Across the Tasman
New Zealand citizens and residents considering life, work or family options in Australia.
Australia immigration
Clear guidance for your move to Australia.
Understand the likely pathway, compare Australia with New Zealand and connect with the appropriate registered professional before you make a major decision.
Book a consultationStart with your circumstances
Australia may be an option. The right route is personal.
Australian migration settings differ from New Zealand's. Your occupation, citizenship, family, employer, qualifications and long-term plans can change which pathway is realistic.
We begin by understanding what you want to achieve, then clarify whether you need New Zealand immigration advice, Australian migration assistance or coordinated support across both countries.
Who we help
A useful starting point for three common situations.
Skilled professionals
People comparing skilled or employer-supported pathways in Australia and New Zealand.
Families and employers
Partners, family members and businesses that need to understand the appropriate Australian pathway.
Australia or New Zealand?
Compare the decision—not just the visa name.
There is no universal winner. The better option depends on the work available to you, the pathway you can genuinely meet and the life your family wants to build.
- Career market
- Consider occupation demand, registration, employer sponsorship and realistic salary—not headline figures alone.
- Pathway
- Compare the evidence, timing and conditions for temporary visas, residence and citizenship.
- Family
- Look at partner eligibility, children's education, healthcare access and support networks.
- Life after arrival
- Housing, location, climate, travel and work-life preferences matter alongside immigration eligibility.
Principal pathways
The categories most people need to understand first.
Skilled migration
Points-tested options depend on factors such as age, English ability, qualifications, occupation, skills assessment and invitation settings.
Employer-sponsored visas
An approved employer may be able to sponsor an appropriately skilled person when the role and applicant meet the applicable requirements.
Partner and family pathways
Eligibility and evidence depend on the relationship, sponsor, location and visa category.
Options for New Zealand citizens
Special Category Visa holders may have distinct residence and citizenship considerations. Eligibility must be checked against current Australian rules.
Requirements change.Confirm current criteria through the Australian Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder ↗.
How we proceed
A focused process with clear professional responsibility.
- 01
Initial assessment
We clarify your objective, background, timing and whether Australia, New Zealand or a comparison is appropriate.
- 02
Strategy and professional scope
We identify the relevant pathway and confirm which registered adviser is responsible for the advice you need.
- 03
Application support
If you proceed, the authorised professional confirms the evidence, fees, responsibilities and next steps before work begins.
Professional responsibility
Australian and New Zealand advice are clearly separated.
New Zealand immigration advice is provided by licensed New Zealand immigration advisers. Australian immigration assistance must be provided by an appropriately registered Australian migration professional.
Aparna Prakash is listed by Kiwi Fern as a Migration Agent (MARN 2217823). Registration and the scope of any engagement should be confirmed before Australian immigration work begins.
Check the MARA register ↗Common questions
What to know before enquiring.
Can Kiwi Fern guarantee an Australian visa?
No. Visa decisions are made by the Australian Government, and no adviser can guarantee an outcome.
Is Australia automatically better for skilled work?
No. Opportunity depends on your occupation, location, registration, experience, employer demand and visa eligibility.
Can a New Zealand citizen move to Australia?
Many New Zealand citizens can travel and live in Australia under special arrangements, but residence, citizenship, family and benefit rights have separate conditions.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Some skilled pathways require an assessment by the relevant Australian assessing authority. The requirement depends on the occupation and visa.
What should I bring to a consultation?
A current CV, passport and citizenship details, qualifications, work history, family information and any employer or visa documents you already hold.
Speak with our team
Not sure whether Australia or New Zealand fits your plans?
Tell us about your work, family and long-term goals. We will help identify the appropriate professional and next step.