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Are you a New Zealand citizen with family members who want to join you in Australia? The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) is designed for family members of New Zealand citizens who want to live, work, and study in Australia. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about this visa in simple and easy-to-understand language. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and more.
The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) is a temporary visa that allows family members of New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to five years. This visa is for partners, children, and other dependent family members of New Zealand citizens who are living in Australia under the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444).
This visa is perfect for families who want to reunite and live together in Australia. It allows the visa holder to work, study, and travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity period.
To be eligible for the Subclass 461 visa, both the applicant and the New Zealand citizen must meet certain criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Relationship: You must be a family member of a New Zealand citizen who is living in Australia under the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444). This includes:
▶ Partners (spouse or de facto partner).
▶ Children (dependent or stepchildren).
▶ Other dependent family members.
👉 Health and Character Requirements: You must meet health and character requirements.
👉 Residency in Australia: The New Zealand citizen must be living in Australia under the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444).
👉 Financial Capacity: The New Zealand citizen must be able to financially support the family member.
Applying for the Subclass 461 visa involves several steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you:
👉 Check Eligibility: Make sure you and the New Zealand citizen meet all the eligibility criteria.
👉 Gather Documents: Collect all the required documents, such as proof of relationship, passport, and health check results.
👉 Submit Application: Fill out the visa application form and submit it online or by mail.
👉 Pay Fees: Pay the visa application fee.
👉 Wait for Decision: Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application. You may need to provide additional documents or attend an interview during this time.
👉 Receive Visa: Once the visa is approved, you can live in Australia temporarily.
Yes, there are a few additional conditions for the Subclass 461 visa:
👉 No Permanent Residency: This is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, you can apply for other visas that may lead to permanent residency.
👉 Visa Expiry: The visa is valid for up to five years. You can apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.
👉 Work and Study Rights: You can work and study in Australia while holding this visa.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of the Subclass 461 visa:
👉 Temporary Residency: You can live in Australia for up to five years.
👉 Work and Study Rights: You can work and study in Australia without any restrictions.
👉 Travel Rights: You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want during the visa’s validity period.
👉 Family Reunification: You can live with your New Zealand citizen family member in Australia.
The cost of the Subclass 461 visa includes several fees. Here’s a breakdown:
👉 Visa Application Fee: AUD 430 for the main applicant.
👉 Additional Applicant Fee: AUD 220 for each additional applicant (e.g., a Partner).
👉 Other Costs: Health checks, police clearance certificates, and other related expenses.
The processing time for the Subclass 461 visa can vary depending on your situation. Currently, the processing time is approximately 6 to 12 months. However, this can change depending on the number of applications and the complexity of your case.
To ensure a smooth application process, here’s a checklist of the documents and steps you need to complete:
👉 Proof of Relationship: Documents that prove your relationship with the New Zealand citizen, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or photos.
👉 Passport: A copy of your passport or travel document.
👉 Health Check: Medical examination results.
👉 Police Clearance Certificate: Required if you are over 16 years old.
👉 Financial Proof: Evidence of the New Zealand citizen’s financial capacity to support you.
👉 Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
👉 Photos: Recent passport-sized photos.
👉 Application Submission: Submit the application online or by mail.
👉 Pay Fees: Pay the visa application fee.
Applying for the Subclass 461 visa can be a complex process. At Elixir Immigration, we are here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how we can assist you:
👉 Visa Assessment: We will assess your situation and tell you if this visa is the right option for you.
👉 Document Preparation: We will help you gather and prepare all the required documents.
👉 Application Submission: We will fill out and submit your visa application on your behalf.
👉 Liaison with Authorities: We will communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
👉 Updates and Support: We will keep you updated on the progress of your application and answer all your questions.
Reuniting with your family in Australia is a dream that can come true with the right guidance and support. At Elixir Immigration, we are committed to helping you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) application. Let’s bring your family together in Australia!