Australia Visa – Special Category Visa 444

1. What is the Special Category Visa 444?


The Special Category Visa 444 is a temporary visa issued by the Australian government to citizens of New Zealand who wish to live and work in Australia. This visa allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. It is often referred to as the “Kiwi” visa.

2. Who is eligible for the Special Category Visa 444?

The Special Category Visa 444 is available to certain citizens of New Zealand who are residing in Australia. This includes:

– New Zealand citizens who were living in Australia on 26 February 2001
– Eligible New Zealand citizens who have spent at least 12 months in Australia over the past two years
– Children of eligible New Zealand citizens (under the age of 18)
– Some New Zealand Armed Forces personnel and their dependents
– People who held a Special Category Visa (SCV) or Protected Special Category Visa (PSCV) before, but lost it due to absence from Australia

3. How do I apply for a Special Category Visa 444?

To apply for a Special Category Visa 444, you can either:

– Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website
– Complete a paper application and submit it by mail or at an Australian visa office

You will need to provide proof of your eligibility for the Special Category Visa, such as evidence of your citizenship and residence in Australia.

4. Is there an application fee for the Special Category Visa 444?

As of October 2020, there is no application fee for the Special Category Visa 444.

5. How long does a Special Category Visa 444 last?

A Special Category Visa is usually valid indefinitely as long as you remain eligible. However, if you leave Australia, your visa will expire and you will need to apply for a new one upon your return.

6. Can I work on a Special Category Visa 444?

Yes, holders of a Special Category Visa are allowed to work in Australia without any restrictions.

7. Can I study on a Special Category Visa 444?

Yes, holders of a Special Cate

3. Can I work in Australia with a Special Category Visa 444?

Yes, you can work in Australia with a Special Category Visa 444. The Special Category Visa is designed for citizens of New Zealand who wish to live and work in Australia. Your visa allows you to work for any employer in any occupation, as long as you remain compliant with the conditions of your visa.

4. Can I study in Australia with a Special Category Visa 444?
Yes, you can study in Australia with a Special Category Visa 444. As a holder of this visa, you have access to education and training opportunities in Australia. However, if you are planning on studying longer than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa.

5. What is the difference between a Special Category Visa 444 and a Permanent Resident Visa?
The main difference between a Special Category Visa 444 and a Permanent Resident Visa is that the latter allows the holder to live and work in Australia indefinitely while the former is only valid for five years and does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Additionally, holders of the Special Category Visa do not have access to all government benefits and services that permanent residents have access to.

4. How long does a Special Category Visa 444 last for?


A Special Category Visa 444 lasts for an indefinite period of time, as long as the holder remains a New Zealand citizen and meets the other eligibility criteria.

5. What is the visa application process for a Special Category Visa 444?


The visa application process for a Special Category Visa (SCV) 444 is as follows:

1. Determine eligibility: First, determine if you are eligible for a SCV 444. This visa is only available to New Zealand citizens who meet certain criteria.

2. Gather documents: Collect all necessary documents to support your application, including your passport, proof of citizenship, and evidence of sufficient funds and health insurance.

3. Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form on the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to answer all questions accurately and completely.

4. Pay the fee: There is no fee for applying for a SCV 444.

5. Submit the application: Once you have completed the form and attached all necessary supporting documents, submit your application online.

6. Await decision: The processing time for a SCV 444 varies but can take several weeks or even months. You can check the status of your application using ImmiAccount portal.

7. Additional documents or information: If requested by the Department, provide any additional documents or information they require to assess your application.

8. Decision: If approved, you will receive a notification via email or through ImmiAccount portal with instructions on how to activate your visa.

9. Enter Australia within specified time frame: You must enter Australia within 12 months from when your visa was granted.

10. Receive label-free visa: New Zealand citizens do not receive a physical visa label in their passport for a SCV 444. Your entry to Australia will be recorded electronically by home affairs and linked to specific personal details that you provided when making the application.

6. Do I need to have health insurance for a Special Category Visa 444?


No, health insurance is not a requirement for a Special Category Visa 444. However, it is highly recommended to have health insurance as it can provide coverage for medical expenses and emergencies while in Australia. This will give you peace of mind and save you from potential financial burden.

7. Is there an age limit for applying for a Special Category Visa 444?


Yes, in order to be eligible for a Special Category Visa 444, applicants must be under the age of 50. People over the age of 50 may still be eligible if they can demonstrate that they have skills or qualifications that are in high demand in Australia. This requirement may also be waived at the discretion of the Australian government for certain exceptional circumstances.

8. Can I apply for permanent residency with a Special Category Visa 444?


No, the Special Category Visa 444 does not lead to permanent residency in Australia. To apply for permanent residency, you may need to explore other visa options such as skilled migration or family sponsorship.

9. Am I allowed to study in Australia while on a Special Category Visa 444?

Yes, you are allowed to study in Australia while on a Special Category Visa 444. This visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely and engage in both work and study. However, if you wish to study for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a student visa.

10. What rights do I have as a holder of a Special Category Visa 444?


As a holder of a Special Category Visa 444, you have the following rights:

1. Live and work in Australia indefinitely: With this visa, you can live and work in Australia for as long as you wish. There is no limit on the duration of your stay.

2. Study: You have the right to study in Australia at any educational institution of your choice for the duration of your stay.

3. Access to healthcare: As a holder of this visa, you may be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system.

4. Apply for citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

5. Travel: You have free travel rights while the visa is valid between New Zealand and Australia.

6. Sponsor family members: You may be able to sponsor certain family members to come and live with you in Australia.

7. Work restrictions: There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do with this visa.

8. Government support and benefits: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for certain government support and benefits such as housing assistance and social security payments.

9. Protection under Australian law: You are protected under Australian law while residing in the country and are entitled to the same legal protection as Australian citizens.

10. Appeal or review decisions relating to your visa: If your visa application is refused, you usually have the right to appeal or request a review of the decision by an independent tribunal or court.

11. Does the visa allow me to come and go from Australia as many times as I want?


It depends on the type of visa you have. Some visas allow for multiple entries, while others only allow for a single entry. It is important to check the conditions of your specific visa to know if you can make multiple trips to and from Australia.

12. Do I need to renew my Special Category Visa every year?


No, Special Category Visas are indefinite and do not require renewal unless certain criteria are not met. For example, if you leave Australia and your visa expires while you’re outside of the country, you will need to apply for a new visa when you return. Additionally, if you apply for citizenship or another type of visa that requires you to have a valid SCV, your current one may be canceled and you will need to apply for another one if the application is denied.

13. Can family members join me in Australia on this visa?

Your family members may join you in Australia on this visa, as long as they are included in your application. This includes your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children under 18.

14. How long can my family members stay in Australia on this visa?


Your family members can stay in Australia for the same length of time as you, which will depend on the validity period of your specific visa. For example, if you have been granted a visa for 3 years, your family members will also be allowed to stay in Australia for 3 years.

15. Is there any limitation on the type of work I can do on this visa?


Yes, there are limitations on the type of work that can be done on this visa. The L-1A visa is specifically for managers and executives who will be working in a supervisory or executive role in the US company. This means that the individual should not be performing regular job duties or entry-level work. Additionally, the L-1B visa is for specialized knowledge employees and they should only be performing tasks related to their specific area of expertise. Violating these restrictions could result in revocation of the visa and possible deportation from the US.

16. Will my New Zealand citizenship be affected by applying for this visa?

No, your New Zealand citizenship will not be affected by applying for this visa. Gaining citizenship in another country does not affect your citizenship status in New Zealand. You will still retain all of the rights and privileges as a New Zealand citizen.

17 .What happens if my visa expires or is cancelled while I am in Australia?

If your visa expires while you are in Australia, you will become an unlawful non-citizen and may be subject to detention and removal from the country. It is important to make sure that your visa is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.

If your visa is cancelled while you are in Australia, you will also become an unlawful non-citizen and may be subject to detention and removal. The reasons for visa cancellation can vary, but may include not meeting the conditions of your visa or providing false information on your application.

If you receive notice that your visa is going to expire or be cancelled, it is important to take immediate action by contacting the Department of Home Affairs for further instructions. This may involve applying for a new visa or leaving the country before the expiry date or cancellation takes effect.

It is also important to note that if your visa expires or is cancelled, it could affect any future applications for visas to Australia. Therefore, it is crucial to follow all immigration laws and regulations to avoid any potential issues with your visa.

18 .Can I change my status from a visitor to a worker while on this visa?

No, you cannot change your status from a visitor to a worker while on a visitor visa. Visitors are not authorized to work in the country they are visiting. If you wish to work in the country, you will need to obtain the appropriate work visa before engaging in employment.

19 .Do I need to have a return ticket when entering Australia on this visa?


Yes, travelers entering Australia on a Visitor visa (subclass 600) are required to have a return ticket or evidence of onward travel. This is because the visa allows for tourist and short-term business travel only, and not for long-term stays or employment. The return ticket serves as proof that you intend to leave Australia before your visa expires. Failure to provide evidence of return travel may result in being denied entry into Australia.

20 .What documents do I need to apply for the special category visa (SCV. subclass 444?


To apply for the special category visa (subclass 444), you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Completed application form: You will need to fill out and submit the appropriate application form for the subclass 444 visa. This can be done online through the Department of Home Affairs website or in person at an Australian visa office.

2. Passport: You must have a valid passport that is not expired and has at least six months validity remaining at the time of your application.

3. Identity documents: You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate or national identity card.

4. Proof of citizenship: If you are a New Zealand citizen, you will need to provide evidence of your citizenship, such as a New Zealand passport or citizenship certificate.

5. Character documents: You may be required to provide police certificates from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years since turning 16 years old.

6. Health documents: Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be required to undergo a health examination as part of your visa application.

7. Proof of relationship status: If you are applying with family members, you may need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.

8. Evidence of funds: You may need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Australia.

9. Other supporting documents: You may also be asked to provide other supporting documents depending on your personal circumstances, such as proof of employment or educational qualifications.

It is important to check the specific requirements for subclass 444 visas based on your individual situation before submitting your application.