The NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) allows non-New Zealand citizens to live in Australia with their New Zealand citizen family member. This visa offers temporary residency for up to five years and can be renewed as long as the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.
It’s an ideal solution for families looking to stay together while living and working in Australia.
This visa offers a unique pathway for non-New Zealand citizens who are part of a New Zealand citizen’s family unit to live in Australia. It’s especially valuable for families who don’t meet the strict criteria of other partner or skilled visas but still wish to enjoy the freedoms of working and living in Australia together.
The Subclass 461 Visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia if you are a non-New Zealand citizen but a member of a New Zealand citizen’s family unit. Your NZ citizen relative must be living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444).
This visa provides a 5-year stay, with full work and study rights, and can be renewed.
The 461 visa is a practical, cost-effective option for families who want to remain together in Australia without the complexities of more restrictive visa categories. It grants long-term stability while offering the freedom to work, study, and travel — all without the need for formal sponsorship or employer backing.
This visa is ideal for families who want to stay together in Australia without applying for a partner or skilled visa. It provides stability and flexibility with fewer financial and sponsorship requirements.
This visa is ideal for family members of New Zealand citizens who wish to avoid the barriers of standard migration streams but still gain access to Australia’s work and lifestyle opportunities.
The Subclass 461 is suited for:
Understanding whether you meet the eligibility criteria is key to a successful application. The requirements are relatively accessible but still require a strong connection to your New Zealand citizen family member and proof of your relationship.
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
Applying for this visa is a straightforward process, but attention to detail matters — especially when proving your relationship and identity. Here’s how the process typically works:
To support your application, you'll need to show your relationship is genuine, provide personal documentation, and confirm your NZ citizen relative’s eligibility under Subclass 444.
All applicants must meet Australian health and character standards. These requirements ensure you meet the conditions for temporary residence in Australia.
We help simplify the Subclass 461 process — so you can focus on building your life with your loved ones.
✅ Relationship and eligibility assessment
✅ Document preparation and visa application support
✅ Help with renewals and long-term visa strategy
✅ Advice on transitioning to permanent residency options
DISCLAIMER: This information is for general guidance only. For official and updated information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs.
We provide comprehensive consultations to help you determine the most suitable visa option based on your individual circumstances and goals.
