New Zealanders in Australia: your rights if you lose your job or are thinking of moving

Special Category Visa basics

• New Zealanders can generally live and work in Australia indefinitely on an SCV (subclass 444) granted on arrival.
• Whether you are 'protected' matters for welfare: protected means you were in Australia on 26 February 2001, or lived there for at least 12 months in the two years before, or have a Centrelink residence certificate.
• 'Non-protected' SCV holders arrived later.

Centrelink and job loss

• Protected SCV holders can generally claim most Centrelink payments.
• Non-protected SCV holders generally can't get most social security payments unless they hold a permanent visa or Australian citizenship. There is a narrow exemption: Services Australia says you may qualify for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance if you have lived in Australia continuously for at least 10 years immediately before claiming.
• Non-protected holders may still qualify for some payments, such as family assistance, parental leave pay or a payment under the Australia-New Zealand social security agreement. Check Services Australia.

Citizenship pathway

From 1 July 2023, New Zealanders living in Australia as non-protected SCV holders are treated as permanent residents for citizenship purposes. MFAT says New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for four years or more can apply directly for citizenship, without first getting a permanent visa. This change affects citizenship only, not Centrelink entitlements. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for current rules and fees.

Thinking of coming home?

See our guide for NZers returning home. Ring Work and Income before you travel if you can: the 'ordinarily resident' rules matter.

Super and KiwiSaver

• You can transfer KiwiSaver to a complying Australian super fund when you move permanently.
• Australian super you've earned can generally be accessed under Australian rules. When leaving Australia, a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment may be available: check the ATO.