Independent guide for Kiwis — not affiliated with the Australian or New Zealand government About this site
Get the Guides
Home › Tools › Visa Checker

Visa Pathway Checker

Find your exact visa options for moving from New Zealand to Australia — free, no account needed.

🔍 Your Visa Options
Your NZ status
Primary reason for moving
Destination state
When are you planning to move?
Free tool · Based on Home Affairs public data · No account required
🔍

Fill in your details on the left
and click Check My Visa Options to see your personalised pathway.

⚠️ General guidance only. This tool provides information based on publicly available policy. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs before making decisions.
SCV Questions
About the Special Category Visa

The SCV is one of the most misunderstood visas in Australia. Here are the most common questions.

What is the Special Category Visa (SCV)?
The SCV (subclass 444) is a temporary visa granted automatically to New Zealand citizens on arrival in Australia. It lets you live and work in Australia indefinitely — but it is NOT permanent residency and comes with some important restrictions.
Can I access Medicare on the SCV?
Yes. From July 2023, most NZ citizens on the SCV can enrol in Medicare from their first day in Australia. Previously you needed to be a permanent resident. Visit a Medicare service centre with your NZ passport to enrol.
Can the SCV lead to permanent residency?
Yes — from July 2023 you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155) after meeting the residence requirement. From July 2025, time on the SCV counts towards the citizenship residence requirement (4 years).
Can I sponsor a family member on the SCV?
Generally no — the SCV does not give you PR status, so you cannot sponsor family members for most visa types. You would need to become a permanent resident first.

Get the Full Visa & Immigration Guide

90-page guide covering your complete visa pathway, Medicare, banking and first 90 days — included with $1.99/month.

Get Full Access →