New Zealand Citizen Family (461)

Temporary visa for people who are not New Zealand citizens but are members of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen.

Overview How to Apply

Duration

Temporary

Cost

AUD 445.00

Processing Time

4-6 months

Pathway

Pathway to Further Stay in Australia

Overview

The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) is a temporary visa designed for individuals who are not New Zealand citizens but are members of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who holds or is eligible for a Special Category visa (subclass 444).

This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 5 years, as well as travel in and out of Australia freely during its validity period. You can also apply for further subclass 461 visas to extend your stay, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

The subclass 461 visa is a great option for families wishing to live together in Australia, offering flexibility and access to key opportunities such as employment, education, and community participation while maintaining ties to New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.

Do You Have What It Takes?

✔ You are not a New Zealand citizen at the time of application
✔ You are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen (e.g., spouse/partner, dependent child, or certain dependent relatives) who is, or will be, in Australia
✔ You continue to be a member of the New Zealand citizen’s family unit for the visa period

✔ Meet health and character requirements (police certificates, health exams)
✔ Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government; sign the Australian Values Statement
✔ If applying in Australia, hold a substantive visa or meet onshore application requirements

Why Choose This Path?

Live, work and study in Australia for 5 years from the date of grant
Travel to and from Australia as many times as you wish while the visa is valid
Include eligible family members in your application (fees apply)
Renew/apply again for another 461 to continue staying, if you still meet criteria

Your Roadmap to Success

Confirm you are not a New Zealand citizen and you’re a member of the NZ citizen’s family unit.
Create/Use ImmiAccount (or import your paper application if lodged after 23 July 2025 update).
Gather identity, relationship, and dependency evidence; prepare police and health checks.
Complete the 461 application for primary and any secondary applicants.
Pay the visa application charge (from AUD 445) and obtain your receipt.
Undergo health examinations with panel physicians (if requested/required).
Obtain and upload police certificates for all relevant countries.
Upload relationship and dependency documents (marriage/de facto evidence, birth certificates, proof of custody/guardianship).
Respond promptly to any Department requests for more information or biometrics.
Receive visa decision; on grant, live/work/study in Australia for 5 years and maintain eligibility.

Visa Duration

Initial Duration

Temporary

Visa Pathways

Pathway to Further Stay in Australia

At the end of 5 years, eligible holders can apply for another subclass 461 if they still meet all relationship and eligibility criteria. This visa is not a direct pathway to permanent residence or citizenship; separate PR pathways may be available based on individual circumstances.