Subclass 444 — Special Category visa (New Zealand citizens)

Eligibility snapshot

In general terms, the Special Category visa (subclass 444) is a temporary visa associated with New Zealand citizenship. The defining feature of this visa is that it is not lodged through the usual online application process. Typically, an eligible New Zealand citizen is granted this visa at the point of immigration clearance when they arrive in Australia and present a valid New Zealand passport, rather than by completing a form in advance. Broadly, eligibility centres on three things: being a New Zealand citizen who holds and presents a current New Zealand passport, meeting Australia's health requirements, and meeting Australia's character requirements. Because the grant happens on arrival, the assessment is generally made as part of the border clearance process. The visa allows the holder to live, work and study in Australia, and it generally remains in effect for as long as the holder is in Australia and continues to hold New Zealand citizenship. This is a snapshot only and the rules can change. The exact eligibility conditions, health and character standards, and the precise way the visa interacts with arrival processing are set out on the official Home Affairs subclass 444 page, which should be checked for current requirements. A registered migration practitioner can advise on how these rules apply to an individual's specific circumstances, including any situation where character or health matters might be relevant, or where someone is not a New Zealand passport holder.

Costs and charges

In general, there is no visa application charge for the subclass 444 because it is granted on arrival rather than through a paid online application. As a result, most travellers in this category typically do not pay a government charge for the visa itself. This contrasts with many other Australian visas, where a Visa Application Charge applies up front. Because charges and any exceptions can change over time, the authoritative position on whether any fee applies is published on the official Home Affairs subclass 444 page and the Department's visa pricing tools. These should be checked for current figures rather than relying on a fixed amount quoted elsewhere. Where additional family members are involved, or where related services such as obtaining or renewing a passport, document certification, or health-related checks are needed, those are separate costs that sit outside the visa grant itself and are set by the relevant providers. Any government charge connected with this visa is a charge payable to the Australian Government and is entirely separate from any fees charged by this platform or by a practitioner you choose to engage. Platform and practitioner fees, if any, are for guidance and professional services only and are never part of a government Visa Application Charge. A registered practitioner can explain the current cost picture for an individual situation.

Common questions