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461 — New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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461 — New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

AUD $1,330

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa.

The Subclass 461 is an Australian temporary visa for non-New Zealand citizens who are family members of a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category visa (subclass 444). It covers partners and dependent children up to age 23, requiring proof of a genuine family relationship but no skills test or job offer.

Holders can live, work, and study in Australia for up to 5 years and may renew if they continue to meet the requirements. There is no direct pathway to permanent residency. The application fee is AUD 1,330 for the primary applicant. Spouses and partners hold full, unrestricted work rights.

This visa is ideal for the non-citizen partners and dependent children of New Zealanders living in Australia who need to align their legal status with their family unit.

Australia

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)
Australia flagAustralia

820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details
189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
Australia flagAustralia

189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing3 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details
190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Australia flagAustralia

190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Australia flagAustralia

491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Validity5 years
Processing3 months – 2 years
View Visa Details
482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Australia flagAustralia

482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

Validity4 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Australia flagAustralia

186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6–12 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444).

Must be a non-New Zealand citizen.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with the New Zealand citizen (if a partner).

Must provide evidence of the relationship (marriage, de facto, or dependent status).

Can be in or outside Australia when applying for the visa, but not in immigration clearance.

Must sign the Australian Values Statement if 18 years or older.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and recent passport-sized photographs.

Birth certificate or national identity document.

Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, de facto relationship evidence like joint bank accounts/leases, or birth certificates for dependents).

Evidence of the New Zealand citizen's Subclass 444 visa status.

Police clearance certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

Form 147 (Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa).

Form 80 (Personal particulars for character assessment).

Health examination reports from approved clinics.

Proof of visa application fee payment.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for 5 years
  • Allows unlimited travel to and from Australia during the validity period
  • Can be renewed if you continue to meet the requirements
  • Does not require formal sponsorship or nomination

Worth Knowing

  • This is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency or citizenship
  • You cannot stay in Australia after the visa expires unless you hold another visa
  • You must ensure your New Zealand citizen family member does not hold 'qualifying New Zealand citizen' status
  • Specific conditions (such as 8303 or 8501) may be attached to the visa

Application Process

1

Prepare your application, including gathering all required identity and supporting documents

2

Undertake any required health examinations and character checks

3

Complete Form 147 (Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa)

4

Pay the visa application charge

5

Lodge your application by post, courier, or via ImmiAccount as specified by the Department of Home Affairs

6

Wait for the outcome, providing additional information if requested

Application Forms

147—
1496i
Including family members in your application
Fill online
147
Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461)
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147Fill online
147
Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461)
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147Fill online
147
Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461)
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147Fill online

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