Age requirement
Unlike any other skilled visa, the 189 NZ stream contains no age-associated limit. However, from July 1st, 2017, the age limit was reduced to 45 years for the subclass 189 visa. And from March 2018, the age limit was reduced to 45 years for visas associated with permanent employer sponsorship. Hence, this stream of visa gives an advantage to older applicants.
Including family members
Even if an applicant’s family members don’t have NZ citizenship, the applicant can include dependent children and spouses in his or her application. If you are applying onshore, they need to have a substantive visa. However, the holders of a Bridging A visa, Bridging B visa or Bridging C visa are acceptable as well.
Health and character requirements
All members of a family added in the applied form should be able to fulfil character and health requirements.
The waivable health criterion 4007 is applicable – within this waiver, if your particular health condition requires expensive medical treatment or community services, you may still obtain permanent residence unless no undue cost is available. For example, if your health insurance is solid or you hold significant assets, and you are able to show your capability in managing your medical costs on your own, the application might still end up in your favour.
Most of the permanent visas include complete character and health assessments of every family member included or not included in the application. However, it is not required when you choose the new pathway to apply for permanent residency in Australia. Only the
included family members in an application are supposed to go through the character and health assessment.