As a New Zealander, you have a unique opportunity if you’re considering a move to Australia. New Zealand and Australia have a Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement that allows their citizens to visit, study, live and work in either NZ or Australia for as long or little as they want.
Australia announced on 22 April 2023 a new direct pathway to citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before the day you apply.
The changes will come into effect from 1 July 2023 this year and be retrospective.
Read more on my direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia post.
As an NZ citizen, you will be automatically granted a non-protected Special Category Visa (SCV) when you process through Australian border control, subject to meeting the health and character requirements (read more below). There is no mention of this at border control. It all happens electronically. The SCV is automatically cancelled upon departing Australia.
If you are not an NZ citizen, the process is quite different, as you will need to apply for a visa before you can travel to Australia. For more information on Australian visas, please visit the Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
In this post, you will find information on the following:
Visas are official documents issued by a country that permit foreign nationals to live or stay there.
Since 1973, the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement has allowed Australian and New Zealand citizens to freely visit, live, and work in each other’s countries without needing a visa or special entry authority.
Migration between the two countries often reflects economic conditions. When New Zealand’s economy is under pressure, it’s common to see more New Zealanders moving to Australia in search of better opportunities.
As an NZ citizen, you do not need to apply for an Australian visa before you leave NZ. Upon entering Australia, you present your New Zealand passport for immigration clearance. Once done, you are considered to have applied for a visa and, subject to health or character considerations, will automatically receive a non-protected Special Category Visa (SCV). The SCV is recorded electronically.
To be granted an SCV when you enter Australia, you must:
If you meet the eligibility requirements (below), you will be granted an SCV.
If you leave Australia, your SCV will cease. The next time you enter, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be granted a new SCV.
The SCV is a temporary visa (non-protected). SCV holders do not have the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens or permanent residents. Close but not the same.
Note that New Zealand permanent residents are not entitled to the Special Category Visa. You will need to apply for a visa to live and work in Australia. Read on to find out how.
There are some restrictions on the SCV for New Zealanders moving to Australia, but only two:
Because the Special Category Visa (SCV) is granted electronically, you don’t receive a physical visa or documentation. If you need proof of your right to live and work in Australia, such as for an employer, you can obtain your SCV details through the Department of Home Affairs.
To request your SCV details online, you will need one of the following reference types:
However, as a New Zealand citizen, you won’t have a TRN, Evidence Number, or Grant Number (because you don’t formally apply for the SCV). Instead, you’ll need to call Visa General Enquiries on 131 881 and request a VEVO password.
You will now be able to view your SCV details and can choose to email them directly to yourself or another party.
For full instructions, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
While the Special Category Visa (SCV) allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia, it does come with a number of exclusions that may affect you and your family.
The biggest limitation is around access to government support. New Zealanders living in Australia on an SCV are not entitled to all government benefits and are not eligible for student loans.
In addition, there are waiting periods before you can access certain government payments; this is known as the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (more information below).
For a full breakdown of these limitations, see my detailed post on SCV exclusions.
If you arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 as a New Zealand citizen, you would be considered a non-protected SCV-holder. This means that you are not considered an Australian resident for social security purposes.
NZ citizens on a protected SCV can apply for citizenship, subject to meeting the usual eligibility criteria.
Non-protected SCV holders do not have the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents. Australian authorities can also cancel an SCV if a person fails certain character and health requirements, such as committing a crime or having untreated TB.
You can visit, study, live and work in Australia for as long as you want. A non-protected SCV should entitle you to the following. Please note that some government help might still have a waiting period (info below):
The Parliament of Australia website has a quick guide to entitlements.
Please note that most of the above government benefits/support have wait times before you can claim them (see below).
Temporary visa holders are not entitled to:
Eligible New Zealand citizens (or protected SCV holders) are eligible for more government help. These include:
You can contact the relevant department to find out if you are eligible.
Since the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship has been set up, the benefits and payments New Zealand citizens can get from the Australian government have not changed!
The newly arrived resident’s waiting period (NARWP) is the time spent in Australia as an Australian resident. This means that if you travel overseas, the time you’re away from Australia won’t count towards the waiting period.
New residents may have to wait up to 4 years before they can get most Australian government payments, concessions, and health care cards. A maximum 2-year waiting period applies if you’re the holder of either:
Read more about the waiting periods for newly arrived residents on the Australian government website Services Australia. The waiting periods below are for New Zealand citizens living in Australia on an SCV.
If you’re an NZ citizen living in Australia, you are eligible for some Centrelink payments or concession cards.
If you live in Australia and you are a non-protected SCV holder, you can apply for the following:
If you have served or have an exemption from the newly arrived resident’s waiting period (full list), you may also be able to claim:
If you’ve lived in Australia continuously for at least 10 years, you may be able to get a one-off period of payment. This is a single period of up to 6 months for one of the following payments:
You may also be able to get the Tertiary Access Payment.
The continuous 10-year period of living in Australia needs to be immediately before claiming.
If you are a New Zealand citizen and your family members are:
If you have had a New Zealand citizen baby born in Australia, please see if you had a baby for further information.
To sponsor a family member for Australian permanent residence, you must be:
If you are an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen and your children were born in Australia, they may already be Australian citizens. You can apply for their proof of citizenship.
For most New Zealanders, the answer is no.
As an NZ citizen, you are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) when you arrive in Australia. This visa allows you to live, work, study, and stay in Australia lawfully for as long as you remain a New Zealand citizen—without needing to apply for permanent residency (PR).
Since the introduction of the direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia, there’s even less reason to apply for PR. Eligible NZ citizens are now considered to have the same standing as permanent residents from the moment they arrive, making PR applications unnecessary in most cases.
Specialist immigration companies can save you time, money, and stress when applying for a visa. That said, you don’t have to hire someone to submit your application—you can research and apply for a visa yourself directly through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
That being said, if you’re not an NZ citizen, have a history of imprisonment for over a year, or face unique circumstances that may complicate your application, seeking professional advice from an immigration specialist is often worthwhile and can give you peace of mind.
You can search for a registered immigration specialist on the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) website. If you’re based in New Zealand, try searching for advisers in Auckland who specialise in Australian visas.
I don’t have an immigration specialist partner. However, I recommend you check out IMMagine. They offer a free preliminary evaluation to establish which Visa category may suit you and whether it’s worth your while to order a comprehensive full assessment. Not many immigration companies do this.
The next step is a full assessment, during which IMMagine will develop your detailed strategy, timeline, and pricing structure in person or on Skype. Naturally, a small cost applies to this complete and comprehensive assessment.
For a small fee (AUD$15.00), you can post your question online, and one of the IMMagine team will contact you with your answer within 24 hours (usually same-day response). This service is designed for people who need quick access to accurate information but don’t want to search online to find the answers. Most importantly, your questions are answered by licensed advisers living in New Zealand or Australia.
If you’re planning to move to Australia and have a criminal conviction, you may be worried about whether it will affect your ability to enter the country. If this is you or someone you love, read my post on moving to Australia with a criminal conviction.
For New Zealanders with a criminal history, it’s important to get written confirmation from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) before travelling. If you have served a prison sentence of 12 months or more, you will need to apply for an Australian visa rather than relying on a Special Category Visa (SCV).
There are a lot of ways to get Australian visa and citizenship information and help on the internet. A few of the links are below:
The posts below might interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 17+ years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 17+ years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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Dillen Hans
August 1, 2015 at 2:54 amHello hello… I wonder if you can help me. I want a migration agent if maybe you can give me a number for them? It would really help me a lot. And I’m from South Africa. Thanks a lot…
JJ Smith
August 3, 2015 at 7:33 amHi Dillen,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You can find an immigration specialist on the below website, you need to add business location as South Africa and press search: https://www.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/. You will get a list of 18 agents to chose from.
Good luck with your move.
John
July 5, 2015 at 1:42 pmI am a NZer living in Asia. I am considering taking a job in Australia. I have a Thai partner of 9 years (same sex) and want to know if there is any way we to get a visa for him?
JJ Smith
July 6, 2015 at 5:04 amHi John,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Have you followed my recommendations on the Visa page, e.g. completed the Visa Wizard?
If you have and still aren’t sure about your partners Visa eligibility then you will need to contact a Immigration Specialist. You can find an immigration specialist on the Australian Government website, Migration Agents Registration Authority (https://www.mara.gov.au/).
Please let me know how you get on and if I can be of further assistance.
Eben
November 6, 2014 at 7:31 amHi there
As a New Zealand Citizen,and holding a SCV holder, are you entitled to the same benefits as all other permanent residents in Australia, like help with childcare and can you buy a house there on a SCVisa, Also do you pay normal school fees or do you have to pay international fees.
Thanks for all your advise.
JJ Smith
November 6, 2014 at 7:31 amHi Eben,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Please read the below article which lists the SCV exclusions: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/visas/scv-visa-exclusions.html.
The above is all I am able to find on the internet. Most entitlements are based on your individual circumstances and I recommend you contact the appropriate Australian Government department and ask them. It’s always worth a try.
Good luck. Sorry I can not be of more assistance.
Isabelle
August 26, 2014 at 7:35 amHi,
Can you buy a business if you are NZ citizen?
Regard
Isabelle
JJ Smith
August 27, 2014 at 7:23 amHi Isabelle,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Sorry but I am not 100% on this and cannot find a definitive answer on the web. However, I don’t think kiwi’s can.
I recommend calling the Australian High Commission New Zealand (04) 473 6411, as they will be able to give you an answered or point you in the right direction.
Good luck.
sam_nav
February 19, 2014 at 12:19 pmHi i have drink driving conviction in NZ. I’m NZ citizen and conviction will be till end of may this year. Just wondering will this effect to get me SCV in Australia. As i want to move there with my family.
Se
February 11, 2014 at 3:12 amHi
Im a NZ citizen and looking to move to Australia, im planning to move there by myself and apply for university, if i only have an SCV does that mean i cant get a student loan, be elligable for government support allowances ect? Also, what visas would i have to have to apply for australian citizenship?
Im also planning to get a a part time job and was wondering if qualifications i get in NZ such as NCEA/NZQA , would they still be valid once i move to Australia?
Also im going to be living with one of my friends , and she is a an australian resident, would that make any difference?. Sorry for the load of questions !
Thanks. x
JJ Smith
February 11, 2014 at 3:13 amHi Se,
Thank you for your comment.
You will not be able to get a student loan or government assistance with an SCV. You would need to apply for PR (Permanent Residency). I recommend going through the Citizenship Wizard (http://www.citizenship.gov.au/citizenshipwizard/) and if you want/need further help fill in the Endeavour Immigration form on the right of the below page. They will be able to help you apply for PR, saving you time and stress:
https://www.movingtoaustral ia.co.nz/australian-visa/australian-visa-application
Regarding NZ qualifications crossing over to Australia, I recommend reading the below information on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website on entrance into Australian Universities:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/entrance-to-australian-universities/.
Good luck with your move and please do post another comment on movingtoaustralia.co.nz if you find anything other visitors would be interested in knowing.
Thanks
Jacqueline
December 17, 2013 at 1:15 amMy daughter, who is a New Zealand citizen, is traveling to Brisbane on a one way ticket. She has no job to go to, very little money and no plan as to when she will return to new Zealand. Her plan is to find work when she gets there. Is there a chance she will be prevented from entering Australia?
Jacques
JJ Smith
December 17, 2013 at 4:45 amGood morning,
Thank you for your comment.
Unless she has a criminal record she will not be disallowed to enter Australia. They are still granting New Zealand citizens with a SCV Visa automatically when they enter Australia.
I would recommend that she sets up a bank account before she goes, as when you try from Australia the banks want a lot more paper work, which she will not have for a few months.
She can setup a bank account with Commonwealth Bank by following the below link:
https://www1.commbank.com.au/eforms/MovingToAustralia/?id=85
Thanks
Shanna
November 8, 2013 at 12:43 pmHi there, Im asking on behalf of my Brother. He’s a New Zealand Citizen and wanting to move to Australia. He has a criminal record though. He has been in jail twice but only 6 months, and the last time he was in jail was 8 years ago. I looked up how he can go by moving over, He has to full in a CONSENT OF DISCLOSURE form and send it to DIBP- Immigration. And they respond back to him telling him whether of not he needs to apply for a Visa? My question is can he be denied from DIBP-Immigration just from the consent of disclosure? Saying he cant apply for a visa? And if so what could he do for them to let him apply for a visa to let him move to australia? Please help, Thanks a lot for your time 🙂
JJ Smith
November 12, 2013 at 2:10 amHi Shanna,
Thank you for your comment.
In his situation I would definitely recommend getting help from Allister an immigration specialist so that he is able to move to Australia.
Please email the answers to the below questions to allister@endeavourimmigration.co.nz stating that you have been referred by MovingtoAustralia.co.nz:
– Name
– Current Visa status
– Address
– Phone
– Email
– Highest Qualification
– Occupation
– Number of years experience
– Any family in Australia or New Zealand
Endeavour Immigration provides professional immigration advice and assistance for Visa applications to Australia. Whether it is for permanent residence, a temporary work visa or partners of New Zealand Citizens. Immigration Adviser Allister Simpson has provided the professional assistance that can make it happen since 2005 and has an in depth knowledge of the strict requirements for skills assessments, state nomination and Australian Immigration policy.
Allister will be able to advise what you will need to do from here.
Good luck.
Jude
September 9, 2013 at 5:03 amHi, Im moving to aussie in Mid Oct. Do i need to apply for a working visa? I have a NZ passport and my intentions are to move to gain work in australia.
I have a Australian bank account and have housing sorted, the only grey area in my move is the visa, as i have been told that i need a visa and i do not need a visa.
can you please clarify the facts of my move to australia as to the visa prior to my move.
Thank you 🙂
JJ Smith
September 9, 2013 at 10:01 amHi Jude,
Thank you for your comment.
I recommend that you get the advice of a immigration specialist.
Please fill in the attached form and email it either back to me or straight to allister@endeavourimmigration.co.nz stating that you have been referred by MovingtoAustralia.co.nz.
Endeavour Immigration provides professional immigration advice and assistance for Visa applications to Australia. Whether it is for permanent residence, a temporary work visa or partners of New Zealand Citizens. Immigration Adviser Allister Simpson has provided the professional assistance that can make it happen since 2005 and has an in depth knowledge of the strict requirements for skills assessments, state nomination and Australian Immigration policy.
Allister will be able to advise what you will need to do from here.
Good luck with your move.
Cameron
June 13, 2013 at 5:32 amHi there, I am planning to go to Melbourne early August. I have been told by some people that I need a working visa and others have said I do not need one. I am a NZ citizen and will be working in Melbourne full time in the hospitality industry. Unsure of how long i will be there for but due to the date coming up very shortly I am needing some proper answers. Please help
Cheers
JJ Smith
June 14, 2013 at 6:17 amHi Cameron,
Thanks for your enquiry.
There has been a lot of talk of late regarding the automatic SCV changing for New Zealanders moving to Australia, but as yet nothing has changed.
Therefore you are still free to move and work in Australia under the electronic SCV that is given to you on entry into Australia.
Please continue to check back on the site, as if anything does change I will add it to the site. I am continuously checking New Zealand and Australian embassy, immigration and news websites.
Good luck with your move.
David
June 12, 2013 at 9:50 pmHello,
I arrived in Australia on 8 Dec 2000 so before the 26 February 2001 change. I left in 2005 to travel overseas for 3 years. I have now since returned to Australia. Am I classed as holding a Protected SCV or just a SCV? Having arrived before 26 Feb 2001 some websites say I am protected but they don’t give anymore information. Does the fact that I left Australia after 5 years cause any issue?
Also is there a way to get written proof? I can’t find the passport I entered Australia on in December 2000. Is this a problem or would it show up electronically that I entered on that date?
I would appreciate your advice.
Kind regards
David
JJ Smith
June 12, 2013 at 10:00 pmHi David,
Thank you for your enquiry. However, it is way out of my scope.
You will need to contact either the Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Citizenship (http://www.immi.gov.au) or an immigration specialist. I recommend Endeavour Immigration (http://endeavourimmigration.co.nz/).
Good luck.
Sunny
June 4, 2013 at 9:54 amHi,
My girlfriend is Nz citizen and we are getting married on 14 june 2013 in Auckland and I am neither Australian nor Nz Resident, we both would like to move to Australia for better prospects in life. She is about to leave by 15 august 2013 to go to perth and find jobs there. I would like to know would I be eligible to get visa, As of now I am more concerned of living with her in Australia, If I am eligible then whats the visa fee & duration and shall I apply after getting married?? Where should I go and find out more in Auckland? Any help would be highly appreciated.
Regards
JJ Smith
June 5, 2013 at 9:21 amHi Sunny,
Thanks for your enquiry.
Firstly, have you completed the Australia Visa Wizard (http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/). The Visa Wizard can help you find the Australian visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.
Otherwise you will need to contact an immigration specialist. I recommend Endeavour Immigration (http://endeavourimmigration.co.nz/). They are based in Auckland and specialise in Australian permanent residency, state sponsored visas, employer nomination, temporary work visas and family visas.
Endeavour Immigration will be able to help you find the correct visa for you, visa fees and durations. Also let you know when the best time for you to apply is, e.g. after your married.
Good luck.
Stella
May 23, 2013 at 4:57 amHi there,
My mum and brother are looking to make the move over to work and live in Australia. They’re both NZ Citizens but we’ve heard that there will be a law change whereby if you arrive after the 1st of July 2013 you will no longer be able to work automatically but must first apply for an Australian working visa.
Can you please confirm if this is correct or are they still fine to move over and get an SCV that still allows them to work there as NZ Citizens?
Stella
JJ Smith
May 15, 2013 at 6:31 amHi Stella,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I have still not been able to find any proof that changes are going to be made to New Zealanders automatic SCV’s.
I will post any news on the site if and when anything is made official.
Thanks
Carmen
May 15, 2013 at 4:24 pmMy baby and I are Australia citizens, but my partner is a New Zealand citizen. We want to go back to Australia but my partner has a criminal record. Can we go?
Charmaine
May 15, 2013 at 6:47 amHi there, me an my partner an 3 year old son are looking at moving over to Australia to live an I’m unsure of the changes that have come up with New Zealanders moving to Australia, was wondering what we have to apply for when moving over eg visas (which one do we have to apply for) Medicare cards ( do we have to apply for those to)? What are Medicare cards?
Thank you very much
JJ Smith
May 15, 2013 at 7:00 amHi Charmaine,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I have still not been able to find any proof that changes are going to be made to New Zealanders automatic SCV’s. I will post any news on the site if and when anything is made official. Therefore you do not need to apply for any visa’s if you are a New Zealand citizen.
For information on Medicare and how to apply, please read our page health information page: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/health/health.html.
Good luck with your move.