This visa stream is for New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) holders to apply for permanent residence. You need to have shown a commitment to living in Australia.

New Zealand citizens who are granted this permanent visa will be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after 12 months, in addition to holding a SCV for five consecutive years. Your family members may hold any visa. There is no age requirement for this stream.

This visa lets you:

• stay in Australia indefinitely
• work and study in Australia
• enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• travel to and from Australia for five years
• apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

You must have received an income at or above a taxable threshold for the four years prior to lodging an application (unless claiming an exemption).

You must pay the first instalment for yourself and each member of your family unit included in your application at the time you lodge your application.

The first instalment is 20% of the total visa application charge. You must pay the second instalment for yourself and each family member for your family unit include in your application before your visa is granted. The second instalment is 80% of the total visa application charge.

These charges must be paid before a visa can be granted.