New Zealand Family Relationship Visa
New Zealand Family Relationship Visa
If you are married or in a de-facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen either living in Australia or offshore, the Subclass 461 visa may be a suitable option for you. The Subclass 461 visa is also available to other eligible family members of New Zealand citizens.
With this visa you can
live, work and study in Australia for 5 years from the date
your visa is granted;
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want during the 5 year period.
Eligibility
To apply for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461):
you are not an Australian citizen;
you are not a New Zealand citizen;
relationship to a New Zealand citizen:
you are a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen, who is not an eligible New Zealand citizen and who is the holder of a subclass 444 or will be granted a subclass 444 on entry to Australia.
you are in Australia, and you hold a subclass 461 visa or the last substantive visa you held was a subclass 461 visa. You are no longer a member of the family unit of the person to whom you were previously granted a subclass 461 visa, and you are not a member of the family unit of any other person.
you are outside Australia and meet all of the below
have been in Australia as the holder of a Subclass 461 visa for at least 2 years in the past 5 years immediately before you made your visa application, or
have substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties with Australia that are of benefit to Australia and you have not been away from Australia for a continuous period of 5 years or more immediately before applying for this visa (unless you have compelling reasons for your absence)
You held a Subclass 461 visa when you last left Australia
You are no longer a member of the family unit of the person in relation to whom you were previously granted a Subclass 461 visa, and
You have not become a member of the family unit of another person (whether or not you are still a member of the family unit of that other person).
meet health and character requirements;
have health insurance;
How long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. It lets you stay in Australia for 5 years.
Processing Times
Processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on individual circumstances or government policy. The latest processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs are as follows:
·       90% of applications: 8 months.
Contact Us
Canberra Visa & Migration Services has significant experience in the New Zealand Family Relationship Visa application process and can deal with any difficult issues that may arise when applying for citizenship. If you need any assistance, please contact our office to book a consultation.
Helping People Just Like You
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Can I handle my migration case without a lawyer?Technically, yes, you can manage your own migration case without a lawyer; however, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance, especially for complex cases. Canberra Migration has a team of experienced migration consultants who are experts in Australian migration law, citizenship applications, and handling visa refusals. Navigating the intricacies of migration law requires comprehensive knowledge and attention to detail to avoid any costly mistakes or delays. Our consultants stay updated with the latest legislative changes and procedural requirements, ensuring that your application is meticulously prepared and submitted in alignment with all legal standards. Choosing Canberra Migration means leveraging our expertise for a seamless and more efficient migration process, ultimately increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
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Can migration lawyers assist with family migration?Absolutely! Migration lawyers specialize in various visa categories, including family visas, and can help navigate the specific requirements for family migration.
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How much does it cost to hire a migration lawyer or Registered migration agent in Canberra?Fees vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of your case. It’s best to discuss this during your initial consultation to understand the total costs involved.
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What should I do if my visa application is denied?If your application is denied, consult with your migration lawyer immediately. They can advise on the best course of action, whether it’s appealing the decision or reapplying.
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How long does the visa application process take?The timeline varies significantly based on the visa type, the complexity of your case, and processing times. Your lawyer can provide estimates based on current trends.
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Do you need to pass an English test to become an Australian citizen?No, You do not need to pass a separate English test to become an Australian Citizen, however, the Australian Citizenship test is conducted in English.
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Can you become an Australian citizen if you are over 60 years old?Yes, there is no age requirement on becoming an Australian citizen. There is no citizenship test required for people applying for Australian citizenship if you are 60 years old or above.
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What is the ten year rule for Australian Citizenship?You may already be an Australian citizen and eligible for Evidence of Australian citizenship if you were born in Australia: and have been ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the first 10 years from your birth.
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What are the common reasons citizenship can be refused?The Department of Immigration may refuse an application for citizenship on the following criteria not satisfied: You are found not to be of good character; Your identity cannot be established; You represent a national security risk; You are unable to satisfy the general or special residence requirements and you are not eligible for an exemption; You have renounced your Australian citizenship within the last 12 months.
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What happens if you fail the Australian Citizenship test?Failing the test does not affect your permanent visa or stop you from living in Australia. If you fail the test, we will book another appointment for you. There is no extra cost for sitting the test again. If you do not pass the test after three appointments, your citizenship application may be refused.
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