For years, Australia and New Zealand have let their citizens move between the two countries. The Special Category Visa (SCV subclass 444) plays a big role in this setup. This visa kicks in and allows most Kiwis to live and work in Australia for as long as they want. But 2025 brings important changes and fresh things to think about for New Zealanders who use the SCV. These affect their ability to get benefits, ways to become citizens, and chances of getting permanent residency.
If you’re a Kiwi thinking about moving to Australia — or you’ve already made the move — this guide will help you grasp how the SCV works, what’s new in 2025, and how it affects your future plans.
What Is the Special Category Visa (SCV 444)?
The SCV 444 is a temporary visa Australia gives to most New Zealand citizens when they arrive. It lets Kiwis live, work and study in Australia without needing to ask for a separate visa beforehand.
Unlike most temporary visas, the SCV has no expiry date — it stays valid until you leave the country. Yet, despite these freedoms, the SCV has always had restrictions regarding access to social services and the road to permanent residency or citizenship.
To learn more about visa options for New Zealanders, you can also check out our Skilled Visa for New Zealand Citizens (subclass 189).
Special Category Visa 444 in 2025: What's New?
Over the past few years, the Australian Government has made changes to how SCV holders fit into the migration system. They introduced a new direct path to citizenship for eligible SCV holders in 2023. In 2025, they’ve focused on making rights clearer, limiting access to social security, and encouraging permanent residency options.
Here’s a rundown of the main changes for 2025:
- Pathway to Citizenship for SCV Holders: From July 2023, SCV holders who’ve lived in Australia for at least four years and meet normal character and residence rules can ask for Australian citizenship straight away without needing to be permanent residents first. This rule stays in place in 2025 and gives long-term residents a big reason to stay.
- Access to Services Still Limited: In 2025, SCV holders still can’t get all Australian welfare payments or services. They can use Medicare under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, but other benefits like JobSeeker or HECS-HELP loans are off-limits unless the SCV holder meets certain residency rules or becomes a permanent resident.
Children Born in Australia to Kiwi Parents: When a child comes into the world in Australia and their parents hold SCVs and are from New Zealand, the child might become an Australian citizen by birth. This happens if the child stays in Australia for at least 10 years. This rule will remain the same in 2025.
What Are the Limitations of the Special Category Visa?
The SCV 444 might seem like a simple way to live in Australia, but it has some tricky issues:
- It’s a short-term visa, not a long-term one.
- People with SCVs can’t help family members move to Australia through most long-term migration options.
- It doesn’t give you full access to Centrelink, student loans, or the right to vote in all elections.
- The government can make SCV holders leave if they don’t pass character checks or break visa rules.
Because of these drawbacks many Kiwis who’ve lived in Australia for a long time try to get permanent residency or become citizens. This gives them more rights and better protection.
How to Submit Your Application: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Here’s how to apply for a visitor visa that lets you work :
- Check out the New Zealand Visitor Visa Guide on Ezy Immigration.
- Fill out an online application through Immigration New Zealand.
- Include these necessary documents:
- Passport
- Proof you work overseas or have freelance contracts
- Info about your travel plans (return ticket where you’ll stay, etc.)
- Enough money to cover your visit
- Make it clear that you plan to keep working for an employer outside New Zealand, but this isn’t the main reason for your trip.
Pro Tip: You might also qualify to apply under the New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for brief stays—check with Ezy Immigration to get personalized advice.
Can SCV Holders Become Permanent Residents?
Yes. One of the best things SCV holders can do in 2025 is to look into ways to move that result in permanent residency or citizenship.
Common choices include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – New Zealand stream This stream stopped accepting new applications in 2023, but it might still process existing ones.
- Employer Sponsored Visas An Australian employer’s sponsorship could make you eligible for a Skills In Demand visa (subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Our Employer Sponsored Visa Guide has more info to offer.
Partner Visas A relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident could lead to permanent residency through a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801). Our Partner Visa Requirements section provides more details.
Should You Stay on the SCV or Apply for PR?
Your long-term goals will determine this choice. The SCV works well if you’re looking to live in Australia for a short time or don’t need complete access to services. But if you want:
- Better job security
- Complete access to education and welfare
- The ability to bring family members over
- Safety from visa cancellation
- The right to vote and take part as an Australian citizen
… then moving to permanent residency makes sense.
Why the SCV Still Matters — and Why It's Not Enough
The SCV 444 is still a useful tool for New Zealanders who want to live and work in Australia, but it doesn’t replace permanent residency or citizenship.
In 2025, while the SCV makes movement easy, the downsides in the long run are obvious — fewer rights, shaky immigration status, and no access to key benefits. With more ways now open for Kiwis to become permanent residents or citizens, it’s time to look at your choices.
At Ezy Immigration, our Registered Migration Agents can help you move from SCV to a permanent visa or Australian citizenship giving you tailored advice that fits your needs.
Need a hand planning your move? Ezy Immigration can make things easier. Get in touch today to find your best way forward.
🔗 Check out our blog for more news on Australian Visas for New Zealanders.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Eligible New Zealand citizens get the SCV when they arrive.
No, it’s a short-term visa even though it lets you stay . It doesn’t lead to permanent residency unless you put in a separate application.
Yes, thanks to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between New Zealand and Australia, SCV holders can use Medicare.
Yes, if you’ve made Australia your home for at least four years and you meet the basic requirements, you can ask for citizenship without needing PR.
No, every person needs their own SCV. You can’t sponsor family members from outside New Zealand to join you unless you have a permanent visa.
In most cases, no. SCV holders can’t get HECS-HELP loans unless they meet very specific conditions for long-term residency.
Yes, it will end when you depart. You’ll receive a new SCV when you come back if you still qualify.
