NZ 461 Visa Melbourne | New Zealand Family Visa Specialist

Expert subclass 461 visa services for family members of New Zealand citizens. MARA-registered Melbourne agents specializing in NZ family relationship visas. 5-year visa with full work rights.

MARA No. 1569835
NZ Family Visa Specialists

New Zealand Family Visa (Subclass 461) in Melbourne

As Melbourne's expert NZ 461 visa specialists, we help family members of New Zealand citizens reunite in Australia through the subclass 461 family relationship visa. Our MARA-registered migration agents (No. 1569835) provide comprehensive guidance for the NZ family visa application process, ensuring your 461 visa application meets all requirements for dependent children, aged parents, and other eligible family members.

The subclass 461 visa is a temporary visa granted for up to 5 years that allows family members of Special Category Visa (subclass 444) holders to live, work, and study in Melbourne and throughout Australia. Unlike many other temporary visas, the 461 visa provides full work rights and access to Medicare, making it an excellent option for New Zealand citizen families who want to be together in Australia.

Our Melbourne-based NZ 461 visa services include eligibility assessment, dependency evidence compilation, application preparation, and ongoing support throughout the processing period. We serve New Zealand families across Melbourne CBD, St Kilda, and all Victoria suburbs with bilingual support in English and Chinese.

Not sure if you qualify?

Get a free eligibility assessment from our MARA-registered agent

Free Assessment

Eligible Family Members

Who can apply for this visa

Dependent Children

Unmarried children under 18, or full-time students aged 18-25, or children over 18 with a disability who are financially dependent on their New Zealand citizen parent.

  • Under 18 years old
  • Full-time students 18-25
  • Disabled adult children

Aged Parents

Parents of a New Zealand citizen who are old enough to receive the Age Pension in Australia and are financially dependent on their New Zealand citizen child.

  • Age pension age
  • Financially dependent
  • Ongoing support needed

Subclass 461 Visa Fees 2025

Government application fees effective July 1, 2025

Application Charges

Main Applicant

Primary family member

$445

(was $430)

Additional Applicant (18+)

Per adult family member

$225

(was $220)

Child Under 18

Per dependent child

$110

(was $105)

Additional Costs

Health Examinations$300-$600
Biometrics~$300
Police CertificatesVaries
Credit Card Surcharge1.4%

Example Total Cost:

Family of 3 (1 parent + spouse + 1 child under 18):

Main applicant:$445
Spouse (18+):$225
Child (<18):$110
Subtotal:$780
Credit card surcharge (1.4%):$10.92
Total:$790.92

+ Health exams, police certificates, and biometrics (approximately $900-$1,800 additional per person)

NZ 461 Visa Benefits & Limitations

Benefits

Full Work Rights

Work for any employer in any occupation without restrictions

5-Year Validity

Stay in Australia for up to 5 years, can be extended

Medicare Access

Access to Australia's public healthcare system

Multiple Entry Travel

Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years

Include Family Members

Can include spouse and dependent children in application

Limitations

Temporary Visa Only

Not a permanent visa - must be renewed every 5 years

No Direct PR Pathway

Does not lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship

Dependency Required

Must prove ongoing financial dependency on NZ citizen sponsor

Sponsor Must Hold 444 Visa

NZ citizen sponsor must maintain Special Category Visa (444) status

Subclass 461 Visa Requirements

Family Relationship

You must be a dependent child, aged parent, or other eligible family member of a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category Visa (subclass 444).

Sponsor Requirements

Your New Zealand citizen family member must have been living in Australia for at least 12 months as a Special Category Visa holder and meet income requirements.

Dependency

You must be able to demonstrate genuine dependency on your New Zealand citizen family member for financial, accommodation, and emotional support.

Processing Time

Processing times vary but typically range from 12 to 24 months. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

MARA Registered

Agent No. 1569835

Legal Qualifications

LLM (ANU), LLB (Deakin)

Fast Response

1 business day

Frequently Asked Questions

Common concerns about the NZ Family Visa

Related Family Visa Options

Partner Visa (820/801)

For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents

Learn More

Parent Visa (103/143)

Permanent visa options for parents of Australian citizens

Learn More
Processing Time: 12-24 months

Ready to Reunite with Your Family?

Let our MARA-registered migration agents guide you through the NZ Family Visa (461) application process. Free consultation available.

📍 Office: 470 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 | ✉️ visa@firstmigrationservice.com