Partner visas / Subclass 461
New Zealand citizen family relationship visa
Partner of a New Zealand citizen (461).
For partners and family members of New Zealand citizens living in Australia who aren't NZ citizens themselves. Live, work and study in Australia for five years.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
You must be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who lives in Australia, and not be a New Zealand citizen yourself.
You
- Partner (married or de facto) or dependent family member of the NZ citizen
- Not a New Zealand citizen
- Meet health and character requirements
The New Zealand citizen
- Usually holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444)
- Lives in Australia
Family
- Include family members when you lodge
- Family can't be added after you lodge
- Each person is assessed individually
While you wait
What you can do with the 461.
Live and work
Live, work and study in Australia for five years from the grant date.
Travel
Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want during the five years.
Stay longer
Apply for a further 461 if you still meet the requirements, or move to another visa.
Evidence
What Home Affairs looks at.
Your relationship is assessed across four areas. Most refusals come from thin or inconsistent evidence, not from the relationship itself.
Financial
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, leases or loans, and how you share day-to-day costs.
Household
Living arrangements, shared responsibility for the home, and mail addressed to you both.
Social
Whether friends and family know you as a couple: photos, travel, invitations and Form 888 statements from people who know you.
Commitment
Your history together, time spent apart and how you stayed in touch, and your plans for the future.
How it works
From first call to decision.
Discovery call or consultation
A free 15-minute discovery call checks basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a 30-minute consultation ($330).
Engage us
You receive a written quote, a document checklist and an evidence plan for your relationship.
We build your application
Your lawyer checks every document and drafts your relationship statements with you.
Final review and lodgement
You approve it and we lodge. We deal with Home Affairs until a decision.
FAQ
Questions about the Subclass 461.
Is the 461 a permanent visa?
No. It's a five-year temporary visa. If permanent residence is the goal, ask us whether a partner visa is open to you.
Can I apply from inside Australia?
Yes, you can apply from inside or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance.
What will your fee be?
We give you a fixed-fee quote after your consultation, once we know who is applying.
Can I add a family member later?
No. Family members must be included when you lodge.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.