet the health and character requirements (Unless exempt)
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