Special Category visa 444
The visa most New Zealand citizens receive on arrival, letting them live, work and study in Australia.
In force
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.
Main requirements
- 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 you apply from
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
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Arrive with a New Zealand passport
Present your passport and incoming passenger card, or use SmartGate.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent usually not needed. - Check your status
Use VEVO to confirm your visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent explains citizenship and permanent visa options and how a 444 grant can affect a permanent visa held.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | Nil |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Granted on arrival at the airport or seaport. Onshore applications may take longer depending on circumstances (Home Affairs page). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Character concerns, including criminal history.
- Not travelling on a valid New Zealand passport.
- Health requirement not met.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Arrival
- Onshore form
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2022
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.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.