Jobs for New Zealand citizens already living in Australia
New Zealand citizens living in Australia usually hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444), which Home Affairs says lets you "visit, work and study in Australia". Home Affairs also says 444 holders are among the only people with no conditions placed on working in Australia, so you can take any roster an employer offers. Employers may still ask to see your VEVO details.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for New Zealand citizens who already live in Australia on a Special Category visa and want work in aged care, nursing, allied health, disability support, childcare, hospitality or the trades. If you are still in New Zealand and planning the move, read our guide for people moving from New Zealand instead; it covers moving a registration or licence and your first steps.
What work can I do on a Special Category visa (subclass 444)?
On the Home Affairs page read on 31 October 2026, the Special Category visa lets a New Zealand citizen "visit, work and study in Australia" and stay "for as long as you are a New Zealand citizen". The Home Affairs work restrictions page says only Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa have no conditions placed on working in Australia. In practice that means no limit on hours and no limit on how long you work for one employer. Roles that need a registration, a licence or a screening check still need them, for example a state electrical licence or NDIS worker screening for a risk-assessed disability support role.
How do I show an employer my work rights?
Home Affairs says you can check your visa details and conditions, or get a copy of your visa, online using VEVO, and that to access VEVO you will need a reference number, which Home Affairs explains how to get. Employers check work rights before a start date, so having your VEVO result ready saves a step. Your Special Category visa ceases when you leave Australia, and Home Affairs says you must apply for a new one if you want to enter Australia again; it is usually applied for each time you enter. If you became a New Zealand citizen after you entered Australia, or entered on a passport that is not a New Zealand passport or on another temporary visa, Home Affairs says to apply for the visa online from inside Australia.
Which CrossNation roles suit New Zealand citizens already here?
Every role we recruit for in Australia is open to you on work rights, because a Special Category visa carries no work conditions. The live job counts below come from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and each employer runs its own interviews, reference checks and registration checks. Tell us your current registration or licence, the state you live in and the sector you want. Home Affairs also says that from 1 July 2023 all Special Category visa holders can apply directly for Australian citizenship by conferral, without first being granted a permanent visa, if they are eligible; check the Home Affairs page or a registered migration agent before you apply.
Which open roles could suit you?
These counts are live from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and it does not mean the employer sponsors visas. Check that a role fits your work rights before you apply.
- Aged care jobs: 2 open
- Nursing jobs: 0 open
- Allied health jobs: 10 open
- Disability support jobs: 1 open
- Childcare jobs: 0 open
- Hospitality jobs: 1 open
- Trades jobs: 4 open
Open roles in these sectors
- Care Manager / Case Manager – Support at Home (Aged Care)South Australia, SAFull Time
- Care Manager / Case Manager – Support at Home (Aged Care)Victoria, VICFull Time
- Occupational Therapist (NDIS) - Bendigo, VictoriaBendigo, VICFull Time
- Speech Pathologist (Grade 1 / Grade 2)Mildura, VICFull Time
- Social Worker (Grade 1 / Grade 2)Mildura, VICFull Time
- Podiatrist – Grade 2Mildura, VICFull Time
- Podiatrist – Grade 1Mildura, VICFull Time
- Physiotherapist – Grade 2Mildura, VICFull Time
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work visa as a New Zealand citizen in Australia?
Home Affairs says New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia, and can apply for a Special Category visa (subclass 444) when they enter. That visa lets you visit, work and study in Australia. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.
Are there limits on the hours or employers I can work for?
Home Affairs says New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa are among the only people with no conditions placed on working in Australia, together with Australian citizens and permanent residents.
How do I check my visa in VEVO?
Use VEVO on the Home Affairs website. Home Affairs says New Zealand citizens need a reference number to access VEVO, and its New Zealand citizens page explains how to get one. Share the result with an employer who asks for proof of your work rights.
I came to Australia on a different visa. Do I need a Special Category visa?
Home Affairs says to submit the online application if you became a New Zealand citizen after you entered Australia, entered on a passport that is not a New Zealand passport, or entered on another temporary visa. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.
Is CrossNation a migration agent, and can it promise me a job?
No to both. CrossNation is a recruitment agency, not a registered migration agent. We match New Zealand citizens with roles employers ask us to fill, but each employer decides whom to interview and hire.
Ready to look for work?
Create your CrossNation profile, choose your residency or visa status and upload your CV. We use it to match you with roles that fit your work rights.