For New Zealanders building a future in Australia
Migrating from New Zealand to Australia
New Zealanders can live and work in Australia from the day they arrive, so the questions we get are about what comes next: permanent residence, citizenship, and sponsoring family who do not hold NZ passports.
Most New Zealand citizens in Australia are here on a Special Category Visa (SCV, subclass 444), which is granted automatically on arrival. The SCV allows New Zealanders to live and work in Australia indefinitely, but it is not a permanent visa. NZ citizens on a SCV do not have access to most government payments and cannot sponsor family members for Australian permanent residence.
Since 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia on a SCV for at least four years are eligible for the subclass 189 (NZ stream), a direct pathway to Australian permanent residence without a skills assessment or points test.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE OPTIONS FOR NZ CITIZENS
Subclass 189 NZ stream (from 1 July 2023): the most significant change for long-term NZ residents. Four years of lawful presence in Australia on an SCV, passing health and character requirements. No points test, no skills assessment, no sponsorship required. This is the primary pathway for most NZ citizens already in Australia.
Standard skilled stream (189, 190, 491): NZ citizens can also apply through the standard points-tested system if they meet the skills assessment and points requirements. This was the main option before the 2023 changes.
Employer sponsorship (482, 186): NZ citizens can also be sponsored by Australian employers through the standard employer-sponsored framework.
Partner visa: NZ citizens in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident can apply for a partner visa.
PATHWAY FOR NZ CITIZENS: 189 NZ STREAM
Step 1 Confirm four years of lawful presence in Australia on an SCV
Use your travel records and VEVO.
Step 2 Confirm you are not the holder of any other substantive visa
(other than the SCV) and that you have not been excluded from the SCV.
Step 3 Confirm health requirements: a chest x-ray and medical examination by an approved panel physician may be required
Step 4 Confirm character requirements: police clearances from all countries of residence
Step 5 Lodge the subclass 189
(NZ stream) application in ImmiAccount.
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
Does an SCV count as permanent residence?
No. The SCV is a temporary visa class despite allowing indefinite stay. NZ citizens on a SCV cannot access most centrelink payments, cannot sponsor family, and cannot apply for citizenship based on SCV time alone.
When did the 189 NZ stream start?
1 July 2023. NZ citizens who have been in Australia on a SCV for four or more years became eligible from that date.
Can I apply for citizenship after getting the 189 NZ stream PR?
Yes. Once you hold the subclass 189 as a permanent visa, the standard citizenship residence requirement applies (four years of lawful presence, twelve months as a permanent resident).
What if I have not been in Australia for four years?
You do not yet qualify for the 189 NZ stream. You can still explore standard skilled stream or employer-sponsored options.
What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
