Special Category Visa

The Special Category Visa (SCV) subclass 444 is granted automatically to New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia. Most applicants receive their visa immediately at the border with no formal application required. However, if you become a New Zealand citizen after entering Australia or entered on a different passport, you'll need to apply onshore.

On-Arrival Application (Most Common Route)

This is how the vast majority of New Zealand citizens obtain their SCV:

1. Before you travel: Ensure your New Zealand passport is valid. This is the only document you need.

2. At the airport or seaport: Present your valid New Zealand passport and a completed incoming passenger card (Form 15) to an immigration officer. Alternatively, if your airport has SmartGate (automated border processing), answer the health and character questions electronically.

3. Health and character assessment: The officer will ask you standard questions about your health and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction, you may be assessed as a Behaviour Concern Non-Citizen (BCNC) and could be refused entry. You can check your eligibility beforehand using the online criminal conviction enquiry form.

4. Immediate grant: If you meet all requirements, you'll be granted the visa on the spot and cleared through immigration. You will not receive a physical visa label in your passport—your visa is electronically linked to your passport number.

5. Verify your visa: Check your visa details anytime using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). You'll need a reference number to access this service.

Onshore Application (If You Apply After Arriving in Australia)

Apply onshore if you:

• Became a New Zealand citizen after entering Australia
• Entered on a non-New Zealand passport
• Entered on another temporary visa
• Had a New Zealand citizen baby born in Australia

Steps:

1. Complete an online form: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs website.

2. Request an appointment: The Department will contact you with a date and time for your appointment.

3. Attend your appointment: Bring your valid New Zealand passport and any supporting documents (see "Required Documents" below).

4. Processing: Your application will be assessed, and the Department will make a decision. If your current visa will expire before a decision is made, consider applying for a Bridging visa (A or C) to remain lawful while waiting.

5. Grant date: If approved, your visa grant date is the date of the decision, not your original entry date to Australia.

Required Documents

For on-arrival application: Only your valid New Zealand passport is required.

For onshore application:

• Valid New Zealand passport
• If you were born in Australia on or before 30 June 2022: Australian birth certificate and evidence of New Zealand citizenship
• All non-English documents must be translated into English by an accredited translator. If you're in Australia, use a NAATI-accredited translator. If translating outside Australia, the translator must include their full name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and experience in English.

Pre-Application Check

Before applying, check if you already hold a visa using VEVO. You'll need a reference number.

Item	Cost
SCV subclass 444 application	Free

Total estimate: $0 AUD

There is no application charge for the Special Category Visa, whether you apply on arrival or onshore. There are no mandatory fees, optional premium processing options, or hidden costs.

Does not include: Translation services (if required), health insurance (recommended), or costs associated with obtaining or renewing your New Zealand passport.

On-arrival applications: Most applicants are granted the visa immediately upon arrival at the airport or seaport, provided they meet all eligibility criteria. Processing takes only minutes at the border.

Onshore applications: Processing times vary depending on your individual circumstances. The Department does not publish standard processing timeframes for onshore SCV applications. You will be contacted with an appointment date after your application is received. Allow several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case and current departmental workload.

Visa validity: Once granted, your visa remains valid indefinitely while you remain in Australia as a New Zealand citizen. There is no expiry date. However, your visa ceases immediately if you leave Australia—you cannot travel outside Australia and return on the same visa. If you depart and wish to return, you must apply for a new SCV upon re-entry.