Subclass 444 Special Category visa (NZ)
New Zealand citizens who live, work and study in Australia - granted automatically on arrival with an NZ passport.
The Special Category visa (NZ) (subclass 444) is an Australian residence & other visa. This guide covers who the 444 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025-26 cost (Free (granted on arrival)) and processing time (On arrival), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Who the 444 visa is for
New Zealand citizens who live, work and study in Australia - granted automatically on arrival with an NZ passport.
Not PR itself, but eligible NZ citizens have a direct pathway to citizenship (and to PR via the NZ stream of 189).
Subclass 444 eligibility criteria
- Be a New Zealand citizen holding a valid NZ passport
- Present in Australia (granted on arrival)
- No serious character or health concerns
Subclass 444 cost & processing time (2025-26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Special Category visa (NZ) (subclass 444) is Free (granted on arrival), with an indicative processing time of On arrival. Figures are for 2025-26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Temporary (special) |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore (granted on arrival) |
| Length of stay | Indefinite while you remain an NZ citizen present in Australia |
| Work rights | Unlimited |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | Free (granted on arrival) |
| Processing time | On arrival |
| Pathway to PR | Not PR itself, but eligible NZ citizens have a direct pathway to citizenship (and to PR via the NZ stream of 189). |
Pathway & next steps
Not PR itself, but eligible NZ citizens have a direct pathway to citizenship (and to PR via the NZ stream of 189).
Many applicants also compare the 461 (New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa), the 189 (Skilled Independent visa), the Citizenship (Australian Citizenship (by conferral)). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 444 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 444 visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 444 visa cost?
The Special Category visa (NZ) (subclass 444) base application charge is Free (granted on arrival). Government charges are indicative for 2025-26 and usually change on 1 July - always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 444 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is On arrival. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 444 visa lead to permanent residence?
Not PR itself, but eligible NZ citizens have a direct pathway to citizenship (and to PR via the NZ stream of 189).
Can I work on the subclass 444 visa?
Work rights on the Special Category visa (NZ) (subclass 444): Unlimited.
Who can apply for the 444 visa?
New Zealand citizens who live, work and study in Australia - granted automatically on arrival with an NZ passport.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change - confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) - official Australian immigration authority