To be eligible for the Skilled Independent 189 (New Zealand) stream, at the time of application you must:

• hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa
• have been usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of five years immediately prior to application, and have commenced that period of usual residence on or before 19 February 2016
• have a taxable income at or above an income threshold ($53 900) for 3 out of the last 5 years  (unless claiming an exemption).
• meet mandatory health, character and national security checks
• lodge a visa application and pay the relevant visa application charges

You can include the following people in your visa application:

• your partner
• your child/step-child or your partner’s child/step-child.

These members of the family unit:

• must meet mandatory health, character  and national security checks
• can hold any visa

• stay in Australia indefinitely
• work and study in Australia
• enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for healthelated care and expenses
• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• travel to and from Australia for five years
• apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.

AUD4,045, for the main applicant. The visa application charge is paid in two instalments (20% at time of lodgement and 80% as a second instalment before we can grant the visa.)

There is no age requirements for this stream 

You must be in Australia when you apply for the visa.