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New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (461)
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What is the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)?
The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (subclass 461) allows non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens who are living in Australia to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 5 years. It is a temporary visa but can be renewed multiple times, allowing families to stay together long-term.
This visa is available to partners and children of New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and are residing in Australia. It is a flexible option for families who are not eligible for other permanent visa pathways but want to build a life together in Australia.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 461 Visa?
To be eligible for the 461 visa, you must:
- Be the partner, child, or stepchild of a New Zealand citizen who is living in Australia on a subclass 444 Special Category Visa
- Not be a New Zealand citizen yourself
- Be outside Australia when applying, or on a valid visa if applying from within Australia
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship (if applying as a partner)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance during your stay
Benefits of the 461 Family Relationship Visa
This visa offers several important advantages:
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Live, work, and study in Australia freely
- Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity
- Ability to renew the visa at the end of the 5-year period, provided eligibility continues
- A great option for families of New Zealand citizens who want to remain in Australia without needing a permanent visa
Document Checklist for the 461 Visa Application
Applicants typically need to provide:
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Evidence of relationship to the New Zealand citizen (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Proof that the New Zealand citizen holds a subclass 444 visa
- Proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship (if applying as a partner)
- Police clearances and health examination results
- Private health insurance coverage
How the 461 Visa Works
- Confirm Eligibility – You must be a non-New Zealand partner or child of a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia on a subclass 444 visa.
- Apply Onshore or Offshore – You can apply from within or outside Australia, depending on your current visa status.
- Visa Granted – If approved, you can stay in Australia for up to 5 years, with full work and study rights.
- Visa Renewal – You can reapply for another subclass 461 visa as long as you continue to meet the relationship and eligibility requirements.
At Australian Visa Advice, we help New Zealand citizens and their families navigate the subclass 461 visa process with clarity and care—ensuring your family can stay together and enjoy life in Australia.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa FAQs
The visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years and can be renewed as long as eligibility continues.
Yes, the 461 visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia without restriction.
Yes. You can apply onshore or offshore, provided you hold a valid visa if applying from within Australia.
You may still be eligible for another 461 visa if you have custody of any children from the relationship or meet certain conditions—professional advice is recommended.
No, the 461 is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. However, you may become eligible for another visa while in Australia.
