New Zealanders’ path to Australian permanent residency eased by ditching income and health checks

Move expected to help clear backlog of about 11,500 applications and could ease process for up to 300,000 Kiwis

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The Australian government has lowered the bar for New Zealanders who have applied for permanent residency.

Under changes announced by the home affairs department, New Zealanders who applied on or before 10 December, for a subclass 189 visa, will no longer face hurdles related to income, period of residence and health conditions.

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