Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa

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Overview

The Subclass 461 visa allows non-New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia if they have a family relationship with a New Zealand citizen who is in Australia on a Special Category visa (Subclass 444). This temporary visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed.

Benefits

  • Stay in Australia for up to five years and renew the visa to extend your stay.
  • Travel in and out of Australia as many times as needed while the visa is valid.
  • Engage in employment and educational activities during your stay.
  • Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, under certain conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 461 visa, you must:
  • Be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category visa (Subclass 444).
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Meet medical examination and character requirements.
  • Have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
  • This includes spouses (partners), dependent children, of the New Zealand citizen.

Key Points to Remember

  • The visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed.
  • You must maintain your family relationship with the New Zealand citizen throughout your stay.
  • Your New Zealand citizen family member must hold a Special Category visa (Subclass 444).
  • You can be in or outside Australia when you apply, but you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted if you apply from outside.
  • To renew the visa, you must continue to meet the initial eligibility requirements.
  • You must maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Any non-New Zealand citizen who is a family member of a New Zealand citizen holding a Subclass 444 visa can apply. This includes spouses, partners, dependent children.
The visa lasts for up to five years. You can apply for a new Subclass 461 visa to continue staying in Australia after the initial visa expires.
Yes, the visa allows you to work and study in Australia without any restrictions.
Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application. They must also meet the health and character requirements.
Applicants must meet specific health standards and provide police certificates to demonstrate good character
If your relationship with the New Zealand citizen ends, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs. This may affect your visa status.
To renew your visa, you must lodge a new application before your current visa expires and continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including maintaining your relationship with the New Zealand citizen holding a Subclass 444 visa.
Yes, you can travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.
It is recommended to have health insurance, although you might have access to Medicare under certain conditions.

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