What is the visa situation for our children when moving from NZ to Australia?

If your child holds NZ citizenship, they automatically receive the Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival in Australia with their own NZ passport.

Can Kiwi children attend public school for free in Australia?

In most states, public schools are free for SCV 444 holders' children, the same as for citizens and permanent residents. Policies vary state-by-state, so confirm with your specific state.

What about a partner who isn't an NZ citizen?

They need a separate visa pathway — either the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) or a standard partner visa. Plan this 6-12 months before the move and get migration agent advice.

Bringing Your Family from New Zealand to Australia: Schools, Healthcare, and Family Considerations • Low Deposit Homes

June 15, 2026

Bringing Your Family from New Zealand to Australia: Schools, Healthcare, and Family Considerations

Moving your family from NZ to Australia in 2026 — kids' visas and SCV 444, free public schooling, Medicare via the RHCA, and the partner-visa path if your partner isn't a Kiwi.

By Chaice Paterson, CEO & Founder, Low Deposit Homes | Updated June 2026

For New Zealand families moving to Australia in 2026, the family-side practicalities are generally straightforward. Children of NZ citizens travel on their own NZ passports and receive automatic SCV 444 status on arrival. Public schools are free for SCV 444 holders’ children in most states. Medicare access is automatic via the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. Bringing a non-NZ-citizen partner adds visa complexity. This sits alongside our complete guide to moving from New Zealand to Australia.

What’s the visa situation for our children?

If your child holds NZ citizenship, they’re NZ citizens and automatically receive SCV 444 on arrival in Australia with their own NZ passport.

How does education work for Kiwi children in Australia?

Public schools are free for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and — in most states — SCV 444 holders’ children (policies vary state-by-state; confirm with your state). Private schools: Catholic systems typically $5K-$15K per year; independent schools $15K-$30K+ per year.

How does Medicare work for Kiwi families?

Australia and New Zealand have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) that gives NZ citizens access to Medicare from the moment they arrive. It covers bulk-billed or rebated GP visits, public hospital emergency department visits, public hospital inpatient care, and subsidised pharmaceuticals under the PBS.

What about my partner who isn’t an NZ citizen?

If your partner isn’t an NZ citizen, they need a separate visa pathway. Option A: the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) — 5 years initial duration, ~$420 fee, 4-12 months processing. Option B: a standard partner visa (subclass 309/100 or 820/801) — higher fees (~$9,000+), 12-36+ months. Plan the partner visa pathway 6-12 months before the move; migration agent advice is genuinely worth the cost.

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Low Deposit Homes operates under Winning Homes Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 633 321 758). We are not migration agents; visa details are general information only.