1. What is the purpose of the Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream?
The Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream is a permanent residency visa that allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for at least five years to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It aims to provide a pathway to permanent residency for skilled New Zealand citizens living in Australia, who previously did not have access to many benefits and opportunities available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. This visa also gives New Zealand citizens access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) and the ability to sponsor their family members for permanent residency.
2. Who is eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream?
The Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream is available to certain non-citizen New Zealanders who hold a Special Category subclass 444 visa and have lived in Australia for at least five years. They must also meet the necessary health and character requirements, have a taxable income above a specified threshold for at least four of the past five years, and demonstrate competent English language proficiency. Additionally, they must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
3. Can I apply for this visa if I am not a citizen of New Zealand?
Yes, you can still apply for this visa if you are not a citizen of New Zealand. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria and submit all the required documents to support your application. Different countries may have different requirements, so it is important to check with the immigration authorities of New Zealand for specific information about your situation.
4. What are the basic requirements for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream?
The basic requirements for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 – New Zealand Stream are:
1. Eligibility under the NZ stream: You must be a citizen of New Zealand who has held a Subclass 444 (Special Category) visa for at least 5 years and have been usually resident in Australia for that period.
2. Nomination by an Australian state or territory (optional): You may receive additional points if you are nominated by an Australian state or territory government, which will also give you access to more occupations on the Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL).
3. Meet the points test: You must score at least 65 points on the Points Test, which takes into account factors such as your age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
4. Have a skilled occupation: Your occupation must be on either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Some occupations may require you to be assessed by a relevant assessing authority.
5. Meet health and character requirements: You and your dependents applying for the visa must meet health and character requirements in order to pass the visa application.
6. Professional registration or licensing: If you need professional registration or licensing to work in your occupation in Australia, you must have this before you apply for the visa.
7. Age requirement: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply for this visa.
8. English language proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English language skills by providing evidence of meeting certain English language criteria through an approved English language test.
9. Provide evidence of employment: You must provide evidence of at least 3 years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation within the past 5 years at time of invitation.
10. Meet other requirements as specified by Department of Home Affairs: Depending on your individual circumstances, there may be other specific requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for the visa. This may include meeting specific health or character requirements, or providing additional evidence to meet certain criteria.
5. How do I prove that I have lived in Australia on or before February 19, 2016?
There are several ways to prove that you have lived in Australia on or before February 19, 2016:
1. Provide government-issued identification: Your driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued ID can serve as evidence of your residency in Australia.
2. Show proof of address: Utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, or other official documents that list your name and Australian address can establish where you were living on the specified date.
3. Employment records: If you were working in Australia during that time period, your pay stubs or employment contracts can verify your residency.
4. School records: If you were studying in Australia during that time period, your school transcripts or enrollment documents can serve as proof of residence.
5. Tax records: If you filed taxes in Australia during this time frame, it would demonstrate that you lived in the country during that time.
6. Apply for a Certificate of Residency: You can apply for a Certificate of Residency from the Australian government which verifies your residential status at a particular point in time.
7. Gather additional supporting documents: Other documents such as medical records, insurance policies, lease agreements for housing or vehicles, and membership cards for clubs or organizations can also be used to prove your presence in Australia on or before February 19, 2016.
6. What is the points system used to assess eligibility for this visa category?
The points system used to assess eligibility for this visa category may vary depending on the country or region that offers it. Generally, points are awarded based on factors such as age, education level, language proficiency, work experience, and other relevant skills or qualifications. Points may also be awarded for specific characteristics that a country values, such as having a job offer in a high-demand field or the ability to invest in the country’s economy. Applicants must often reach a minimum point threshold in order to be eligible for this visa category.
7. Is there a minimum required score to be eligible for this visa?
There is no minimum required score for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). However, you must meet the pass mark of 65 points on the skilled migration points test to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).8. Can my family members be included in my application for this visa?
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application for this visa. They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements and provide any necessary documents. If approved, they will also receive a subclass 188 visa.
9. Are there any occupation restrictions for this visa stream?
Yes, the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa stream has restrictions on the types of occupations that are eligible for sponsorship. The occupation must be listed on the Department of Home Affairs’ Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list is regularly updated and can be found on the department’s website. Additionally, certain occupations may require additional requirements to be met before being eligible for sponsorship. It is important to carefully review the occupation list and any specific requirements before applying for this visa.10. How will my skills and qualifications be assessed for this visa application?
Your skills and qualifications will be assessed through a combination of factors, including the specific requirements and criteria for the visa category you are applying for, the documents you submit in support of your application, and any relevant interviews or exams.
Some visa categories may have specific requirements for education, work experience, language proficiency, or other skills. You will need to carefully review these requirements to determine if you meet them.
You will also need to submit evidence of your qualifications, such as educational certificates or professional licenses. These documents will be evaluated by immigration authorities to determine if they meet the standards required for your visa application.
In some cases, you may also be required to attend an interview or take an exam to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a particular field. This is more common for skilled work visas or visas that require a certain level of expertise.
Overall, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and criteria for the visa category you are applying for and ensure that you have all necessary documents and qualifications before submitting your application.
11. Is it necessary to have a job offer from an Australian employer to apply for this visa stream?
No, it is not necessary to have a job offer from an Australian employer to apply for this visa stream. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) does not require sponsorship or nomination from an employer and applicants are assessed based on their individual skills and qualifications. However, having a job offer can be advantageous in the points-based system used for this visa, as it will give additional points for skilled employment in Australia.
12. Do I need to have a certain level of English proficiency to be eligible for this visa category?
Yes, applicants for this visa category must have a certain level of English proficiency in order to be eligible. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country where you are applying from, but typically applicants will need to demonstrate sufficient communication skills in English through a language test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or providing evidence of having completed a degree at an English-speaking institution. It is important to check the specific requirements for the country you are applying from before submitting your application.
13. How long does it take to process a Skilled Independent Visa 189 application under the New Zealand Stream?
The processing time for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application under the New Zealand Stream can vary depending on individual circumstances and the current backlog of applications. It is recommended to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date estimated processing times. As of October 2021, the average processing time for a Subclass 189 visa was around 13-18 months.
14. Can I include my partner’s skills and qualifications in my points assessment for this visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner’s skills and qualifications in your points assessment for this visa application if they are applying as your accompanying spouse or de facto partner. They must also meet all the relevant eligibility criteria, including age, English language proficiency, and skill assessment requirements. Their skills and qualifications will be assessed under the same points system as the primary applicant’s.
15. Will there be a health examination required as part of the application process?
It depends on the specific visa or immigration program you are applying for. Some visas may require a health examination, while others may not. It is recommended to check the application requirements for your specific visa to determine if a health examination is required.
16. What are some common reasons why a Skilled Independent Visa may be refused under this stream?
1. Inadequate skills assessment: The Department of Home Affairs requires all skilled visa applicants to undergo a skills assessment to determine if their qualifications and experience are suitable for the nominated occupation. If the applicant’s skills assessment is found to be insufficient or inaccurate, their visa application may be refused.
2. Insufficient points: Skilled Independent Visa applicants must meet a minimum score of 65 points on the Points Test in order to be eligible for the visa. This score is based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education qualifications. If an applicant does not meet the minimum point requirement, their visa application will be refused.
3. Non-compliance with criteria: There are certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a Skilled Independent Visa, such as having a valid nomination from an Australian state or territory government, demonstrated ability in one of the listed occupations, and meeting health and character requirements. Failure to comply with these criteria can result in a refusal.
4. Inaccurate or fraudulent information: Providing false or misleading information in the visa application can lead to refusal. This includes providing fake documents or making false claims about work experience or qualifications.
5. Age limits: The maximum age limit for applying for a Skilled Independent Visa is 45 years old at the time of invitation by the Department of Home Affairs. If an applicant exceeds this age limit, their application will be refused.
6. Occupation removed from list: The list of eligible occupations for skilled visas is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs and certain occupations may be removed from the list. If an applicant’s nominated occupation is no longer on the list at the time their application is processed, it will lead to refusal.
7. Insufficient funds: Applicants are required to show evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members until they are able to find employment in Australia. If this requirement is not met, the visa application may be refused.
8. Health issues: All applicants must meet certain health requirements to be granted a visa, as determined by a medical examination conducted by a Home Affairs approved doctor. If an applicant fails the health assessment or has a condition that is deemed to be a burden on the Australian healthcare system, their visa application will be refused.
9. Character issues: The Department of Home Affairs conducts character assessments of all visa applicants and may refuse a visa if an applicant has a criminal record or poses a risk to the community.
10. Failure to provide requested information: If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information or documents and the applicant fails to provide them within the given timeframe, their visa application may be refused.
17. Is there an age limit for applying under this visa category?
Yes, the age limit for applying under this visa category may vary depending on the specific country’s immigration policies. For example, some countries may have a maximum age limit of 25 while others may have an age limit of 40 or even 50. It is best to check with the immigration authorities of the country you are interested in immigrating to for their specific age requirements under this visa category.
18. Are there any financial requirements or proof of funds needed when applying?
This will depend on the specific immigration program or visa being applied for. Some programs, such as work visas, may require proof of employment or income in the country of destination. Others, such as investment-based visas, may require proof of a certain amount of funds or assets. It is important to thoroughly research and understand the financial requirements for each program prior to applying.
19. Can I change occupations during the processing of my application?
Yes, you can change your occupation during the processing of your application. However, it may affect the outcome of your application if the new occupation does not meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled migration visa. It’s best to consult with a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before making any changes to your application.
20. Will having dependents affect my eligibility or chances of approval for this visa stream?
Having dependents will not directly affect your eligibility for the visa. However, you may need to provide additional documentation and evidence to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Australia. If you are unable to provide this evidence, it could potentially impact your chances of approval. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and be able to meet them before applying for the visa.