The Special Category subclass 444 visa
The 444 visa, also known as the Special Category visa (SCV), is a temporary visa that allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
The 444 visa is granted automatically to New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia, without the need for a formal application process. This visa is also free of charge, unlike many other Australian visas. However, there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met to be eligible for the 444 visa.
To be eligible for the 444 visa, you must be a New Zealand citizen who is present in Australia. You must also meet certain health and character requirements, which includes having no criminal convictions and being in good health. If you have any serious health conditions or a criminal record, you may be refused entry into Australia or have your visa cancelled.
The 444 visa allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This means that you can stay in Australia for as long as you like, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. You can also work in any job or industry, and you do not need a separate work permit or sponsorship.
However, the 444 visa does not provide the same benefits and entitlements as permanent residency or citizenship. For example, you may not be eligible for certain government benefits or services, such as access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or student loans. You may also be subject to certain restrictions, such as not being able to vote in Australian elections.
If you wish to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Australia, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for those visas. The 444 visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, but it may be possible to apply for these visas if you meet the requirements.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) subclass 461 visa
The 461 visa is a temporary visa that allows the non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia for up to five years. This visa is also known as the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the 461 visa, you must be:
- A non-New Zealand citizen
- A member of the family of a New Zealand citizen
- Sponsored by a New Zealand citizen who is your family member
- Able to meet health and character requirements
- Able to demonstrate that you have adequate health insurance
The family members who can be sponsored for the 461 visa include:
- Spouses or de facto partners
- Dependent children (including stepchildren)
- Dependent relatives (such as parents)
The processing time for the 461 visa can vary, but it typically takes several months.
Renewal and Permanent Residency
The 461 visa is a temporary visa, and it is valid for up to five years. However, it can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are interested in obtaining permanent residency in Australia, the 461 visa does not provide a direct pathway. However, you may be eligible to apply for other visas, such as the skilled or family visa, depending on your circumstances.
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Permanent visas for New Zealand Citizens
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) in the New Zealand stream has been available as a pathway to permanent residency for New Zealand citizens. However, this visa has temporarily closed to new applications. This pause on new applications means an application cannot be made from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023.
We await more information from the Government about pathways to permanent residency for New Zealand citizens.
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