Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) for New Zealanders Living in Australia

Specific Requirements for Non-Dual Citizens

If you are:

  • ✅ A New Zealander living in Australia
  • ✅ NOT a dual citizen of New Zealand and Australia

You have specific ID requirements for your Australian Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).

Understanding Your Visa Status

Special Visa Category (Subclass 444)

When you enter Australia as a New Zealander, you are automatically issued with an electronic visa called the Special Visa Category (Subclass 444). This visa allows you to work in Australia.

Important: You cannot use your New Zealand passport as a commencement of identity document for your police check. Instead, you need proof of your Subclass 444 visa.

How to Get Your Visa Documentation

📥 Download Your Visa Proof

  1. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website
  2. Download a copy of your Special Visa Category (Subclass 444)
  3. Save the document for your police check application

This visa document will serve as your commencement of identity document.

Required Documents (5 Total)

1. Commencement of Identity Document (1x Required)

Australian Visa - Special Visa Category (Subclass 444)

  • Download from Department of Home Affairs website
  • Serves as proof of your legal status in Australia
  • Cannot use NZ passport for this category

2. Primary Use in Community Document (1x Required)

Your New Zealand Passport

  • Your NZ passport is classified as an International passport for this application
  • This serves as your primary identification document

3. Secondary Use in Community Documents (2x Required)

You must provide 2 of the following:

✅ Bank card/ Credit Card (card number covered)

✅ Foreign issued government document (such as NZ driver's licence, NZ birth certificate, etc.)

4. Self-Captured Photo (1x Required)

Photo of you clearly holding your ID

  • Take a clear selfie of yourself holding your photo identification
  • Ensure both your face and the ID are clearly visible and readable

Document Examples for NZ Residents in Australia

✅ Documents You Likely Have:

  • Subclass 444 visa (download from Home Affairs)
  • NZ Passport (primary requirement)
  • NZ Driver's Licence (foreign government document)
  • NZ Birth Certificate (foreign government document)
  • Bank cards (Australian or international)
  • Credit cards (any issuer)

✅ Australian Documents (If Available):

  • Medicare card (if eligible)
  • Australian bank cards
  • Australian driver's licence (if obtained)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Download Your Visa Document

  • Visit Department of Home Affairs website
  • Download your Special Visa Category (Subclass 444) proof
  • Save as PDF or image file

2. Prepare Your Self-Captured Photo

  • Take clear selfie holding your NZ passport or photo ID
  • Ensure both your face and ID are clearly visible

3. Gather Supporting Documents

  • NZ Passport (primary use document)
  • 2 secondary documents (bank cards, credit cards, NZ driver's licence, etc.)
  • Any Australian documents you may have

4. Submit Your Application

  • Upload all 5 required documents through your CVCheck account
  • Follow standard application process
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