New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. When you enter Australia you can apply for a
Special Category visa (subclass 444)(SCV). If you meet the criteria for the SCV we will grant you the visa.
If you want to stay in Australia as a permanent visa holder, you can choose to apply for a
permanent visa.
From 1 July 2023, all SCV holders can apply directly for
citizenship (by conferral). You do not need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. Before you apply, you should check that you are
eligible.