Subclass 461: New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
The Subclass 461 visa is designed for individuals who are not New Zealand citizens but are family members of a New Zealand citizen. This temporary visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for five years.
Overview
Stay Duration
- This is a temporary visa, valid for 5 years from the date of grant.
Cost
- The base application fee starts at AUD430 for the primary applicant, with additional fees for family members.
Processing Times
- Processing times vary and are subject to individual circumstances. For estimated times, consult the visa processing time guide.
Benefits of the Subclass 461 Visa
With this visa, you can:
- Live, work, and study in Australia for five years.
- Travel to and from Australia freely during the validity period.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Eligibility
To apply for this visa, you must:
- Be a non-New Zealand citizen at the time of application.
- Meet the family relationship criteria with a New Zealand citizen who holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 visa.
Relationship Requirements
You qualify if:
- You are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen currently in Australia on a Subclass 444 visa or who will obtain this visa upon entry.
Health and Character Standards
All applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements. Pre-application health examinations are recommended for quicker processing.
Financial and Legal Requirements
- Applicants must settle any outstanding debts with the Australian government.
- You must not have had a previous visa application refused or a visa cancelled.
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.
How to Apply
- Applications can be submitted from inside or outside Australia.
- You must not be in immigration clearance when applying.
- For more detailed application steps, see the Step-by-Step Application Guide.
Processing Delays
Delays may occur if:
- Forms are incomplete or require additional information.
- Health or character examinations are pending.
How WIDEN Migration Can Assist You
At WIDEN Migration, we understand the complexities and requirements of the Subclass 461 visa. Our team provides:
- Guidance through eligibility assessments to ensure you meet all criteria.
- Application preparation and documentation support, helping you complete forms accurately and avoid delays.
- Health and character requirements advice, so you know what’s expected.
- Ongoing communication with immigration authorities on your behalf, ensuring a smooth application process.
Our registered migration agents are dedicated to making your journey to Australia as seamless as possible. Reach out to WIDEN Migration for expert assistance tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and stress-free application experience.