NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

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461 Visa

Snapshot

What you get	Key points
Purpose	Live in Australia with your New Zealand-citizen partner or parent who holds/qualifies for a Special Category visa (SCV 444)
Stay	Up to 5 years with unlimited travel in and out of Australia
Work / study	Full work rights & study permitted
Cost (VAC)	Main applicant AUD 445
Processing	50 %: 82 days · 90 %: 4 months (July 2025 guide)
Lodge	Onshore or offshore (paper or ImmiAccount upload; paper files can now be imported to ImmiAccount from 23 July 2025)

Who can apply?

You must NOT be a New Zealand citizen but must be a member of the family unit of one who:

Holds or is eligible for an SCV 444 (cannot be an “eligible NZ citizen” under migration law)
Is your spouse, de facto partner (12 months+ or registered), or dependent child/step-child. Children can apply with you or separately later

Other key requirements:

Genuine intention to live temporarily in Australia (renewable by re-applying).
Meet standard health & character tests.
Have repaid any Australian Government debts.

What you can / can’t do

Permitted

Work in any occupation, full-time or part-time.
Study without time limits.
Travel freely while the visa is valid.

Not permitted

Access most social-security benefits (as a temporary resident).
Extend in Australia automatically—must re-apply for another 461 every five years if still eligible.

Application process (step-by-step)

Step	Action	Practical tip
1	Gather evidence	Passports, relationship proof (marriage cert or de facto evidence), joint bills, children’s birth certs, police checks, health exams.
2	Create ImmiAccount or prepare Form 147	Since 23 July 2025, paper applicants can upload to ImmiAccount to speed processing.
3	Pay VAC	AUD 445 (+ dependants). Ensure correct fee—VACs rose 3 % on 1 July 2025.
4	Decision-ready	Provide decision-ready documents to avoid s56 information requests; delays come from missing police/health clearances.
5	Await outcome	Typical 82 days–4 months; VEVO will show grant with five-year validity and multiple travel.

Renewing or transitioning

Repeat 461: Re-apply before expiry if you still meet relationship & SCV criteria. No cumulative limit.
Permanent options: If the NZ partner becomes an eligible NZ citizen or Australian PR/citizen, you may access partner or family PR pathways.
Citizenship reform note: Direct citizenship pathway changes from 1 July 2023 apply only to the NZ citizen holding SCV 444—not to 461 holders.

Obligations & conditions

Obey Australian laws; keep Home Affairs updated on address changes.
Maintain relationship to remain eligible for future renewals.
Children turning 18 should apply for their own 461 before renewal time.

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Can I include my partner and children in one application?

Yes—list them as secondary applicants and pay the lower VAC per person. They must also meet health & character tests.

We are de facto for less than 12 months—can we still qualify?

You’ll need either 12 months’ cohabitation evidence or a registered relationship certificate from an Australian state/territory.

Can I apply while holding a Bridging Visa?

Usually yes, provided you lodge before your current visa expires and you’re not subject to a ‘No Further Stay’ condition.

Is there a direct pathway to permanent residency for 461 holders?

Not through the 461 itself; most choose general skilled, employer-sponsored or partner PR routes once eligible.