Can New Zealanders work in Australia?

When most Kiwis arrive in Aussie, they are given a SCV – Special Category Visa. This is a unique visa with special powers that most visas don’t have, which includes being able to work.

Due to New Zealand and Australia’s close ties, Kiwis are able to pop over the Tasman and enter indefinitely for as long as they like. The SCV allows you to work, study, retire, transfer your superannuation and have a lot of the same rights as Australian citizens (all without having to have the accent). However, the SCV is classed as a temporary unprotected visa only.

Things used to be different. Before 2001, New Zealanders were considered permanent residents upon arrival. Continual changes have eroded the benefits and privileges that Kiwis used to have in Australia. Despite this, more than 600,000 Kiwis live in Aussie, although the volumes have slowed over the past few years.

recruitment
Image by Nick Youngson

When can’t you work in Australia?

If you have a criminal conviction or untreated TB, you will have to apply for permission on an appropriate visa. You can do so from the Australian High Commission.

NZ permanent residents are not entitled to the SCV. Permanent residents will have to apply for a working visa.

Are there any exclusions to working when you have an SCV?

Even with the SCV, you cannot join the Australian Defence Force or work long term in the Australian public sector. You must become an Australian citizen to do so.

Steps to gaining employment in Australia

Most jobs are advertised online, the same as New Zealand. Check out reputable job websites, including:

SEEK – http://www.seek.com.au

JobsJobsJobs.com.au – http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au

Jobsearch – http://www.jobsearch.com.au

Adzuna – http://www.mycareer.com.au

Australian Government JobSearch – http://www.jobsearch.gov.au

It can also be worthwhile to register with a recruitment agency. There are a range of companies that are specialised for various fields as well as general positions.

Healthcare agencies in Australia

https://www.healthcareaustralia.com.au/ . This is ideal if you are a qualified nurse, doctor, midwife, or aged care professional.

Information Technology (IT) job in Australia

Affinity – https://www.affinityit.com.au

Ambit – https://www.ambit.com.au

Ambition – http://www.ambition.com.au

Ignite – https://www.igniteservices.com/

Modis – https://www.modis.com.au/jobs

Get a bank account before you leave NZ

You can apply for a bank account before leaving Aotearoa. This will make the process of arriving much simpler and easier. You can open an account with a few banks before you leave. You’ll need your personal details, arrival date and employment details, and then simply choose an account type and Visa type.

Consider hiring an accountant

While you are half in NZ and half in Australia, particularly as you adjust to new tax and financial laws, it is worth hiring n accountant. They will help you with your tax return and know what deductions you can claim. If your finances are simple you can try to do it yourself, although for the first year, especially with house sales or unusual financial crossovers, it’s a wise investment to hire a professional.

Make sure they understand what you need and specialise in individual tax payments. It might be helpful if they understand International/ NZ tax laws too. Check they are qualified and registered as accountants.

Advise the IRD that you are moving to Australia

If you leave NZ, you need to let the IRD know so they can update your tax status. Fill out an IR886 to give them your forwarding address and elect a person in NZ to manage your tax affairs.

Get a TFN (Australia Tax File Number) after arriving in Australia

Basically, this is the Aussie equivalent to the IRD number. Their tax system is a similar system to NZ- your employer will pay tax on your behalf to the tax department.

Once you’ve arrived, you can apply for your TFN number. Until you have a TFN, you are charged a higher tax rate.

The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

This tax calculator will help you estimate how much tax will be payable, your Medicare levy and surcharge, any tax offsets and any student loan/ higher education loan program repayments.

Increase your chances of getting hired

If you have qualifications, consider additional training so that it is recognised in Australia. This covers professions such as accountants, lawyers, builders and nurses.
Consider a skilled workers visa rather than a SCV.
Move at the optimal time. Christmas time is a shut down period, the same as NZ. Hiring typically kicks off around March.
Sort your CV/ resume. Every country has a slightly different expected format. Resumes in Australia are only a couple of pages long, and largely focus on past achievements.
Consider a temporary position or contract work to get your foot in the door.
Get your Australian drivers licence. Your Kiwi one is only valid for three months.

Consider applying for Australian residency

If you can live and work in Australia without any problems, why would you bother applying for residency?

Because there are a variety of allowances you may not be eligible for under a SCV. You are not entitled to unemployment benefits, parenting payments or the youth allowance. There is no ability to receive student loans or allowances. No disability allowances or support pension are paid for if a result of a non-work-related disability. There is no access to public housing in many states. If you start the permanent residency process as soon as you are able, you will have access to benefits and other advantages of being an Australian resident.

Can New Zealanders work in Australia?