Special Category Visa (subclass 444)

Live and Work in Australia as a New Zealand Citizen

The Subclass 444 Special Category Visa (SCV) is a temporary visa granted to New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia. It allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. While it is not a permanent visa, it provides a pathway to citizenship and other benefits for long-term residents.

Key Benefits

• Live and Work Indefinitely:  Stay in Australia without needing sponsorship or a permanent visa.
• Access to Medicare:  Eligible SCV holders can enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Pathway to Citizenship:  From 1 July 2023, eligible New Zealand citizens can apply directly for Australian citizenship without needing permanent residency.
• No Visa Application Required:  Automatically granted upon arrival for eligible New Zealand passport holders.
• Reciprocal Rights:  Based on the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement between Australia and New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria

To be granted a Subclass 444 visa, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen.
• Hold a valid New Zealand passport.
• Arrive in Australia and be immigration cleared.
• Not hold a permanent visa or be an Australian citizen.
• Not be criminally barred or have adverse immigration history.

Visa Conditions

• Temporary Visa Status:
  Although indefinite, SCV is technically a temporary visa and does not confer permanent residency.
• Work and Study Rights:
  Full access to employment and education opportunities.
• No Travel Restrictions:
  You can leave and re-enter Australia freely as long as you meet entry requirements.
• Access to Government Services: 
  Varies depending on arrival date and residency history:
  • Pre-26 Feb 2001 arrivals:  Protected SCV holders with access to more benefits.
  • Post-2001 arrivals:  Limited access to welfare unless meeting long-term residency criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)