Subclass 461 Visa Australia 2026: New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Guide

5 days ago

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The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461) is for eligible people who are not New Zealand citizens but are members of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen in the circumstances covered by the visa rules.

Who is the subclass 461 designed for?

Home Affairs explains that where a New Zealand citizen is not an eligible New Zealand citizen and holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444), non-New Zealand and non-Australian family members may be eligible for a subclass 461 visa. The family relationship and the New Zealand citizen's status must be evidenced.

Official family guidance: New Zealand citizens and your family.

What does the visa allow?

Home Affairs describes subclass 461 as a temporary visa that lets an eligible holder live and work in Australia for five years. The visa also permits study and multiple travel while it remains valid, subject to the actual grant and visa conditions.

Home Affairs summary: About other family visas — subclass 461.

Relationship evidence

Applicants must provide evidence of the qualifying relationship with the New Zealand citizen. Depending on the claimed family relationship, this can involve identity documents, marriage or de facto evidence, birth records and other documents showing genuine family-unit membership.

Current application guidance: Applying for a family visa — subclass 461.

Paper application and combined family applications

The Department currently directs subclass 461 applicants to use Form 147 for the paper application. Family members included in a combined application are individually assessed and must satisfy the applicable health and character requirements.

Health insurance and visa conditions

Condition 8501 can apply to subclass 461 grants. Holders should check the visa grant notice and VEVO to confirm the conditions attached to the individual visa rather than assume every grant is identical.

See our Visa Condition 8501 health insurance guide.

For the broader visa system, see the Australian Visa Subclass Database.