Subclass 461 · Temporary
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 461)
Live, work and study in Australia for 5 years as a non-New Zealand family member of a New Zealand citizen. From AUD1,330.
About the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 461)
The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461) is for a person who is not a New Zealand citizen but is a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen. It lets you live, work and study in Australia for 5 years.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study in Australia for 5 years from the grant date
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want during the 5 years
You must
- Not be a New Zealand citizen when you apply
- Be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant; other costs and concessions may apply. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More Other Family Visas
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About the 461 visa
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Live, work and study in Australia for 5 years from grant
- Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like during those 5 years
AUD1,330 for the main applicant and AUD675 for each other family member applying with you.
Members of your family unit can combine their application with yours.
In or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
You cannot stay after the visa ends unless you hold another visa, but you can apply for a further 461 visa if you still meet the requirements.
Eligibility
What you need.
You cannot be granted this visa if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen.
You must be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen, such as their partner or dependent child, who is living in, or travelling to, Australia. Dependent children must be under 23 when the visa is granted.
Different rules apply depending on whether you apply in or outside Australia and what visa you hold.
Meet the health and character requirements. Health insurance is recommended for unexpected medical costs.
Applicants aged 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, debts must be repaid, and immigration history is considered.
You cannot be granted this visa if you are an Australian citizen or a New Zealand citizen. New Zealand citizens can use the Special Category visa (444) instead.
If you apply in Australia, you must generally hold a substantive temporary visa (other than a 403 Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream visa). You can apply from outside Australia without holding another visa.
Step by step
How to apply.
Before you apply
Check you are eligible and that your New Zealand citizen family member can support your application.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare identity documents and evidence of your relationship to the New Zealand citizen.
Apply
Lodge your application and pay the visa cost.
Visa outcome
Home Affairs tells you the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
What happens next.
You can work and study in Australia and are protected by Australian workplace law.
The visa allows multiple entries for its 5-year period.
Report changes to your contact details, address, passport or family circumstances.
Apply for another 461 visa before your current one ends if you still meet the requirements.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 461) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
People who are not New Zealand citizens but are members of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen.
5 years from the grant date.
From AUD1,330.
Yes. You can live, work and study in Australia.
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your family visa.
