Special Category Visa 444

For New Zealand citizens looking to live and work in Australia, the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa offers a unique pathway. This temporary visa type allows New Zealanders to reside, work, and study in Australia as long as the visa is active, providing a seamless transition between the two neighbouring countries.

Eligibility and Requirements for the 444 Visa in Australia

To be eligible for the Special Category Visa (subclass 444), applicants must meet specific criteria primarily centred around their citizenship, character, and health status. 

1. This visa is exclusively available to those who hold New Zealand citizenship and a New Zealand passport. This does not include those living in New Zealand with a permanent resident visas. 

2. You can’t apply for this visa if you currently hold a permanent visa or a visa that has a ‘no further stay’ condition.

3. Applicants must not have any criminal convictions or pose a health risk to the Australian community. 

4. You must meet the character requirements set by the Australian government.

5. Upon arrival in Australia, you must present a completed incoming passenger card. Eligible individuals are then automatically granted the 444 visa, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country. 

6. Upon exiting Australia—even if it’s only for a short while—the current subclass 444 visa you hold will no longer be valid. When you re-enter Australia, a new 444 visa will have to be issued upon arrival.

What are the Character Requirements of the 444 Visa in Australia? 

To meet the character requirements for the Special Category Visa (subclass 444), applicants must ensure they have not been involved in crime. 

Specifically, individuals must not have been:

• Convicted of a crime that has resulted in a sentence of death or imprisonment for at least one year.
• Convicted of two or more crimes that have led to sentences of imprisonment totaling at least one year.
• Charged with, and found guilty of, a crime while of unsound mind, including cases where the individual was found not guilty due to the crime being committed while of unsound mind.
• Removed or deported from Australia in the past.
• Removed, deported, or excluded from another country in the past.

Limitations of the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa

While the Subclass 444 Special Category Visa offers opportunities for an indefinite stay in Australia, it’s important to note that it is not a permanent visa type. As such, individuals who hold a 444 visa won’t have the same rights and benefits that permanent residents or Australian citizens have.

As such, this visa limits access to the following opportunities:

• acquiring student loans
• voting in Australian government elections
• joining the Australian Defence Force

Can I Work Full-Time on a Special Category 444 Visa?

Holders of the 444 visa are permitted to work full-time in Australia. This visa grants New Zealand citizens the freedom to engage in employment without any restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Whether you are seeking permanent full-time employment, part-time roles, or even self-employment opportunities, the 444 visa provides the flexibility to pursue various career paths. 

Additionally, the 444 visa allows you to change employers or job roles without needing to apply for a new visa, making it an ideal option for those looking to explore different professional opportunities in Australia. With the ability to work full-time, New Zealand citizens can fully integrate into the Australian workforce and take advantage of the diverse employment landscape the country offers.

Subclass 444 Special Category Visa for Family Members

Family members who are New Zealand citizens and travelling together are granted their own Subclass 444 as an individual applicant. Here are a few visa options for family members who are non-New Zealand citizens. 

1. Partner Visa: If your spouse or de facto partner is not a New Zealand citizen, they may be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 for onshore applicants or subclass 309/100 for offshore applicants). This visa allows them to live, work, and study in Australia.

2. Child Visa: If you have dependent children who are not New Zealand citizens, they can apply for a Child Visa (subclass 101 for offshore applicants or subclass 802 for onshore applicants). This visa permits them to live in Australia with you.

3. Dependent Student Visa: School-age children can apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) if they intend to study in Australia. This visa allows them to live in Australia for the duration of their course.

4. Parent Visa: If you wish to bring your parents to Australia, they may be eligible for a Parent Visa (subclass 103 or the contributory subclass 143). These visas have longer processing times and may require significant financial contributions.

5. Temporary Visitor Visa: Family members can also apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for short-term stays, which allows them to visit you in Australia for up to 12 months, depending on the visa conditions.

What is the Cost of Applying for a 444 Visa in Australia?

One of the unique benefits of the Special Category Visa (subclass 444) is that there is no application fee associated with it—there are no upfront costs for applying for the 444 visa itself.

However, it’s important to note that while the visa application itself is free, there could be other associated costs depending on your circumstances. For instance:

1. Health Checks: If required, you may need to undergo health examinations, which could incur costs.

2. Police Certificates: If a character assessment is needed, obtaining police certificates from countries where you have lived may involve fees.

Pathways from 444 Visa to Permanent Residency in Australia

As a New Zealand citizen, you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you possess either:

• a permanent visa, or
• a Special Category Visa (SCV).

To meet the general residence requirement, New Zealand citizens must have legally resided in Australia for four years, with at least 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately preceding their citizenship application. Importantly, you do not need to obtain a separate permanent visa to fulfill the 12-month permanent residence criterion. From 1 July 2023, time spent on an SCV will be recognized as permanent residence for citizenship purposes.

Note: If you are a New Zealand citizen born in Australia, you may already be an Australian citizen by law. For further details, refer to the “Evidence of citizenship and certificates” section on the Home Affairs website.

Navigate the Special Category Visa 444 with Immagine Immigration 

Immagine Immigration is a comprehensive immigration consultancy, specialising in Australian and New Zealand Immigration Law. We provide a wide range of Australian and NZ immigration services to individuals and businesses worldwide, including help with visas, skilled immigration and citizenship.

For more than 30 years, our team of immigration lawyers, consultants and advisers have presented thousands of seminars to tens of thousands of people.

Contact us today for assistance with Special Category Visa 444 or get started with a free evaluation.  

Explore our other posts for more helpful tips: 

• Immigrate to Australia from New Zealand 
• Immigrating to Australia Vs New Zealand