444 Visa: Special Category

Special Category Visa Subclass 444

The subclass 444 visa, known as the Special Category Visa (SCV), is a unique arrangement between Australia and New Zealand that allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia. Here’s what this visa enables you to do:

• Live and work in Australia indefinitely: As long as you remain a New Zealand citizen with a valid NZ passport, you can stay in Australia without time restrictions
• Study in Australia: Pursue your educational goals by enrolling in courses across the country to enhance your skills and qualifications.
• Apply for Australian citizenship: After a period of living and contributing to Australian society, you may become eligible to apply for citizenship and enjoy healthcare, education, and social security benefits.

This visa is automatically granted upon arrival in Australia to New Zealand citizens who present a valid New Zealand passport. It’s designed to strengthen the close ties between the two countries and offer New Zealanders a flexible pathway to explore, work, and possibly settle in Australia.

Subclass 444 Visa Australia Eligibility Criteria

While it is given automatically and does not require a mountain of documents to submit unlike other visa types, certain requirements still have to be met, such as:

• Be a New Zealand passport holder for the entire duration of your indefinite stay in Australia
• Not be convicted of a crime that resulted in imprisonment for at least a year; or
• Found or charged guilty of a crime that was committed when one is of unsound mind (or even if not guilty
• because the crime was committed by a mentally deranged individual)
• Not have been deported or removed from Australia or in another country in the past
• Be a healthy individual. If you have tuberculosis (TB), you may be considered a health concern non-citizen and the Department will ask you to provide more information regarding your health
• Not be a holder of a visa with a no-further-stay condition

444 Visa to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Are you intending to become an Australian permanent resident after fulfilling the requirements on your 444 subclass visa? Good news is, effective 01 July 2023, visa subclass 444 holders will be considered Australian permanent residents for citizenship purposes under the newest pathway to Australian Citizenship for New Zealanders.

Meanwhile, applications for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) New Zealand Stream permanently closed to make way for the abovementioned direct pathway for New Zealanders to become bona fide Australian citizens by conferral.

Here’s a quick rundown of conditions for your visa 444 to citizenship:

• You must have been residing in Australia on a substantive visa for at least four (4) years immediately prior to your application day
• You must hold a PR visa or a 444 subclass within the last 12 months immediately prior to your application day
• You must not have been outside Australia for more than a total of 12 months in the past four (4) years and not more than a total of 90 days in the last 12 months immediately prior to your application day
• You may be required to sit the citizenship test to gauge your knowledge of Australia and demonstrate your genuine commitment to become an AU citizen
• You must be of good moral character, be English competent, and prove substantial links to Australia such as property ownership, employment stability, etc.

Why Have a Parish Patience Professional Assist With Your Visa?

Embarking on your journey to Australia under the 444 visa can be straightforward, but why not make it even smoother with expert guidance? Parish Patience brings more than just application processing to the table.

Here’s why our professional touch is invaluable:

Tailored Support

Our team of immigration specialists takes the time to understand your individual needs and aspirations and strives to offer personalised advice and support. Our approach ensures your move to Australia aligns perfectly with your long-term goals.

Expert Knowledge

Immigration law is complex and ever-changing. Our visa professionals are at the forefront of legislative updates so you can be assured that your application is both compliant and optimised for nothing else but success.

Stress-Free Application

The last thing you should be worrying about is processing your visa requirements and losing sleep over the prospect of getting your visa denied due to missing or inaccurate documents submitted. Let us handle it all efficiently on your behalf so you can have less stress and more time to plan your new life in Australia.

Efficient Processing

Our experienced lawyers and migration agents work diligently to ensure your application progresses smoothly and swiftly without sacrificing the accuracy and completeness of the documentary requirements submitted. In addition, we’ll make sure to give you timely updates and answer your general queries ASAP.

Long-term Planning

Our professional assistance doesn’t end with your visa approval. We offer guidance on how to maximise the entitlements of your 444 visa from accessing public services to exploring pathways to citizenship. With Parish Patience, you’re setting the foundations for a successful future in Australia.