The NZ Stream 189 Visa Has Closed: What Kiwis Can Do Instead

14 July 2026

Person reviewing visa application documents at a desk with an open laptop, papers spread across the workspace in a bright home office setting

The New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is closed. Home Affairs says it permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023, in support of a new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens. Older advice that describes it as an open route to permanent residency is out of date. Rules as at 12 October 2026.

What Home Affairs says about the NZ stream

Home Affairs says the New Zealand stream permanently closed to new applications from primary applicants on 1 July 2023, so a new application cannot be lodged. The Government had announced a pause on new applications on 10 December 2022. Home Affairs continues to process applications made before 10 December 2022, and partners and children may still be added to those older applications. The visa's own New Zealand stream page says the same.

The route that replaced it: direct citizenship

From 1 July 2023, all SCV holders can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral without first being granted a permanent visa. Home Affairs says you must have been living in Australia on a valid visa for four years immediately before the day you apply, have held a permanent visa or an SCV for the last 12 months, and not have been absent for more than 12 months in total in those four years (including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying). SCV holders are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes. Our guide to the direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders covers the detail.

Is there still a permanent visa route?

Home Affairs says the route to a permanent visa depends on when you first arrived in Australia on a New Zealand passport holding an SCV. If you arrived before 1 September 1994 you may be eligible for a Resident Return visa, depending on your circumstances. If you arrived on or after that date you must apply for and meet the criteria for another permanent visa, and Home Affairs' visa finder shows the options. Its pathways page for New Zealand citizens also lists applying directly for citizenship as an alternative. Home Affairs encourages independent migration advice before applying for a Resident Return visa.

NZ stream of the 189

Closed

Permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023

Citizenship by conferral

Direct route

Open to SCV holders who meet the requirements, no permanent visa needed first

Applications lodged before 10 Dec 2022

Processed

Still being processed by Home Affairs

If you already have an NZ stream application or visa

Home Affairs says New Zealanders with a pending NZ stream application whose family members hold an SCV may wish to consider withdrawing it and applying for citizenship by conferral instead. It notes that the citizenship application fee is lower than the second Visa Application Charge for the NZ stream, that first-instalment charges already paid are not refunded, and that applicants remain temporary residents while citizenship is processed. Weigh your own circumstances, the benefits of permanent residence and processing times before deciding.

If you already hold an NZ stream 189 visa, Home Affairs recommends telling the immigration officer at the border that you hold a subclass 189 and do not want an SCV. If you do not say so, you might be granted a 444, which ceases your permanent visa and affects your eligibility for citizenship.

Moving money across the Tasman while you sort your status? Compare transfer providers such as Wise, TorFX, Currencies Direct and Instarem before you convert a large amount. Our guide to moving money from New Zealand to Australia compares them.

Sources, all read on 12 October 2026: Home Affairs skilled migration recent changes, the NZ stream visa page, pathways for New Zealand citizens and citizenship for permanent residents including SCV holders.

Key Takeaways

The NZ stream of the 189 permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. Applications made before 10 December 2022 are still being processed.
From 1 July 2023, SCV holders can apply directly for Australian citizenship, with no permanent visa needed first.
The citizenship residence test is four years living in Australia on a valid visa, an SCV or permanent visa for the last 12 months, and limits on time away.
Already hold an NZ stream 189 visa? Tell the border officer you do not want an SCV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for the NZ stream of the 189?

No. Home Affairs says it permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023, so a new application cannot be lodged.

Do I need a permanent visa before I apply for citizenship?

No. Home Affairs says SCV holders can apply directly for citizenship by conferral if they meet the requirements. Check your eligibility on the Home Affairs site before you apply.

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