Live, work and stay in Australia with your New Zealand citizen family member
If you are not a New Zealand citizen but you are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who holds (or is eligible to hold) a Special Category Visa (SCV) Subclass 444, the Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily for up to 5 years.
At Widen – Migration Experts, we have supported families for more than 10 years, helping partners, children, and relatives of New Zealand citizens stay together in Australia. Our registered migration agents provide complete application support, eligibility assessment, document preparation, and ongoing guidance until your visa outcome is decided.
What is the Subclass 461 Visa?
The 461 Visa is a temporary visa for non-New Zealand citizens who are part of the immediate family unit of a New Zealand citizen holding an SCV subclass 444. It allows you to:
- Live in Australia for up to 5 years
- Work and study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia freely while your visa is valid
This visa can be renewed multiple times as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 461 Visa?
You may be eligible if you are a family member of a New Zealand citizen and that person:
- Is living in Australia on an SCV 444, or
- Will be accompanying you to Australia, or
- Has previously lived in Australia on an SCV 444 (for renewals)
Eligible family members include:
- Partner (married or de facto)
You must show a genuine and continuing relationship.
- Child or Step-child
Unmarried children under 18, or over 18 but still dependent.
- Dependent Relative
Other relatives who rely on the New Zealand citizen for financial or personal support (in limited situations).
Visa Conditions and Obligations
Multiple Entries
- This visa allows unlimited travel to and from Australia within the five-year period.
Family Inclusion
- Eligible family members can be included in the application. However, once lodged, no additional family members can be added.
Health Insurance
- Although not mandatory, health insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical costs in Australia. Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia.
Values Statement
- Applicants over 18 must sign an Australian Values Statement, showing commitment to respect Australian values and laws.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 461 visa, you must:
- Not be a New Zealand Citizen
(New Zealand citizens should apply for the SCV subclass 444 at the Australian border.)
- Be a Member of the Family Unit
You must demonstrate your relationship through approved evidence.
- Meet Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet Australian character and health standards.
- Have No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
These must be repaid or formal arrangements put in place.
- The NZ Citizen Must Meet SCV Comparator Requirements
They must:
- Hold an SCV or
- Be eligible for an SCV on arrival or
- Have held an SCV previously (for renewal applicants)
Applying Inside vs Outside Australia
Applying Inside Australia
You must hold an eligible substantive visa when you apply. Bridging visas may be granted to allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is processed.
Applying Outside Australia
You must be outside Australia when the visa is lodged and when it is decided.
What You Can Do on the Subclass 461 Visa
The 461 visa provides significant benefits:
- Live in Australia for 5 years
- Work full-time or part-time
- Study at any institution
- Freely travel in and out of Australia
- Include eligible family members in your application
This visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence. However, depending on your circumstances, other visa pathways may be available.
Widen – Migration Experts will assess your long-term options if permanent residency is a goal.
Subclass 461 Visa Renewal / Subsequent Visa
You can renew the visa even if:
- Your relationship with the New Zealand citizen has ended, as long as you still meet specific criteria
- The New Zealand citizen is not currently in Australia, but has previously held an SCV
- You continue to meet health and character requirements
Each renewal provides another 5 years of lawful stay in Australia.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the Department of Home Affairs’ workload and the completeness of your application.
Typical processing ranges (approximate):
- 75% of applications: 6–10 months
- 90% of applications: 10–14 months
Submitting a complete, well-prepared application reduces delays.
Widen – Migration Experts ensures your application includes all required evidence and supporting documents to avoid unnecessary refusals or requests for further information.
Costs
The Department of Home Affairs charges visa application fees. These vary depending on the number of applicants and age of dependants.
As registered migration agents, Widen – Migration Experts charges a professional service fee (quoted after assessment), covering:
- Eligibility assessment
- Application preparation
- Communication with the Department
- Ongoing support until decision
We ensure the process is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
Evidence and Documents Required
Common evidence includes:
- Identity Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- National ID
- Relationship Evidence (for partners)
- Marriage certificate
- Cohabitation documents
- Financial interdependence proof
- Social evidence (photos, communications, joint travel)
- Evidence for Children
- Birth certificates
- Full custody documents (if applicable)
- Health and Character
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examinations (if required)
- New Zealand Citizen Evidence
- Passport
- Proof of SCV 444 status or eligibility
- Evidence of residing in Australia
Widen – Migration Experts will guide you on exactly what evidence you need based on your circumstances.
Why Choose Widen – Migration Experts for Your 461 Visa?
- ✔ Registered Migration Agent Expertise Your application is handled by qualified and registered professionals.
- ✔ Personalised Visa Strategy Every family situation is different—we tailor the plan to your goals and eligibility.
- ✔ Complete End-to-End Support From eligibility checks, documentation, lodgement to the final decision.
- ✔ High Success Rate We understand how to structure strong applications for the best outcome.
- ✔ Transparent Pricing Clear professional fees with no hidden charges.
- ✔ Fast, Accurate Communication You receive updates and guidance at every step.
How Widen - Migration Experts Help With Your 461 Visa
Our service includes:
- Initial consultation & eligibility assessment
- Preparation of a checklist tailored to your situation
- Review and organisation of your documents
- Drafting of statutory declarations and relationship evidence
- Preparation and lodgement of the application
- Handling all communication with the Department of Home Affairs
- Follow-up, monitoring, and updates until your visa is granted
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long is the 461 visa valid for?
- It is valid for 5 years from the date of grant.
- Can I renew a 461 visa?
- Yes. You can renew it indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Can I work on a 461 visa?
- Yes. The visa gives you full work rights in Australia.
- Can I include family members?
- Yes, you can include eligible children or dependants in your application.
- Does this visa lead to permanent residency?
- There is no direct PR pathway, but depending on your circumstances, other visa options may be available.
- What if my relationship ends?
- You may still be eligible for a renewal if you previously held a 461 visa based on the relationship. We will assess your eligibility case-by-case.
Contact Information
- 02 8188 1887
- info@widen.com.au
- Office 6, 2 - 16 Anglo Road, Campsie NSW 2194
- Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 05:00pm
Contact Us
Please use the following form to contact us. One of our team member will get back to you as soon as possible.