Special Category Visa (Subclass 444): Entitlements and Limitations of New Zealand citizens in Australia

Special Category Subclass 444 visa is one of the straightest forward of all Australian visas to obtain. This visa is based on the Trans-Tasman travel arrangement between Australia and New Zealand. This visa does not require any application to be made and has no fees. It allows New Zealand citizens to visit, study, stay and work in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you will need to be 1) New Zealand citizen holding a New Zealand passport that is in effect and 2) meet specific health and character requirements and 3) upon arrival into Australia present a completed incoming passenger card.

Special Category Subclass 444 visa allows New Zealand citizens to enter, stay, work and study in Australia. The good thing about the 444 visa is that it is valid from the time of the grant up until the time of departure from Australia. As a New Zealand citizen meeting the above criteria of this visa, you may choose to stay however long you like in Australia. So long as you continue to meet the 444 requirements, you can travel outside Australia and return back without any hassles!

Due to the unrestricted stay in Australia, no work restrictions or other limitations and the ease of obtaining the visa (no fees and application required), many people believe that 444 visa is a Permanent visa of Australia. This is simply not true! Subclass 444 is a temporary visa and a holder of this visa is not entitled to the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens and permanent residents. As an Australian citizen, you will not be eligible to vote, gain complete access to government support (Centrelink benefit), HECS help or sponsor a spouse under the Australian partner visa. In order to gain permanent residency in Australia, you will need to explore the permanent visa options of Australia and find out if you are eligible to apply for any of these visas.

For any enquiries, please contact us using our website or email us at anz.migrationcentre@gmail.com

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