The 461 visa Australia is the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa. It lasts five years and lets eligible family members of a New Zealand citizen live, work and study in Australia. It is meant for people who are not New Zealand citizens themselves, and the New Zealand family member must hold, or be about to receive, a Special Category (subclass 444) visa.
Many people search for a “461 partner visa”, but it is not the same as an Australian partner visa. The link here is a New Zealand citizen on a Special Category visa, not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
This guide explains who qualifies, what the visa costs, how long it can take, what to prepare and how to apply.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fees, forms and lodgement steps can change, so confirm them with the Department of Home Affairs before you lodge.
In This Guide
- What Is the 461 Visa Australia?
- Who Can Apply for the 461 Visa Australia?
- Who Cannot Get the 461 Visa Australia?
- 461 Visa Australia vs an Australian Partner Visa
- 461 Visa Australia Cost
- 461 Visa Australia Processing Time
- 461 Visa Australia Document Checklist
- How to Apply for the 461 Visa Australia
- Work, Study and Travel Rights on the 461 Visa Australia
- After Your 461 Visa Australia Is Granted
- Can You Renew the 461 Visa Australia?
- Does the 461 Visa Australia Lead to PR?
- Common Problems With 461 Visa Australia Applications
- 461 Visa Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Guidance on Your 461 Visa Australia Options
- Disclaimer
What Is the 461 Visa Australia?
Subclass 461 is a temporary visa for family members of New Zealand citizens. It runs for five years from the day it is granted.
Most New Zealand citizens receive a Special Category visa (subclass 444) when they arrive in Australia. That visa does not cover their family. The 461 fills the gap for relatives who are not New Zealand citizens.
The visa is multiple entry, so you can leave and return as often as you like while it is valid.
Who Can Apply for the 461 Visa Australia?
You must not be an Australian citizen, and you must not be a New Zealand citizen when you apply. After that, you need to fit one of the situations below.
461 visa Australia for family of a New Zealand citizen
You must be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who is not an “eligible New Zealand citizen”. That person must either:
- Already be in Australia on a subclass 444 visa, or
- Be travelling with you and be granted a 444 when they arrive.
New Zealand citizens do not get a 444 automatically in every case. You can check your family member’s visa in VEVO.
If you are a partner, expect to show that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Applying for a further 461 visa Australia
If you already hold a 461, or your last substantive visa was a 461, you may be able to apply again. If you are in Australia, you must also:
- No longer be in the family unit of the person you were linked to before, and
- Not have joined the family unit of anyone else.
If you are outside Australia, the same two points apply, and you must have held a 461 when you last left the country. You must also meet one of these:
- You spent at least two of the last five years in Australia on a 461 visa, right before you applied.
- You have strong business, cultural, employment or personal ties that benefit Australia, and you have not been away for a continuous period of five years or more just before applying (unless you have compelling reasons).
Your visa status when you apply
If you are outside Australia, you do not need to hold any other visa.
If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive temporary visa, or have held one within the last 12 months. A subclass 403 visa in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream does not count. Otherwise, extra rules for unlawful non-citizens or certain Bridging visa holders will apply.
Other 461 visa Australia requirements
- Health: you and any family member on the application must meet the health requirement.
- Character: this applies to you and to family members aged 16 or over.
- Australian Values Statement: applicants aged 18 or over must sign it, unless there are compelling circumstances.
- Debts: you should not owe money to the Australian Government, or you must have made arrangements to repay it.
- Immigration history: a past visa cancellation or refusal can affect the outcome.
- Best interests of the child: for applicants under 18, the visa may be refused if it is not in the child’s best interests.
- No Further Stay condition: if a past visa carried this condition, you may not be able to apply.
Health insurance is not a listed requirement, but the Department recommends it. You are personally responsible for medical bills while in Australia.
Who Cannot Get the 461 Visa Australia?
- Australian citizens. They cannot be granted this visa.
- New Zealand citizens. They use the Special Category visa instead. If you become a New Zealand citizen while your application is being processed, you can either continue or withdraw and apply for a 444.
- Family of an eligible New Zealand citizen. The New Zealand family member must not be an eligible New Zealand citizen. Families in that group look at other visa options.
- Applicants who fail health or character checks. This also applies to family members on the same application.
- Applicants in immigration clearance. You cannot lodge while you are going through immigration clearance.
“Eligible New Zealand citizen” is a defined term, and it depends on the person’s history of arrival and stay in Australia. Check the Department’s definition if you are unsure.
461 Visa Australia vs an Australian Partner Visa
| Feature | 461 visa Australia | Partner visa (Australia) |
|---|---|---|
| Reference person | A New Zealand citizen on a Special Category visa (444) | An Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen |
| Visa length | Five years, temporary | Temporary stage first, then permanent |
| Permanent residency | Not offered directly | Built into the pathway |
| Application charge | From A$1,330 | Much higher, so check the current charge |
If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, see our guide to the partner visa pathway.
461 Visa Australia Cost
The Home Affairs charges to lodge a valid 461 application are:
- A$1,330 For the main applicant
- A$675 For each family member aged 18 or over on the same application
- A$325 For each family member under 18 on the same application
Budget for other costs too, such as health examinations, police certificates, biometrics and translations. The Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website does not include these extras.
If you pay the wrong amount, the Department cannot process your application and may return it. Confirm the figures on the current visa pricing page before you lodge.
461 Visa Australia Processing Time
Home Affairs does not set a fixed timeframe. Its visa processing time guide shows how long recently decided applications took. It is a guide only and may not match your case.
Your application can take longer if:
- The form is filled out incorrectly,
- Documents are missing, or the Department asks for more information, or
- Checking your details takes longer than usual.
Lodging a complete application, with health checks and police certificates done early, helps keep things moving. Use the official processing times guide for the latest figure.
461 Visa Australia Document Checklist
The exact list depends on your situation, so follow the Department’s checklist for your case. Most applicants prepare the following.
Application forms
- Form 147, the application for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa
- Form 956, if you use a registered migration agent
- Proof that you paid the correct visa application charge
Identity documents
- Certified copies of passport identity pages for every applicant
- Birth certificates, as requested
Evidence about the New Zealand citizen
- Certified copy of their New Zealand passport or birth certificate
- Evidence that they hold a Special Category visa (444), or will be granted one
Relationship evidence
- Marriage certificate, for married couples
- Evidence of a genuine and continuing de facto relationship, if that applies
- Birth certificates, and custody or consent papers for children, as needed
Health and character
- Police certificates for applicants aged 16 or over
- Health examination results, as requested
- Signed Australian Values Statement for applicants aged 18 or over
Send certified copies, not originals. Documents that are not in English need translating.
How to Apply for the 461 Visa Australia
A new 461 application is currently made on paper using Form 147, not as a fresh online application. Since 23 July 2025, Home Affairs has allowed paper applications for this visa to be imported into ImmiAccount, so you can manage the application online afterwards. Check the official page before you start, in case this changes.
- Check eligibility. Confirm that your New Zealand family member holds a 444, or will be granted one, and is not an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Do health checks early. Home Affairs encourages this, because a complete application can be processed faster.
- Gather your documents. Collect identity, relationship, health and character papers.
- Pay the correct charge. Keep the receipt with your application.
- Complete Form 147. Include every family member who needs a visa.
- Lodge the application. Follow the Department’s current instructions for where to send it.
- Stay outside Australia if you applied from overseas. Wait for the acknowledgment letter before you travel. You can only enter Australia if you hold a visa that is in effect.
- Reply to requests. Answer any request for more information on time.
You cannot add family members after you lodge, so list everyone at the start.
Work, Study and Travel Rights on the 461 Visa Australia
The 461 visa Australia allows you to live, work and study in Australia for five years. You are protected by Australian workplace law while you work.
You can travel in and out as many times as you want. Time spent overseas does not extend the visa.
Your conditions appear in your grant letter and in VEVO. Check them rather than assuming.
After Your 461 Visa Australia Is Granted
Your visa is linked to your passport digitally. You will not get a visa label.
Tell the Department if any of these change:
- Your phone number, email, address or passport,
- Your relationship status, or
- The birth of a child or step-child.
A child born in Australia to a New Zealand citizen parent may not be eligible for New Zealand citizenship by descent. The New Zealand government website explains the rules.
If you leave Australia after working, you may be able to claim super. This is likely if you are 18 or older and were paid A$450 or more before tax in a month.
Can You Renew the 461 Visa Australia?
Home Affairs says you can apply for a further 461 if you meet the eligibility rules. A renewal is a new application, not an automatic extension, so lodge it before your current visa ends.
You cannot stay in Australia after the visa ends unless you hold another visa.
If your relationship with the New Zealand citizen ends, you may still be able to apply again, as long as you have not joined someone else’s family unit. This is a detailed area, so check the current rules or speak with a registered migration agent.
If your New Zealand family member becomes an Australian citizen, family members on a 461 can generally stay until it expires, but may not be able to renew it. Get advice early if this applies to you.
Does the 461 Visa Australia Lead to PR?
No, not directly. The 461 is temporary, and repeated renewals do not turn into permanent residency.
Depending on your situation, you could look at a partner visa (if your partner becomes an Australian citizen or permanent resident) or a skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
One advantage for 461 holders: on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream, holders of a 444 or 461 who have worked for the nominating employer for at least two of the last three years may qualify for exemptions, including an age exemption. See our 186 visa requirements guide for details.
Common Problems With 461 Visa Australia Applications
- Status of the New Zealand citizen. Their 444 status and eligible New Zealand citizen status affect your application.
- Missing family members. People cannot be added after lodgement.
- Wrong fee. The Department cannot process an application with the incorrect charge.
- Weak relationship evidence. Partners need to show a genuine and ongoing relationship.
- Incomplete forms or documents. These are a common cause of delay.
- Sending originals. Use certified copies.
- Old police certificates. Out-of-date checks can slow things down.
- Travelling too soon. If you applied from overseas, wait for the acknowledgment letter.
461 Visa Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 461 visa Australia?
It is the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa. It lets eligible family members of a New Zealand citizen on a Special Category visa live, work and study in Australia for five years.
Who is eligible for the 461 visa Australia?
You must not be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, and you must be in the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who is not an eligible New Zealand citizen. That person must hold a Special Category visa (444) or be granted one on arrival. You must also meet health and character rules.
How much does the 461 visa Australia cost?
The main applicant pays A$1,330. Each family member aged 18 or over pays A$675, and each under 18 pays A$325. Other costs, such as medicals and police certificates, are extra.
How long does the 461 visa Australia take to process?
It varies. Home Affairs publishes a processing time guide based on recently decided applications. A complete application usually moves faster.
Can I apply for the 461 visa Australia from outside Australia?
Yes. You can apply from inside or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance. If you apply from overseas, stay outside Australia until you receive the acknowledgment letter.
Can I work on the 461 visa Australia?
Yes. The visa allows you to work and study. Check your conditions in your grant letter or VEVO.
Can I renew the 461 visa Australia?
Yes, if you still meet the criteria. Renewal is a new application, so apply before your current visa ends.
Can I get PR through the 461 visa Australia?
Not directly. The visa is temporary, so you would need to look at other options, such as a partner visa or a skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
What if my New Zealand partner becomes an Australian citizen?
Family members on a 461 can generally stay until the visa expires, but may not be able to renew it. You may need a different visa, such as a partner visa.
Can I add family members to my 461 application later?
No. Family members cannot be added after you lodge, so include everyone at the start.
Do I get a visa label in my passport?
No. Your visa is linked to your passport digitally. Use VEVO to check or show your visa details.
Get Guidance on Your 461 Visa Australia Options
Family visa cases can get complicated, especially when a relationship changes or a New Zealand family member’s status shifts. A registered migration agent can review your situation and help you choose the right visa before you lodge.
Disclaimer
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
