Citizenship and residence · Subclass 444
Special Category visa
The visa most New Zealand citizens receive on arrival, letting them live, work and study in Australia.
Who it is for
New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport who meet the health and character requirements. It is usually granted on arrival each time you enter Australia.
Key eligibility
- Be a New Zealand citizen with a valid New Zealand passport.
- Meet the health and character requirements.
- Family members who are not New Zealand citizens need a different visa, such as the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (461).
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Usually on arrival at the border (incoming passenger card or SmartGate). In some cases, in Australia using the online form: for example if you became a New Zealand citizen after arrival, entered on a non-New Zealand passport or on another temporary visa, or had a New Zealand citizen baby born in Australia. An onshore grant is dated from the decision, not backdated.
Your journey, step by step
Arrive with a New Zealand passport
Present your passport and incoming passenger card, or use SmartGate.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent usually not needed.
Check your status
Use VEVO to confirm your visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent helps if a visa was not recorded or the person entered on another passport.
Onshore application if needed
Use the online form if you did not get the visa on arrival.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the onshore form and evidence.
Plan permanent options
The 444 is temporary. Eligible New Zealand citizens may have a direct pathway to citizenship, or apply for a permanent visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains citizenship and permanent visa options and how a 444 grant can affect a permanent visa held.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Charge | Nil |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Processing times are not published for this visa.
Granted on arrival at the airport or seaport. Onshore applications may take longer depending on circumstances (Home Affairs page, read 22 October 2026).. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Character concerns, including criminal history.
- Not travelling on a valid New Zealand passport.
- Health requirement not met.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
A child born in Australia on or after this date to a Special Category visa holding parent may be an Australian citizen automatically and can apply for proof of citizenship instead.
Questions
Does a 444 give permanent residence?
No. It is a temporary visa that lasts until you leave Australia. Some New Zealand citizens can apply for citizenship directly, or for a permanent visa.
I hold a permanent visa and a New Zealand passport. What should I tell the border officer?
Home Affairs advises telling the officer you hold a permanent visa and do not want a Special Category visa, because a new 444 can override your permanent visa.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Special Category visa (subclass 444)
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.