Australian Immigration Lawyers for New Zealand Citizenship Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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Our Services for Your NZ Family Relationship (Subclass 461) Visa

Subclass 461 Eligibility & NZ Citizen Status Check

We assess your eligibility as a family member of a NZ citizen holding a Subclass 444 visa (not an “eligible NZ citizen”) for the Subclass 461 visa.

Application & Relationship Evidence Preparation

Our lawyers assist in preparing your Subclass 461 application, focusing on crucial evidence of your relationship (partner, child) and meeting all criteria.

Comprehensive Application Lodgement & Guidance

We guide you through the Subclass 461 visa application process, whether onshore or offshore, ensuring all forms and documents are correctly submitted.

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We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation & map out a path to securing your Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizenship Family Relationship Visa.

What Our Happy Clients Say

Hear directly from our successful learners.

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What is the NZ Family Relationship (Subclass 461) Visa?

The Subclass 461 visa is a five-year temporary visa allowing non-New Zealand family members (partners, children) to live, work, and study in Australia with their New Zealand citizen relative who holds a Special Category (subclass 444) visa.

It’s crucial the NZ citizen is not an “eligible New Zealand citizen” (pre-2001 resident with more rights), as that would require different partner visa pathways. Correctly identifying the NZ citizen’s status and ensuring your relationship meets strict criteria is vital for a successful 461 application.

Subclass 461: Key Criteria & Future Options

Applicants for the Subclass 461 visa must meet health, character, and genuine relationship requirements. While this visa doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it can be renewed for further five-year periods if eligibility continues to be met.

Remarkably, you may even renew this visa if your relationship with the NZ citizen ends, provided you don’t form a new relationship with a non-Subclass 444 holder. Navigating these unique renewal provisions and initial eligibility requires careful legal assessment.

Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Subclass 461 Visa?

Navigating the Subclass 461 visa requires understanding specific New Zealand citizen statuses and intricate family relationship criteria. Moya Migration Law offers expert legal guidance, a client-focused approach, and meticulous application preparation to secure your 5-year stay in Australia with your NZ family.

Expertise in NZ Family Relationship Visas (461)

Our lawyers have a deep understanding of Subclass 461 eligibility, including the crucial distinctions for NZ citizen sponsors and genuine relationship evidence.

Client-Focused & Personalised Application Support

We provide personalised guidance, clearly explaining the Subclass 461 requirements and assisting you through each step with dedicated care for your family.

Meticulous Evidence & Document Preparation

We ensure your Subclass 461 application is thoroughly prepared, addressing all criteria for identity, health, character, and your family relationship.

In-Depth Migration Law Knowledge

Our comprehensive understanding of the Migration Act and specific 461 visa provisions ensures your application is expertly managed for the best outcome.

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15-Min Consultation

Our 5-Step NZ Family Relationship (Subclass 461) Visa Process

Applying for the Subclass 461 visa requires careful attention to eligibility and relationship evidence. Moya Migration Law guides you through our structured process, ensuring your application is robustly prepared to join your New Zealand citizen family member in Australia.

1

Initial Consultation & NZ Sponsor Eligibility Check

We review your circumstances and, crucially, verify your NZ family member’s status (must hold/be eligible for a Subclass 444 visa, not be an “eligible NZ citizen”).

2

Family Relationship & Evidence Assessment

Our team assesses your relationship (partner, child/step-child) and guides you in gathering all necessary evidence to prove this connection.

3

Comprehensive Application & Document Preparation

We meticulously prepare your Subclass 461 application forms and compile all supporting documents, including identity, health, and character checks.

4

Application Lodgement (Onshore or Offshore)

We manage the complete submission of your application, whether you are applying from within Australia or from overseas, ensuring all requirements are met.

5

Post-Lodgement Support & Visa Outcome

We liaise with the Department if needed, keep you informed of progress, and guide you on the visa decision and your next steps in Australia.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

Meet Daniel Moya, Your NZ Family Visa (461) Lawyer

Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides clients through the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Subclass 461) visa process. With over two decades in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert advice for these specific family pathway applications.

Daniel is committed to providing clear, supportive assistance, ensuring all complex eligibility and relationship criteria for your Subclass 461 visa are met. He understands the importance of reuniting families. Daniel also offers legal assistance in Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions about the NZ Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

What is a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Subclass 461) visa?

The Subclass 461 visa is a five-year temporary visa allowing non-New Zealand family members (like partners or dependent children) to live, work, and study in Australia with their New Zealand citizen relative who holds a Special Category (subclass 444) visa.

Who is an "eligible family member" for the Subclass 461 visa?

Eligible family members typically include the NZ citizen’s partner (spouse or de facto), their child/step-child, their partner’s child/step-child, or a dependent child of those children.

How long does a Subclass 461 visa last and can it be renewed?

The visa is granted for five years. Yes, it can generally be renewed for further five-year periods as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

What if my relationship with the New Zealand citizen ends?

Uniquely, you may still be eligible to renew your Subclass 461 visa even if the relationship ends, provided you are not in a new relationship with someone who isn’t an NZ citizen holding a Subclass 444 visa.

What are the work and study rights on a Subclass 461 visa?

The Subclass 461 visa generally grants full and unrestricted work and study rights in Australia for the duration of the visa.

Can I apply for the Subclass 461 visa if I am in Australia?

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 461 visa whether you are inside Australia (onshore) or outside Australia (offshore) at the time of application.

Does the Subclass 461 visa lead to permanent residency (PR)?

No, the Subclass 461 visa is a temporary visa and does not directly lead to Australian permanent residency or citizenship. Other visa pathways would need to be explored for PR.

How much is the government application charge for the Subclass 461 visa?

The main government application charge for a Subclass 461 visa is currently AUD $430 (as of June 2025, subject to change), with additional charges for any secondary applicants.

How long does the Subclass 461 visa take to process?

Processing times can vary, often taking several months, and can sometimes extend beyond two years depending on case complexity and Department workloads. Complete applications are key.

Our Services

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Appeals ART Visa Appeals

Visa refused or cancelled? Don’t give up hope. Expert representation for your ART review to challenge the decision.

Visa Refusals

If your Partner Visa has been refused, Daniel Moya offers 20+ years of experience in achieving positive outcomes at the Tribunal.

Visa Cancellations

Facing visa hurdles like refusals, cancellations, or PIC 4020 issues? Get expert advice and management for your unique circumstances.

Partner Visas

Begin your journey to permanent residency. Expert support for all Partner Visa applications, navigating the complex system with confidence.

Protection Visas

Seeking asylum or facing persecution? Daniel Moya provides crucial guidance and strategic advice for complex Protection Visa applications.

Family Visa

Reunite with loved ones in Australia. Explore options for Parent, Child, Carer, and other Family Visas with clear, expert advice.

Citizenship

Ready to become an Australian citizen? Navigate the application requirements and process smoothly with experienced legal support.

Notary Public in Adelaide Notary Public

Need documents notarised in Adelaide for international use? We provide prompt, convenient, and reliable Notary Public services.

Court Appeals (Judicial Review) Judicial Review

Unfavourable Tribunal ruling? Challenge appealable errors in the Federal Courts with experienced legal guidance for Judicial Review.