Joint Statement: Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison.
31 May 2021
Oz Kiwi opinion
The pathway to citizenship for Kiwis living in Australia was discussed at the trans-Tasman leaders meeting in Queenstown today.
A Joint Statement released following the meeting confirms that from 1 July 2021 applicants are only required to meet the income threshold for three years. There will also be, “flexibility for applicants whose income or time offshore was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” We are seeking further information on the latter criteria.
Below is an extract from the Joint Statement referencing the changes to the New Zealand 189 visa.
Joint statement: Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison
31 May 2021
Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison MP met in Queenstown on 31 May 2021 for the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.
People-to-people ties
The Prime Ministers were pleased to confirm a change to the unique pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living and working in Australia. From 1 July 2021, Australia will reduce the number of years in which applicants for the New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) permanent residence visa must reach the minimum income threshold (from four years to three). Prime Ministers also welcomed Australia’s flexibility for applicants whose income or time offshore was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and looked forward to a further review of the pathway visa in 2022.
Full transcript of the Joint Statement by Prime Ministers Ardern and Morrison.
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