Subclass 461 - Visa Options for family members of NZ passport holders

If you are or have been a close family member of a New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for a Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa. This temporary visa allows you to live and work in Australia for 5 years, with no limitations on renewing the visa if you continue to meet the requirements.

To be eligible, you must fit within one of the three categories below:

• If you are a member of a New Zealand citizen’s family unit and they either hold or will hold a Subclass 444 visa upon arrival in Australia whilst travelling with you. Before applying for a Subclass 461 visa, it is important to check that your relative is eligible for a Subclass 444 visa.

• You are in Australia and hold or most recently held a Subclass 461 visa which has expired but you are no longer a member of the family unit of the New Zealand citizen in relation to whom your current or previous Subclass 461 was granted.

• You are outside Australia and

  • have either been in Australia for at least 2 of the last 5 years as the holder of a Subclass 461 visa or have substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties to Australia. If the latter, you must not have been away from Australia for more than 5 years immediately before applying

  • you held a Subclass 461 when you last departed Australia

  • You are no longer a member of the family unit of the New Zealand citizen in relation to whom the visa was granted

  • You have not become a member of the family unit of another New Zealand citizen

In addition to fitting into one of the above categories, you and the family members applying with you must meet health requirements.

If you are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen and would like to check your eligibility for a Subclass 461 visa, contact one of our Registered Migration Agents today for an accurate assessment.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.