New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

If you’re a family member of a New Zealand citizen, the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) could be your ticket to living, working, and studying in Australia. This visa is designed for people who are not New Zealand citizens but have a close family connection to one.

At CIA Lawyers, we understand the importance of keeping families close. Our team will help you through every step of your application, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Costs & Details of the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

Applying for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) comes with a reasonable cost, and it offers you the chance to live and work in Australia for five years. Let’s break down the details:

Application Fee: The application fee for the Subclass 461 visa is AUD 430.00. This is an affordable cost considering the benefits of staying in Australia for five years.
Visa Duration: This visa is valid for five years from the date it’s granted, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
Travel Flexibility: The visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want during the five years. This flexibility can be handy if you need to visit your home country or explore other places.
Temporary Visa: The Subclass 461 visa is a temporary visa, but it provides a solid opportunity to live in Australia while strengthening family bonds.

Here’s a quick table summarising the key cost and duration details:

Visa Detail	Information
Application Fee	AUD 430.00
Visa Duration	5 years
Visa Validity	Temporary (5 years)
Work and Study Rights	Yes, unrestricted work and study
Travel Flexibility	Unlimited travel in and out of Australia
Eligibility	A family member of a New Zealand citizen

With this visa, you can establish your life in Australia with the ability to work, study, and travel as you please for up to five years.

Benefits Of The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

The Subclass 461 visa offers a variety of advantages for those looking to build a life in Australia with their family. Here’s how it can benefit you:

Stay in Australia for 5 Years: This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for a full five years, giving you ample time to settle in and build a future here.
Work and Study Rights: You have the freedom to work and study, helping you support yourself, enhance your career, and access educational opportunities.
Family Reunification: It helps bring families together by allowing non-New Zealand citizens who are family members to join their New Zealand citizen relatives in Australia.
Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you like during your five-year visa period, making it easy to visit family back home or explore other destinations.

This visa is a valuable tool for families of New Zealand citizens to create lasting memories and establish a fulfilling life in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

To apply for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461), you need to meet some key eligibility requirements. Here’s what you should know:

Not a New Zealand Citizen: You must not be a New Zealand citizen when applying for this visa.
Family Connection: You need to be a family member of a New Zealand citizen currently living in Australia.
Specific Relationship Criteria: You must show your relationship to the New Zealand citizen, such as being their partner or dependent child.
Health and Character Checks: As part of the application, you’ll need to pass health and character checks.

Once you meet these criteria, you’ll be one step closer to joining your family in Australia and experiencing all the opportunities this visa offers.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

Navigating the application process for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) can be tricky, but with CIA Lawyers by your side, we make it easier. Here’s how we can assist:

Initial Consultation and Assessment: We’ll assess your situation to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and help you gather the necessary documents.
Document Preparation: Our team will guide you through the paperwork, making sure all documents are organised and submitted correctly.
Visa Application Lodgement: Once everything is in place, we’ll lodge your application and keep track of its progress for you.
Issue Resolution: If any issues arise during the process, we’ll swiftly resolve them to avoid delays.
Ongoing Support: From start to finish, we’ll keep you informed and offer continued support as your application moves forward.

With CIA Lawyers handling the details, you can focus on reuniting with your loved ones in Australia, knowing you’re in expert hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What visa are New Zealand citizens entitled to in Australia?

A: New Zealand citizens can enter Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444). This allows them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Q: Can New Zealand citizens sponsor families in Australia?

A: Yes, New Zealand citizens can sponsor their family members for visas, such as the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461), allowing their non-citizen family members to live in Australia.

Q: Can a NZ citizen sponsor a visitor to Australia?

A: A New Zealand citizen can sponsor a visitor to Australia if the visitor is their immediate family member. The visitor would typically apply for a visitor visa with their sponsor’s support.

Q: How long can NZ citizens stay in Australia?

A: New Zealand citizens can stay in Australia as long as they hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444). There’s no set expiry as long as they meet the visa requirements.

Q: Do NZ citizens get free healthcare in Australia?

A: New Zealand citizens are not automatically entitled to free healthcare under Medicare in Australia. However, they can apply for Medicare if they meet certain residency requirements.

Q: Are NZ citizens temporary residents in Australia?

A: New Zealand citizens are generally considered temporary residents in Australia under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444), though they can stay indefinitely as long as they maintain visa conditions.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.