New Zealand Citizen Visas
New Zealand Citizen Visas
New Zealand citizens have different visa options depending on when they
arrived in Australia and their residency status.
Eligible New Zealand Citizens (ENZC)
- Arrived in Australia on or before 26 February 2001 (or met special residence requirements).
- Considered permanent residents for migration and citizenship purposes.
- Can sponsor family members for permanent visas.
Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)
> Automatically granted to New Zealand citizens arriving after 26 February
2001.
> Allows indefinite stay in Australia with the options of permanent
residency rights.
> Pathway to permanent residency available through the Subclass 189
(Skilled Independent) visa under special provisions.
Subclass 189 (New Zealand Stream):
For Subclass 444 holders who:
- Lived in Australia continuously for 5 years before 19 Feb 2016.
- Earned at least AUD $53,900 annually for most of that period (with some exemptions).
- Meet health and character requirements.
Family Sponsorship Options
- Subclass 461 – NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa: For partners or spouses of New Zealand citizens in Australia, valid for 5 years and renewable.
- Partner Visas (Subclass 820/309): All NZ citizens living in Australia can also sponsor their partner under the standard Partner Visa pathways.
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