New Zealand Residence Visa Australian Resident Visa

Identity: You must provide proof of your identity. Immigration New Zealand will use your passport details to check your identity.

Australian immigration status: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Immigration New Zealand will use your passport to check your Australian citizenship or immigration status. If you have a valid Australian passport, use it to travel to New Zealand. Otherwise you can use a foreign passport that confirms you’re both an Australian permanent resident, and hold either:

• a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa
• a valid Australian Resident Return Visa.

Australia temporary residents aren’t eligible for this visa.

If your Australian Permanent Resident or Resident Return Visa has been issued electronically, it’s a good idea to check your visa is linked to the passport you’ll be travelling on. You can do this by contacting the Australian immigration authorities.

Character: You must be of good character. When you complete your arrival card, you’ll be asked some questions about your character.

You may not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:

• You have a criminal record,
• You have been deported, removed or excluded from another country.
• Immigration New Zealand has reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest.

Step 1 – Check all the requirements for visa waiver travel

To be granted a visa when you arrive in New Zealand you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be of good character.

If you are not sure you meet our requirements for good character, apply for a visa before you travel to New Zealand.

Step 2 – Check if you need to request an NZeTA

If you are a permanent resident of Australia you must hold an NZeTA before you travel, but you do not need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL).

Australian citizens do not need to hold an NZeTA or pay the IVL.

Step 3 – Apply for a resident visa on arrival

On your way to New Zealand, you will be given an arrival card to complete. It includes questions about your character and intentions.

When you arrive, Immigration New Zealand will check your arrival card. If they can confirm you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meet our requirements for good character, you will be granted a New Zealand resident visa.

• You must have Australian Passport or
• Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Grant Notification/Letter.

You do not need to pay fee when approved a resident visa (as an Australian citizen or permanent resident) on arrival in New Zealand.

• Australian temporary residents are not entitled for this visa.
• To apply to this visa, you must arrive in New Zealand.
• If you depart New Zealand your resident visa status will expire — you can apply for a variation of travel conditions to let you travel without affecting your New Zealand residence status.
• With just an Australian PR status, you must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. You do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).