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.
Visa file / Citizenship, residence and bridging visas
Special Category visa 444
The visa most New Zealand citizens receive on arrival, letting them live, work and study in Australia.
In force
File: 444
Main chargeNil
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
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.
Published 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 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.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Arrive with a New Zealand passport
Present your passport and incoming passenger card, or use SmartGate.
Where a registered migration agent can helpUsually not needed.
- 02
Check your status
Use VEVO to confirm your visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpHelps if a visa was not recorded or the person entered on another passport.
- 03
Onshore application if needed
Use the online form if you did not get the visa on arrival.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the onshore form and evidence.
- 04
Plan permanent options
The 444 is temporary. Eligible New Zealand citizens may have a direct pathway to citizenship, or apply for a permanent visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains citizenship and permanent visa options and how a 444 grant can affect a permanent visa held.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | Nil |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Granted on arrival at the airport or seaport. Onshore applications may take longer depending on circumstances (Home Affairs page). Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Arrival
Onshore form
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
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
- Home Affairs: Special Category visa (subclass 444)
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.