New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Subclass 461 Visas

Spouses and children of NZ citizens may be eligible for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Subclass 461 visa. This gives full work and travel rights for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of endless renewals.

Visa Conditions and Duration

This visa is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of grant.

Whilst on a 461 visa, you would have full work, travel and study rights.

You must maintain adequate health insurance whilst on a 461 visa - this would either be Medicare (if you are from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement), or private health insurance.

Visa Criteria

To qualify for a 461 visa, you must be a member of the family unit of an NZ citizen. This would generally mean you are a spouse, de facto partner or child of a NZ citizen.

If you are in a de facto relationship, 6 months of cohabitation would generally be strong evidence that you are in a relationship - this is lower than would be required for a partner visa.

The NZ citizen must either be in Australia on a Special Category Subclass 444 visa (SCV), or would need to be outside Australia and eligible for an SCV on arrival to Australia.

You would also need to meet health and character requirements for the visa.

Renewing Your Visa

The visa can be renewed after the initial 5 year validity period. Even if you are no longer dependent on the NZ citizen, it may be possible for you to renew.

How Acacia Can Help

Acacia can give full advice on the 461 visa requirements, and also assist with preparation of the documents for lodgement of the application. This would include providing evidence of a de facto relationship. If you are looking to renew your 461 visa, we can also assist on clarifying requirements.

We can also assist you in looking at the various visa pathways available to New Zealand Citizens and family members, in order to identify the best options for you.

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