Kiwi Engineers can live & work in Australia thanks to Special Category visa 444 ​(SCV)

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Thanks to the Special Category Visa 444, Civil Engineers who hold New Zealand citizenship can apply for job opportunities in Australia.

If you’re a Kiwi civil engineer or a construction professional thinking of leaping the Tasman, you might wonder how to make this transition as seamless as possible.

The good news is that New Zealand citizens have a unique advantage: the Special Category Visa 444 allows New Zealanders to live and work in Australia relatively easily.

What Is the Special Category Visa 444 (SCV)?

The Special Category Visa 444 (SCV) is a unique visa that allows New Zealand citizens to live, work, and stay in Australia indefinitely. It is automatically granted upon entry to Australia, making it one of the simplest pathways for Kiwis to start a new chapter in their careers without the complex paperwork associated with other visa types.

With this visa, you can

  • enter and stay in Australia for as long as you are a New Zealand citizen
  • visit, work and study in Australia
  • apply for a permanent visa if eligible

Cost

There is no application charge for this visa.

Direct Pathway to Citizenship

On 22 April 2023, the ​​Australian Government announced​ a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

​From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. These changes apply to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001. Protected SCV holders will continue to be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship.

Conclusion

The Special Category Visa 444 (SCV) is a game-changer for Kiwi engineers eager to explore career opportunities in Australia. With its ease of entry, full work rights, and indefinite stay, it provides a unique pathway that sets New Zealanders apart from other international job seekers. Whether you’re seeking to expand your skills, work on larger projects, or experience a new lifestyle, Australia has much to offer—and the SCV is your ticket to unlocking that potential.

So, if you’re ready to bring your NZ engineering skills to Australia, register your details with ConsultANZ now: https://forms.gle/5WrTwgW8o8UbFjo76 or apply for jobs now.

Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

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