New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa 461
Five years to live and work in Australia for non-New Zealand family members of a New Zealand citizen.
In force
Who it is for
People who are not New Zealand citizens but are members of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who holds, or will be granted on arrival, a Special Category visa (444). It lets you live, work and study in Australia for 5 years.
Main requirements
- Not an Australian or New Zealand citizen when the visa is decided.
- A member of the family unit (partner or dependent child, for example) of a New Zealand citizen who is not an 'eligible New Zealand citizen' and who holds a 444 or will travel with you and receive one.
- In Australia: hold a substantive temporary visa (not a 403 Domestic Worker stream) or meet the other immigration status rules; no No Further Stay condition.
- Health insurance, health and character (16 and over).
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. If you rely on the outside-Australia rules, lodge and stay outside Australia until Home Affairs acknowledges the application.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Check the New Zealand citizen's status
Confirm the New Zealand citizen holds a 444 and is not an eligible New Zealand citizen for other purposes.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the relationship and the citizen's visa status in VEVO. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Relationship evidence
Partner relationship or dependency evidence, identity and the New Zealand citizen's passport.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares relationship evidence to partner-visa standard. - Lodge with all family
Include all family members at lodgement; they cannot be added later.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent includes everyone at lodgement. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Five-year visa
Live, work and study; travel freely for 5 years. A further 461 is possible if still eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans a further 461 or a permanent option before expiry.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$1,330 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$675 |
| Family member under 18 | A$325 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship | 50% in 5 months, 90% in 6 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Relationship to the New Zealand citizen not proven.
- The New Zealand citizen does not hold a 444.
- No Further Stay condition or invalid onshore status.
- Family members left off the application.
- Health or character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Relationship
- Other
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2026
Charges from 1 July 2026: main applicant A$1,330.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.