189 NZ stream income requirements

New Zealand citizens are able to apply for a subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa under the New Zealand stream. The critical criteria for eligibility are they:

- Hold a sc444 Special Category visa

- Have been living in Australia in at least the last 5 years, and

- Have a taxable income at or above the specified income threshold for each of the 4 completed income years prior to lodging an application – certain exceptions apply.

As discussed previously the Government has announced an intention to reduce the income requirement to apply only to the last 3 years instead of 4 years but there is no timing for when these changes will be implemented. Recent legislative changes have confirmed that the relevant income threshold will remain unchanged for 2019-20 at $53,900. However the reduced eligibility time has not been implemented yet.

To discuss your specific situation and seek advice please don’t hesitate to contact us.