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New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (Subclass 461) reference checklist

0 of 48 marked as collectedLast reviewed 2026-08-19Official page updated 20/05/2026 10:24 AMView Home Affairs visa page

Visa document reference checklist

Your progress is saved as you go. Bookmark this page and carry on where you left off. Ticks are kept in this browser on this device, so they will not follow you to another one. Marking every item does not mean an application is complete — only the Department of Home Affairs can tell you that.

Documents the Department of Home Affairs lists

Some of these may not be required for your application. These are the documents the Department of Home Affairs names on its own pages for this visa. It is not a complete list of everything you may be asked for. KinVisa does not determine which items apply to you. The wording under each item comes from the Department of Home Affairs, taken from the page linked with it.

  • Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

  • All applicants should have a valid passport or other travel document before we grant this visa.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Before you apply › Have a valid passport or travel documents

    The same section asks applicants to tell the department as soon as possible if they get a new passport after applying.

  • Attach: If your passport has expired, provide details and a copy of this passport and evidence that you have applied for a new passport.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Apply for the visa › Apply on paper

  • Also provide: a national identity card, if you have one.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

  • Also provide: proof of change of name, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Marriage or divorce certificate (as proof of name change)

      Documents that prove a change of name include: a marriage or divorce certificate.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents
    2. 2.
      Change of name document from a births, deaths and marriages registry

      Documents that prove a change of name include: change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents
    3. 3.
      Documents showing other names you have been known by

      Documents that prove a change of name include: documents that show other names you have been known by.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

  • Provide two recent passport-size photos (45mm x 35mm) for each person in your application.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

    The page states the photos must have a plain background, a full face, and the name of the person on the back.

  • Attach: copies of identity and travel documents for all applicants and your New Zealand citizen family member.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Apply for the visa › Apply on paper

    The Gather your documents section adds that an application can be lodged with the application form and identity documents for all applicants and the New Zealand family member if a current visa is about to end.

  • Provide a death certificate, divorce or separation documents, or a statutory declaration if anyone in your application has been: widowed, divorced, permanently separated.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents › Other relationships

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Death certificate

      Provide a death certificate, divorce or separation documents, or a statutory declaration if anyone in your application has been: widowed, divorced, permanently separated.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents › Other relationships
    2. 2.
      Divorce or separation documents

      Provide a death certificate, divorce or separation documents, or a statutory declaration if anyone in your application has been: widowed, divorced, permanently separated.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents › Other relationships
    3. 3.
      Statutory declaration about a previous relationship

      Provide a death certificate, divorce or separation documents, or a statutory declaration if anyone in your application has been: widowed, divorced, permanently separated.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents › Other relationships

  • Provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16 years of age.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

    The visa page adds that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted, and that standard disclosure certificates and state or territory certificates are not.

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      AFP National Police Check application (purpose code 33)

      Complete the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check application form.

      View Home Affairs source› How to get a police certificate › Australian certificatehttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/glossary/how-to-get-police-certificate

      The same page states the purpose type to use is 'Commonwealth employment / purpose' and the purpose code is 33.

  • Also provide: an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16 years of age.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

    The department's police certificate page directs applicants to its list of locations to find the issuing authority and process for each country.

  • Also provide: military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country in the last 10 years.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

  • If you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years in New Zealand you must provide a New Zealand police certificate.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Police Certificate - New Zealand

    The same section states the Department of Home Affairs will initiate the request for the New Zealand criminal record check and that a case officer will make contact; see conflicts_requiring_review.

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Consent to Exchange of Criminal Record Check Information form

  • You may also be required to provide additional documentation to us if there are any convictions of concern.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Police Certificate - New Zealand

  • If you are under the age of 18, your New Zealand citizen Subclass 444 visa holder (if applicable to your visa application) must also provide police certificates.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

    The same section states the Subclass 444 visa holder is strongly encouraged to undertake any character checks before the application is lodged.

  • You must sign or accept the Australian Values Statement every time you apply for a visa, so you may need to sign the Australian Values Statement more than once.

    View Home Affairs source› Australian values › Australian Values Statementhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/australian-values

    The condition quote is from the visa page's Eligibility section; the Australian values page states that for paper applications the statement forms part of the visa application.

  • Complete and provide the following forms: Form 80 Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/80.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • Complete and provide the following forms: Form 1221 Additional personal particulars information.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1221.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • You and family members who apply for a visa with you might need to have health examinations to prove you meet the health requirement.

    View Home Affairs source› Health › Who needs health examinationshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/who-needs-health-examinations

    The condition quote is from the visa page's Eligibility section. The visa page asks applicants to check ImmiAccount to see whether health examinations are needed, even though this visa cannot be lodged in ImmiAccount.

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      HAP ID referral letter

      You will need the HAP ID to make an appointment for your health examinations.

      View Home Affairs source› Health › Arrange your health examinationshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/arrange-your-health-examinations
    2. 2.
      My Health Declarations form (health examinations completed before applying)

      The My Health Declarations (MHD) service enables you to complete your health examinations prior to submitting your visa application.

      View Home Affairs source› Health › When to have health examinations › Before you apply for a visa (My Health Declarations)https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/when-to-have-health-examinations

      The same page states health examination results are generally valid for 12 months.

  • We will let you know if you need to do any other health examinations.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › After you apply › Health exams

  • You must give us documents proving your identity and relationship to a New Zealand citizen.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Birth certificate for each member of the family unit

      Evidence of your relationship to a New Zealand citizen can include: birth certificates for each person claiming to be a member of the family unit of the New Zealand citizen.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen
    2. 2.
      Marriage certificate

      Evidence of your relationship to a New Zealand citizen can include: marriage certificates.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen
    3. 3.
      Death certificate

      Evidence of your relationship to a New Zealand citizen can include: death certificates.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen
    4. 4.
      Adoption certificate

      Evidence of your relationship to a New Zealand citizen can include: adoption certificates.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen
    5. 5.
      Family status certificate or family book

      Evidence of your relationship to a New Zealand citizen can include: family status certificates or family books (if these documents are officially issued and maintained).

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen

  • Also give us evidence that the New Zealand citizen holds or is eligible for a Subclass 444 visa.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen

    The Eligibility section points holders to VEVO to check whether a Subclass 444 visa is held, and notes New Zealand citizens are not automatically granted one.

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      New Zealand citizen's birth certificate

      This can include: the New Zealand citizen’s birth certificate.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen
    2. 2.
      New Zealand citizen's passport

      This can include: the New Zealand citizen's passport.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Evidence of relationship to a New Zealand citizen

      The Subclass 444 visa page states a New Zealand citizen applies by showing a valid New Zealand passport and a completed incoming passenger card to an officer.

  • We need to see evidence that you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your spouse or de facto partner.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Statements from friends or relatives about the relationship

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: statements from friends or relatives supporting that your relationship is genuine.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    2. 2.
      Statements from you and your partner about the relationship

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: statements from you and your partner detailing the level of commitment to one another and support derived from the relationship.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    3. 3.
      Photographs of joint activities and evidence of joint travel

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: photographs of joint activities and evidence of any joint travel.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    4. 4.
      Joint bank account statements or evidence of pooled finances

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: joint bank account statements or evidence that you pool your financial resources.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    5. 5.
      Billing accounts in joint names

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: billing accounts in joint names.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    6. 6.
      Joint lease or mortgage

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: joint leases or mortgages.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    7. 7.
      Documents showing you live at the same address as your partner

      Provide: evidence of the genuine and ongoing nature of your relationship with your partner, such as: documents that show you live at the same address as your partner.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

  • Provide: evidence of your partner’s identity, including a copy of their passport, a national identity card if they have one and proof of their change of name (if applicable).

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

  • Provide: your marriage certificate, or enough evidence to prove that you are in a de facto relationship with your partner.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

  • Provide: your marriage certificate, or enough evidence to prove that you are in a de facto relationship with your partner.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

    The visa page links its glossary entries for spouse and de facto partner rather than setting out a separate de facto test in this section.

  • If either you or your partner have been married previously, provide evidence of divorce.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

  • For every dependent under 18 years of age who is applying with you, provide: identity documents.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents

  • For every dependent under 18 years of age who is applying with you, provide: proof of your relationship with them, like a birth or marriage certificate.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents

  • For every dependent under 18 years of age who is applying with you, provide: adoption papers or parental court orders, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents

  • For every dependent under 18 years of age who is applying with you, provide: character documents, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents

    The Eligibility section states members of the family unit 16 years of age or over who apply must meet certain character requirements.

  • The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years

      They must complete either: Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1229.pdf

      The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

    2. 2.
      Statutory declaration of consent for a child to travel

      They must complete either: a statutory declaration giving their consent for the child (or step-child) to visit Australia on this visa.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    3. 3.
      Australian court order allowing the child to migrate

      Alternatively, you can show us: an Australian court order that allows your child (or step-child) to migrate to Australia.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    4. 4.
      Evidence the laws of your home country allow the child to leave

      Alternatively, you can show us: that the laws of your home country allow them to leaved their home country.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents

      Quoted as published; the word 'leaved' appears in the department's own wording.

    5. 5.
      Identity document of the person who gave consent

      Include a document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as: an identity document that shows the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a passport or driver’s licence.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    6. 6.
      Adoption papers or other court documents supporting consent

      Include a document with the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as: adoption papers or other court documents if applicable.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents

  • If the child (or step-child) is not staying with a relative or legal guardian, provide Form 1257 Undertaking declaration.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1257.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so both quotes are taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • For every dependant 18 years of age or older who is applying with you, provide: identity documents and photos.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents

  • For every dependant 18 years of age or older who is applying with you, provide: documents about their other relationships, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents

  • For every dependant 18 years of age or older who is applying with you, provide: character documents.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents

  • For every dependant 18 years of age or older who is applying with you, provide: proof of enrolment at school, college or university, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents

  • You need to prove that this person is dependent on you.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof of dependency

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over

      You need to prove that this person is dependent on you. Provide: a completed Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof of dependencyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/47a.pdf

      The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

    2. 2.
      Birth certificate or adoption papers for a dependant aged 18 or over

      You need to prove that this person is dependent on you. Provide: proof of your relationship with the dependent such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof of dependency
    3. 3.
      Proof of financial dependency for at least 12 months

      You must also prove this person has been financially dependent on you for at least 12 months before you apply.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof of dependency

      Such as: Proof the dependant lives with you, The dependant's tax records, Proof the dependant is currently studying.

  • In this case, please provide information about the physical or cognitive limitations.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof of dependency

    The page does not name the documents that make up this information.

  • Complete Form 147 Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461).

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Apply for the visa › Apply on paperhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/147.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so both quotes are taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • Attach: the payment receipt (we will not process your application until we see this).

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Apply for the visa › Apply on paper

  • Attach: copies of all other relevant supporting documents.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Apply for the visa › Apply on paper

    The Send step asks applicants to send each document only once and, if possible, all documents with the application.

  • We might also ask you to provide more information.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › After you apply › Send more information

  • To nominate someone to: receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Tell us you are getting helphttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/956a.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • To nominate someone to: provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Tell us you are getting helphttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/956.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • If you made mistakes in your application, let us know as soon as you can. Complete Form 1023 - Notification of incorrect answers.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › After you apply › Mistakes on your applicationhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1023.pdf

    The form PDF is a scanned document whose text could not be extracted, so the quote is taken from the visa page that requires it.

  • Have all non-English documents translated into English.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Prepare your documents › Translate

    Translators in Australia must be NAATI accredited; translators outside Australia must show their full name, address and telephone number, and their qualifications and experience in the language, in English.

  • When you apply on paper you must provide certified copies of your documents.

    View Home Affairs source› Applying online or paper › Certified copyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/on-paper/certified-copy

    The condition quote is from the visa page's Certify step. The visa page also states that original documents should not be sent with the application.

  • We will tell you if you need to provide biometrics, and which biometrics you need to provide.

    View Home Affairs source› Biometricshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

    The condition quote is from the visa page's After you apply step. The biometrics page asks applicants to bring their valid travel document, and onshore applicants their appointment letter, to a collection appointment.

Other official guidance for this visa

Material reproduced from the Department of Home Affairs is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Reference checklist only — not official, legal or immigration advice. KinVisa does not determine what to submit or assess evidence. Check the current official source. Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/new-zealand-citizen-family-relationship-temporary-461 · Last reviewed 2026-08-19.