New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa
As members of the Commonwealth, Australia and New Zealand enjoy close diplomatic ties, which provide New Zealand citizens with a number of unique benefits. These include simplified pathways to enter and reside in Australia, along with eligibility for permanent residence and citizenship.
To support these privileges, Subclass 461 has been created specifically for non-New Zealand family members of New Zealand citizens, allowing them to live and work in Australia. This visa enables a New Zealand citizen to be joined in Australia by their spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children, even if those family members are not Australian or New Zealand citizens themselves.
Although the Subclass 461 visa is temporary, it is valid for up to five years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met. Applicants can include children under the age of 18, as well as dependent children up to 23 years of age, in a single application, making it a practical option for families wishing to remain together in Australia.
To apply for this visa, the applicant must:
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Not be an Australian or New Zealand citizen
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Be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who is living in, or planning to live in, Australia
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Be the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of the New Zealand citizen, or of their spouse/de facto partner
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Meet health and character requirements
Important Note
The Subclass 461 visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia. To pursue permanent residency and eventually Australian citizenship, the New Zealand citizen must first become an Australian citizen. Only then can their partner become eligible to apply for a Partner visa, which can lead to permanent residency.
With many years of experience handling family visas across a range of subclasses, we have helped unite families from around the world to build a life together in Australia. If you’re considering the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa, we invite you to explore our transparent and competitive fees—designed to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible.
Expert Advice
If you and your partner have lived apart for an extended period, you may need to provide additional evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship. Partner and spouse visas are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the discretion of the case officer. This approach is intentionally cautious, as it helps the Department identify and refuse applications from non-genuine relationships that may have been entered into solely for migration purposes.
The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa allows eligible family members of a New Zealander to live in Australia for the full duration of the visa and renew it without needing to leave the country. While the visa is temporary, it provides many of the same rights as permanent residency — including unlimited work rights, access to public education for both adults and children, and eligibility for healthcare under Australia’s public system, among other benefits.
Want to know more about the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa
(subclass 461)?
Can we stay unmarried and live in different countries and still qualify?
Can I bring my children after I’m granted the visa?
What is the status of children born to a New Zealand citizen in Australia?
What happens if the relationship ends?
...and more.
Get clear, reliable answers from a licensed migration agent during a comprehensive consultation. We’ll assess your situation and explain your options in plain language.
Who is this visa for?
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Individuals wishing to join their partner who is a New Zealand citizen living in Australia
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Those seeking to work and study in Australia while living with their New Zealand citizen family member
Limitations:
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This visa does not lead directly to permanent residency. To remain in Australia long-term, you must regularly renew the visa or explore other eligible pathways.