Special Category visa (subclass 444)
The Special Category Visa (SCV) Subclass 444 is a temporary visa designed for New Zealand citizens who wish to visit, study, work, and stay in Australia. This visa offers a range of opportunities for New Zealand citizens and can even lead to permanent residency under certain conditions.
The SCV Subclass 444 is exclusively available to New Zealand citizens who meet the eligibility criteria. It allows you to:
Enter and stay in Australia as long as you remain a New Zealand citizen.
Visit, work, and study in Australia.
Apply for a permanent visa if you become eligible.
This visa is typically applied for each time you enter Australia, ensuring flexibility for New Zealand citizens.
One of the most attractive aspects of the SCV Subclass 444 is that there is no application charge. New Zealand citizens can apply for this visa without incurring any application fees.
This visa does not impose any specific conditions upon the holder. New Zealand citizens can enjoy the privileges of visiting, studying, working, and living in Australia without additional conditions.
The processing time for the SCV Subclass 444 is usually quite efficient. In most cases, your application is processed at the airport or seaport upon your arrival in Australia. However, if you apply after entering Australia, the decision may take longer.
To be eligible for the SCV Subclass 444, you must meet the following criteria:
Hold a valid New Zealand passport.
Not be a behavior concern non-citizen (BCNC). BCNC status may be assigned to individuals convicted of certain crimes, found guilty while of unsound mind, or previously removed or deported from Australia or another country.
It’s essential to note that having a criminal record or being subject to certain legal actions can affect your eligibility for this visa.
Not be a health concern non-citizen. If you declare having tuberculosis (TB) when entering Australia, additional health assessments may be required.
Not have a ‘no further stay’ visa condition. If you currently hold a visa with a ‘no further stay’ condition, you cannot apply for the SCV Subclass 444.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, family members need to make their own SCV application. They must demonstrate their New Zealand citizenship by presenting a valid New Zealand passport and completing an incoming passenger card.
If you leave Australia, your visa will cease. You will need to apply for a new SCV if you wish to return.
In some cases, you may be able to apply after entering Australia. For example, if you became a New Zealand citizen after entering, entered on a non-New Zealand passport, entered on another temporary visa, or had a New Zealand citizen baby born in Australia. The grant date of the SCV will be the date of the decision in such cases.
It is recommended to have health insurance to cover unforeseen medical treatment in Australia, as you may be liable for your healthcare costs. However, some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia.
No, if you leave Australia, the visa will cease, and you must apply for a new SCV upon your return.
If you hold a permanent visa with a valid travel facility, you should inform authorities that you do not require an SCV. Failure to do so may impact your eligibility for a Resident Return visa in the future.
Currently, there are no frequently asked questions available for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114).