Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) | A Comprehensive Guide

 

Are you a New Zealand citizen planning to visit, work, or study in Australia? If so, the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) is something you should know about. 

 

But 

• What exactly does this visa offer? 
• Who is eligible for this visa?
• How do you apply for it? 
• And what are the rules once you have it?

 

This blog will answer all these questions and more. You’ll learn how  this visa lets New Zealanders visit, work, and study in Australia indefinitely as long as they remain citizens of New Zealand.

 

Let’s get started!

 

What is a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)?

The Special Category Visa (SCV) is a special type of visa for New Zealand citizens. It allows them to visit, study, stay, and work in Australia for as long as they remain New Zealand citizens. 

 

With this visa, you can:

 

• Stay in Australia as long as you remain a New Zealand citizen.
• Work, study, or travel in Australia.
• Apply for permanent residency if you qualify.

 

How long can you stay in Australia on SCV?

The visa starts when it’s approved. It ends when you leave Australia or if:

 

• You get a permanent visa.
• You become an Australian citizen.
• The visa is cancelled.

 

However, if you leave Australia, your SCV ends. You’ll need to apply for a new visa to return to Australia.

 

Can you include your family members in SCV?

Your family members can apply for this visa. However, each family member must apply separately if they are New Zealand citizens. 

 

To do this, they need to show their valid passport and completed an incoming passenger card at entry points. Non-New Zealand family members need different visas.

What is the application fee for SCV?

There’s no application fee to apply for the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444). 

 

From where can you apply for a SCV?

Most candidates apply for this visa when entering Australia. However, you can also apply after arriving if:

 

• You became a New Zealand citizen after entering Australia.
• You entered with a non-New Zealand passport.
• You entered on another temporary visa.
• You had a baby in Australia who is a New Zealand citizen.

 

If you apply after arriving, the visa starts on the approval date, not your entry date.

 

For Children Born in Australia:

 

• If your child was born before July 1, 2022, they need a New Zealand citizenship certificate and passport to apply for an SCV.

 

• If your child was born after July 1, 2022, they might automatically be an Australian citizen. 

 

Note: Before applying, check if you already have a visa using VEVO. You’ll need a reference number to access this service.

 

What are your obligations on a SCV?

You must meet the following conditions to stay lawful in Australia: 

 

• You must stay a New Zealand citizen. If your citizenship changes, your SCV will end.
• You must follow Australian laws.
• You must meet character requirements. If you don’t, your visa could be cancelled.

 

Health Insurance

It’s recommended that you have health insurance because public healthcare access might be limited compared to Australian residents or citizens.

 

Medicare benefits may vary depending on individual circumstances. Check eligibility through Medicare services specifically designed for overseas visitors.

 

Traveling Outside of Australia

This visa does not allow re-entry into Australia once departed.

 

If leaving temporarily, apply again upon return since the current one ceases upon departure from the country.

If holding another type of permanent resident status with travel rights, inform authorities. So, they don’t mistakenly grant another temporary category during re-entry processes.

 

Who is Eligible for a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)?

To qualify for a Special Category Visa, you must meet certain requirements:

 

• You must have a valid passport from New Zealand.
• You should not be considered a behaviour concern non-citizen.
• You must be in good health to apply for this visa.
• Ensure your current visa doesn’t have this condition; otherwise, you can’t apply for an SCV while it’s active.

 

What makes someone a behaviour concern non-citizen?

You would be considered a behaviour concern non-citizen if:

 

• You’ve been convicted of serious crimes that led to imprisonment for at least one year.
• You’ve had multiple convictions totalling more than one year in prison.
• You were found guilty while mentally unfit or not guilty due to being mentally unfit at the time of the crime.
• You’ve been deported or removed from Australia or another country in the past.

 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility due to past criminal issues, you can check using this online form before travelling: Enquiry Form – New Zealand passport holders travelling with a criminal conviction.

 

What makes someone a health concern non-citizen?

 

The Department of Home Affairs may assess you as a health concern non-citizen if:

You declare you have tuberculosis (TB). In this case, you have to provide further details and information about your disease condition. 

 

How to Apply for a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)?

Follow these steps to submit an application for Special Category Visa:

 

1. Check your eligibility.
2. Gather and organise documents.
3. Apply for the visa.
4. Things to do after applying for the visa.
5. Wait for the outcome. 

 

Below are the details. Have a look. 

 

Step 1. Check your eligibility.

Make sure your New Zealand passport is valid before travelling to Australia. If your child was born in Australia on or after July 1, 2022, they might already be an Australian citizen. They don’t need an SCV but can apply for proof of citizenship.

 

Note: Use VEVO to check your current visa status and details.

 

Step 2: Gather your documents

Make sure to gather and organise all the necessary documents before applying for the visa. These documents include:

 

• A valid New Zealand passport.
• Proof of New Zealand citizenship.
• Australian birth certificate if you were born in Australia before July 1, 2022, and haven’t left since.

 

Note: Make sure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.

 

Step 3: Apply for the visa

 

If Applying on Entry:

Show your valid New Zealand passport and completed incoming passenger card to an officer at the airport or seaport. You can also use SmartGate to answer health and character questions.

 

If Applying After Entering Australia:

Apply online. You’ll need to provide your New Zealand passport details and other required documents. The department will contact you with an appointment date and any additional requirements.

 

Step 4: After you apply

If you apply on entry, your visa is usually processed at the airport or seaport.

If you apply after entering, it may take longer. Wait for the department to contact you. Stay lawful and inform the Department if your circumstances change.

 

Step 5: Wait for the visa outcome

 

If You Applied on Entry:

If approved, your visa will be linked electronically to your passport. Use VEVO to check your visa status and details.

 

If You Applied After Entering:

You’ll receive a written decision. If approved, your visa will be linked to your New Zealand passport number. Keep a copy of the decision for your records.

 

If Your Visa is Refused:

You’ll be told why and whether you can appeal the decision.

 

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for an SCV and enjoy your stay in Australia. Make sure to prepare your documents and follow the rules to avoid delays.

 

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. This blog has covered the essentials of a special category visa (subclass 444). By now you have learned the eligibility criteria, application process, visa cost, and processing times.

 

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy all that Australia offers without stress. Remember to stay lawful by maintaining your citizenship status and following Australian laws.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is a Special Category visa for Australia?

The Special Category Visa (SCV) lets New Zealand citizens visit, study, stay, and work in Australia as long as they remain New Zealand citizens.

 

Is a SCV visa automatic?

Yes, it’s usually granted automatically when you enter Australia with a valid New Zealand passport if you meet health and character requirements.

 

Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?

A 482 visa doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency but can help if you apply through other pathways later.

 

What is a special purpose visa in Australia?

It’s for people entering Australia for special reasons that don’t fit regular visas, like diplomats or military personnel.