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Bringing your Non-New Zealand Partner to Australia with the New Zealand Partner Visa

Citizens of New Zealand can bring their non – New Zealand partners to Australia. The type of visa that your partner will be eligible to apply for depends on when you (the NZ citizen) arrived in Australia.

Are you an ‘Eligible New Zealand Citizen’?

To be an Eligible New Zealand Citizen you must have arrived in Australia on a New Zealand passport and subclass 444 visa before 26 February 2001 and spending 12 months in the 2 years immediately before this date in Australia.

Partners of Eligible New Zealand Citizens

If you are an Eligible New Zealand Citizen, your partner can apply for a subclass 300, 309 or 820 visa – just the same as the partner of an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent resident.

What if I arrived after 26 February 2001?

If you are not an Eligible New Zealand Citizen, your partner can apply for the New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461).

What is the NZ Partner Visa?

The New Zealand Partner Visa in Australia is a visa category designed for partners or spouses of New Zealand citizens who are living in Australia. This visa allows the partner or spouse to join their New Zealand citizen partner in Australia and live together. The New Zealand citizen must hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) in Australia, which is the visa granted to most New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Australia.

To be eligible for the New Zealand Partner Visa (otherwise known as the NZ family relationship visa), the applicant must provide evidence of being in a genuine and committed relationship with their New Zealand partner. The relationship can be a legal marriage or a de facto relationship. The applicant will also need to meet other requirements, such as health and character checks. The visa provides the opportunity for the partner or spouse to work and study in Australia and may also offer a pathway to permanent residency in the future.

This visa lasts for 5 years and can be renewed, even if your relationship has ended. This visa does not have a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship (similar to the subclass 444 that you hold).

The benefit of this visa is that it costs $385 (as at Jan 2023) which is a lot cheaper than the $8000 plus that the 300, 309 or 820 cost!

It’s important to note that immigration laws and policies can change over time, so it’s crucial to consult with the official Australian immigration website or seek professional advice from a registered migration agent to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the New Zealand Partner Visa in Australia.

461 visa processing time

As at 1 June 2023, most applications are processed in under 3 months. Check the Department of Home Affairs website to see the latest updates.

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