Update (October 2026)
JobKeeper ended in March 2021 and the COVID-19 support measures in this article have closed. The biggest change since then: from 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least 4 years can apply directly for Australian citizenship, which gives full access to Centrelink payments. See “What this means in 2026” below and our guide to the direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, many people may experience sudden financial hardship and need financial support to continue their stay in Australia. Below we will summarise the current regime in place to help New Zealanders in Australia.
Subclass 444 holders may be eligible for Job Keeper or Job Seeker payment.
Job Keeper
The legislation for Job Keeper payment is passed on 8 April 2020. The ATO is updating their website to provide more information.
For now, we know that if you are a holder of a Subclass 444 and you are a resident for Australian tax purposes on 1 March 2020, you may be eligible for the payment.
Job Seeker
To be eligible for the Job Seeker Payment:
- you’re between 22 and Age Pension age
- you meet residence rules
- your income and assets are under the test limits.
You also need to meet rules for either of these situations:
- You meet our definition of unemployed and you’re looking for work.
- You’re sick or injured and are unable to do your usual work or study for a short time.
You may be able to get JobSeeker Payment for 6 months, if you meet 2 conditions. These are that you:
- hold a non-protected Special Category visa (SCV)- you’re a New Zealand citizen who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001, you’re generally a non-protected SCV holder.
- have lived in Australia without a break for at least 10 years right before you claim.
Non-protected SCV holders may only get JobSeeker Payment for a single period up to 6 months.
What this means in 2026
The COVID-19 payments described above have ended, but the basic rules on support for New Zealanders still depend on whether you hold a protected or non-protected Special Category visa (subclass 444).
| Protected SCV holder | Non-protected SCV holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Generally New Zealand citizens who were in Australia on 26 February 2001, or for 12 months in the 2 years before that date (and some others assessed as protected) | Most New Zealand citizens who arrived after 26 February 2001 |
| Centrelink access | Can claim any Centrelink payment or concession card if living in Australia | Limited: family payments such as Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy, plus some cards and payments after the waiting period |
| JobSeeker Payment | Yes, if eligible | Only after 10 years of continuous residence, for a single period of up to 6 months |
| Path to full access | Already has full access | Become an Australian citizen (direct pathway after 4 years) or a permanent resident |
Your next steps
- Work out your status. Check whether you are a protected or non-protected SCV holder from your arrival dates.
- Check the 4-year rule. If you have lived in Australia for at least 4 years on a Special Category visa, you may be able to apply straight for citizenship without first becoming a permanent resident. See citizenship residence requirement.
- Children born in Australia. Under rules that started on 1 July 2023, children born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to a New Zealand parent holding a Special Category visa are generally Australian citizens at birth.
- The 189 New Zealand stream closed to new applications on 1 July 2023, as the direct citizenship pathway replaced it. Read more on the 189 visa New Zealand stream page.
- Get advice if you have gaps in residence, character issues or family members who are not New Zealand citizens.
New Zealanders in Australia FAQs
Can New Zealanders get Centrelink in Australia?
Protected SCV holders can claim any Centrelink payment. Non-protected SCV holders can get family payments and some concession cards, and JobSeeker only once for up to 6 months after 10 years of continuous residence.
How long do I need to live in Australia to apply for citizenship as a New Zealander?
Generally 4 years living in Australia, with limited time overseas. You no longer need to become a permanent resident first.
Is the 189 New Zealand stream still open?
No. It closed to new applications in 2023 when the direct pathway to citizenship started.
Does my partner who is not a New Zealander get the same rights?
No. Family members who are not New Zealand citizens usually need their own visa, such as a subclass 461 visa or a partner visa.
VisaEnvoy’s Coronavirus action plan
The VisaEnvoy team have plans in place to ensure ongoing operation for our current and prospective clients. We are able to work entirely remotely in the event that self-isolation is required or the offices are closed, including accessing client files, emails and phones, lodging applications, and accessing documents.
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