As soon as you arrive

You need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you get to Australia so you can receive an income.

Apply online for a tax file number

You'll qualify for enrolment in the Medicare program which will give you access to Australian healthcare, including cheaper doctor’s visits and medicines.

Medicare enrolment for NZ citizens

Your NZ licence is valid for 3 months after arriving in Australia. Each Australian state has its own driving and licencing laws, so the process will depend on where you're going to be living.

Driving

Studying

As a New Zealander you can enrol your kids in primary and high schools. You and your family can study at Australian universities or polytechnics.

You'll pay the same fees as an Australian student, but you might not be able to get a student loan or allowance unless you become a permanent resident.

Check to see if you can get a student allowance — special rules around residency may apply.

Student allowance

Find out what financial help you can get when you’re studying.

Study Assist

Recognition of NZ qualifications

Some qualifications (such as university or polytechnic degrees or certificates) or registered occupations (such as plumbers, electricians) are recognised without having to sit further tests or exams. 

Get your higher education qualifications assessed — this can can take up to 3 months and you'll have to pay a fee.

Assessment of overseas qualifications

Check your trade skills to see if they’re recognised.

Trades Recognition Australia

Find out what the next steps are for getting an assessment of your skills and qualifications.

Australian skills recognition information

Living in Australia permanently

Applying for permanent residence

Having permanent residency in Australia means you can:

• apply for unemployment or sickness benefits. These benefits can't be received until 2 years after applying for permanent residence
• sponsor family members who want to apply for permanent residency
• become an Australian citizen.

If you were living in Australia before 26 February 2001, you might already be a permanent resident.

If you arrived after that you’ll need to apply. You may be able to apply under a new pathway if you are a New Zealand special category visa holder and were living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016. The new pathway is available from 1 July 2017.

Additional pathway to permanent residence

When things go wrong

NZ government offices in Australia have no money to help you if you get into financial problems. Work and Income can’t pay emergency benefits to people outside NZ.

You can get help in an emergency — eg you're arrested, taken to hospital or lose your passport.

NZ High Commission Canberra

You can get advice about who can help with getting benefits and financial help.

National Welfare Rights Network