Australian visas for New Zealand citizens

How does citizenship work for 444 holders?

New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes, so they do not need a permanent visa first.

• You must hold the 444 visa when you apply and when the application is decided.
• You must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years immediately before applying, with no more than 12 months overseas in those four years and no more than 90 days overseas in the last 12 months.
• If your 444 was granted before 1 July 2022, you are treated as a permanent resident from 1 July 2022 and could apply from 1 July 2023. If it was first granted on or after 1 July 2022, you are treated as a permanent resident from the grant date.
• You must meet the good character requirement, and most applicants aged 18 to 59 must pass the citizenship test.

See citizenship eligibility.

Which visa pages should I read?

• Study: Student visas
• Work and migration: Skilled visas and English test rules
• Family: Partner visas
• Visiting: Visitor visas and ETA
• Health care: Medicare