New Zealand Citizens Can Work in Australia Visa-Free

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that citizens of New Zealand are the only nationality allowed to travel to Australia and begin living and working without securing a visa beforehand. This is facilitated by the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa (SCV), which is a temporary visa exclusive to New Zealand citizens.

The SCV permits holders to visit, study, work, and remain in Australia indefinitely, as long as they retain their New Zealand citizenship. Unlike standard visas, the SCV has no application fee and requires no advance processing; applications are assessed upon arrival at airports or seaports.

The visa remains valid until the holder departs Australia, obtains a permanent visa, becomes an Australian citizen, or has it canceled. However, it is not a multi-entry visa, meaning it ceases to be valid each time the holder leaves Australia.

This arrangement is part of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, a bilateral agreement in place since 1973.