Subclass 461 / A New Zealand family connection
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) A shared life. A clearer next step.
If your family member is a New Zealand citizen, the right pathway starts with their status and your relationship. We help you understand whether this five-year temporary visa fits your plans.
- Outcome
- Temporary stay for 5 years
- Location
- Apply inside or outside Australia
- Family link
- A qualifying New Zealand citizen
A clearer family plan
Your family connection. The status behind it.
This visa can let eligible family members who are not New Zealand citizens live, work and study in Australia. For a first application, the New Zealand family member generally needs to hold, or qualify for, a Special Category visa (subclass 444), and must not be an eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian citizen.
It is a separate temporary pathway. It does not automatically lead to permanent residence, and a further five-year visa requires a new eligible application.
The details that shape the plan
What needs to be checked.
We will confirm what applies to your family. Start with the details below.
A useful starting point
- Passports and current visa records
- New Zealand family member’s status
- Relationship and family-unit evidence
- Health, character and insurance information
- Previous subclass 461 records, if relevant
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Confirm the New Zealand family member’s status
Citizenship alone does not settle the question. Check their subclass 444 position and whether Australian citizenship or protected status points to a different pathway.
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Show the qualifying family relationship
Check the spouse, de facto partner or dependent-child requirements that apply. A wider family connection alone is not enough.
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Review location and visa history
Check your current or last visa, conditions and any onshore restrictions. There are separate rules for some former subclass 461 holders whose family circumstances have changed.
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Prepare for the temporary stay
Review health, character and any insurance condition. Eligible family members may be included, and the evidence must support each person’s position.
A fresh look for a further visa
A further subclass 461 is not an automatic extension. Relationship changes, time outside Australia and the New Zealand family member’s status may affect the available route.
A plan you can follow
From the first question to the next step.
We agree the work and fees before starting, so you know what support is included.
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Check the family and status records
Confirm the right pathway before deciding what evidence to gather.
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Prepare the paper application
Use current Form 147, payment evidence and the required supporting documents. Initial online lodgement is not available.
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Manage the application and visa conditions
After acknowledgement, import the paper case into ImmiAccount where available. Keep current status, travel and changes in circumstances under review.
A little more clarity
Your questions, made clearer.
A few answers to help you plan. We can look at the details of your situation together.
Is this a permanent visa?
No. It is a temporary visa for five years. Permanent options need a separate eligibility assessment.
Does my New Zealand family member formally sponsor me?
This visa does not require formal sponsorship or nomination. Their qualifying status and your family relationship still need evidence.
Can I work and study?
The visa permits work and study. Check the grant notice for conditions, including any health-insurance requirement.
Can I apply again after a separation?
Some previous visa holders can qualify under special rules after the original relationship ends. A new family relationship, residence history and location can matter.
Is this part of the long Other Family queue?
No. Subclass 461 is excluded from the capped queue for Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative and Carer visas.
What will it cost and how long will it take?
We agree the professional work and fees before starting. Check current government charges and the processing-time guide. Published estimates are not a promised decision date.
Your next step starts with you
Your family connection. A plan that fits.
Tell us about your New Zealand family member, your relationship and your current visa. We will help you identify the requirements to check.