The Subclass 461 Visa is a temporary 5-year visa for non-New Zealand citizens who are family members of a New Zealand citizen living in Australia on a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa.
Are You in a Relationship with a New Zealand Citizen?
If you are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for a five-year temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia with your New Zealand citizen family member who holds, or is eligible to hold, a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa.
This visa is also available to other eligible family members of New Zealand citizens.
Understanding the Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa
- New Zealand citizens who entered Australia after 26 February 2001 can live and work in Australia indefinitely under the Subclass 444 visa.
- New Zealand citizens who were living in Australia on 26 February 2001 or lived in Australia for at least one year in the two years before this date are considered Eligible New Zealand Citizens.
- Eligible New Zealand citizens have the same rights and entitlements as Australian citizens.
- If you are an Eligible New Zealand Citizen and want your partner to live with you in Australia, you should consider Partner Visa options instead.
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen and you do not currently hold an Australian visa or your visa is expiring soon, the Subclass 461 visa is an excellent pathway to remain in Australia with your family member.
This visa is granted for five years, with the ability to extend onshore.
Key Information on the Subclass 461 Visa
How Long Does This Visa Last?
- The Subclass 461 visa is valid for five years.
- It can be renewed onshore.
Who Are Eligible Family Members?
You must be related to the New Zealand Citizen as one of the following:
- Their partner.
- Their child/step-child or their partner’s child/step-child.
- The dependent child of you or your partner’s child/step-child.
What Can You Do with This Visa?
- Live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Travel freely to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant.
Requirements for the Subclass 461 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 461 visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Be an Eligible Family Member of a New Zealand Citizen
Your family member must be living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) or traveling to Australia to be granted a Subclass 444 visa upon arrival.
Eligible Family Members Include:
- Partner (married or de facto).
- Child/step-child or partner’s child/step-child.
- Dependent child of you or your partner’s child/step-child.
If Applying as a Partner of a New Zealand Citizen:
You must prove a genuine and continuing de facto or spousal relationship to the Department of Home Affairs.
How Global Vision Migration Can Help
Applying for the Subclass 461 visa requires submitting the correct evidence and documentation to the Department of Home Affairs. At Global Vision Migration, we assist individuals and families in securing their visas successfully by:
- Assessing your eligibility and guiding you through the application process.
- Preparing and submitting all required documentation to ensure accuracy.
- Providing ongoing support for visa renewals and compliance.
Need Assistance with Your Subclass 461 Visa?
Contact Global Vision Migration today for expert assistance with your visa application. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure a successful outcome.
Schedule a Consultation with Global Vision Migration for Expert Immigration Advice and Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NZ Family Relationship Visa – Subclass 461
To qualify, you must be a non-New Zealand citizen and a family member of a New Zealand citizen who:
- Holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 Visa.
- Is living in Australia or intends to move to Australia. Eligible family members include:
- Partners (married or de facto).
- Children/step-children of the NZ citizen or their partner.
- Dependent grandchildren.
Yes! With a Subclass 461 Visa, you can:
- Live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years.
You can renew the visa onshore if:
- You remain a family member of a New Zealand citizen holding a Subclass 444 Visa.
- You continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Yes, in certain cases. If your relationship has ended but you have a strong personal connection to Australia, you may still qualify for a renewal. Contact Global Vision Migration for guidance.
