New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
Sub Class 461
The Subclass 461 (New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa) allows non-New Zealand family members of a New Zealand citizen who holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 Special Category Visa to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years.
It is designed for people who are not New Zealand citizens themselves but have a genuine family relationship (partner, de facto partner, or dependent child) with a New Zealand citizen who is or will be living in Australia.
You may be eligible if you​
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Are not a New Zealand citizen
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Are a member of the family unit (spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child) of a New Zealand citizen who holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 visa
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Meet health and character requirements
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Are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Main Requirements
Be a family member of a New Zealand citizen who holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 visa
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa but not in immigration clearance
Provide proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship (if partner/de facto applicant)
Satisfy health and character requirements
Not be an Australian citizen or permanent residen
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on application volume and completeness
Average processing
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7 – 13 months
Faster processing
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Applications with complete evidence and valid health checks are generally processed faster.
Visa Validity and Conditions
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Travel Rights | You can travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa is valid |
Study Rights | You can study in Australia without restrictions (overseas-student fees may apply) |
Work Rights | Full work rights in Australia |
Visa Validity | 5 years from the date of grant. Renewable if you continue to meet eligibility criteria |
Costs & Fees
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Main applicant
AUD 445
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Additional applicant (18 + years)
AUD 225
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Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD 110
(Fees may change; refer to Department of Home Affairs for current pricing)
Key Benefits
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Live, work and study in Australia for up to five years
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Include eligible family members in the same application
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Freedom to change jobs or employers without sponsorship
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Travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
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Renewable indefinitely as long as the relationship with the New Zealand citizen continues
Process
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Confirm your eligibility as a family member of a New Zealand citizen (Subclass 444 holder or eligible person).
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Prepare your supporting documents – identity, relationship proof, health and character evidence.
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Lodge the application online via ImmiAccount and pay the application fee.
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Complete health examinations (if requested).
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Provide any additional information requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Once approved, you may enter or remain in Australia for up to five years under the Subclass 461 visa.
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. Can I apply if I am outside Australia?
Yes. You can apply either from outside Australia or in Australia.
02. Can I apply if we are not married but in a de facto relationship?
Yes. You can apply as a de facto partner if you can prove you have been in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months.
03. Can I include my children?
Yes. Dependent children can be included in your application if they meet dependency criteria.
04. Can I apply for permanent residency later?
There is no direct pathway to permanent residency from the 461 visa, but you may apply for other eligible visa types if you meet their requirements.
Skills Assessment
