Australia Visa For New Zealand
This article provides a complete overview of the Australia Visas for New Zealand. This article includes information about the different visas available for New Zealand citizens to settle in Australia for permanent residency.
Do you want to migrate to New Zealand, but not sure if you need visa? Well, you know the answer. If you are a citizen of New Zealand and have been living in this country for more than six months, then you don’t need visa to visit New Zealand. But, if you come from Australia, then you might need a special visa to enter New Zealand.
Visa Services
Visa applications are not accepted at the Australian High Commission, Wellington.
All visa and immigration services are undertaken at the Australian High Commission in Suva, Fiji. This applies to all clients in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands.
The fastest and easiest way to apply for most Australian visas or citizenship matters is online, through ImmiAccount.
In New Zealand, VFS Global operates Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Wellington. Please visit the VFS Global website at: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nzl/en/aus/ for further information on the services available
| Please note: There is no longer any requirement for your passport to be valid for six months after your travel. Your passport must be valid only for the period of your intended travel in and out of Australia. |
Changes to Visitor visa lodgement arrangements
The Department of Home Affairs has now introduced 100 per cent online lodgement for Visitor visas (subclass 600).
Paper applications will no longer be accepted as valid.
Applying for your visa online is the most efficient way to apply. There are many benefits to applying online, including:
- Faster processing times
- Apply online at any convenient time
- Use mobile devices to apply
- Attach documents online
- Check application status, correct mistakes or update details online.
Further information and guidance on applying online and ImmiAccount is available on the Department’s website: Applying online
More information about these changes will be updated on the Department’s website for each Visitor visa (subclass 600) stream page. A list of all streams is at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600
Citizens of New Zealand
If you are a New Zealand citizen, do not have tuberculosis or a criminal conviction, you can live and work in Australia without applying for a visa in advance. You will be eligible for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) which is granted on arrival when you travel on a valid New Zealand passport.
If you have questions regarding the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) or applying for other visas, please see these Frequently Asked Questions.
Travelling with a Criminal Conviction – http://newzealand.embassy.gov.au/wltn/travellingwithacriminalconviction.html
Citizens of New Zealand (travelling as a permanent resident)
On arrival in Australia, New Zealand citizens who have been granted a permanent residence visa should tell Australian Border Force officers the following:
- that you have a permanent residence visa (for example 189 Skilled Independent visa)
- that you do not want a Special Category visa (subclass 444)
If you don’t tell them, you might be granted a subclass 444 visa. The grant of a subclass 444 visa might affect your eligibility for:
- permanent residency (including any Government benefits),
- being eligible for a Resident Return Visa (RRV)
- Australian citizenship.