October 5, 2024
For many families, distance can be a challenge, but Australia’s family visa program provides a way to reunite with loved ones. Whether a spouse is joining their partner, a child is reuniting with parents, or an elderly parent is seeking support, Australia offers various visa pathways to help families live together. These visas allow eligible partners, children, parents, and dependent relatives to build a future with their loved ones in Australia.
From partner and child visas that provide a direct path to permanent residency to parent and relative visas designed to support long-term family connections, each visa category is tailored to different needs. While some visas offer quick processing, others may involve longer waiting periods, making early planning essential. By understanding these options, families can choose the right visa and take the next step toward reuniting in Australia.
A family visa for Australia allows spouses, children, parents, and other eligible relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite and live together. These visas offer temporary or permanent residency, helping families stay connected and build a stable future in Australia.
Family visas are available for partners, dependent children, parents, aged relatives, and carers, depending on the applicant’s relationship with their Australian sponsor. For example, partner visas let spouses or de facto partners settle in Australia, while parent visas allow parents to join their children. Other visas, like the remaining relative or carer visa, support those without close family abroad or those providing long-term care to an Australian relative.
Reuniting families in Australia offers several social and economic benefits. Permanent visa holders gain access to Medicare, public education, and employment opportunities, helping them establish financial stability. Being close to family also improves emotional well-being and provides long-term support for elderly or dependent relatives. Many family visa holders can eventually apply for Australian citizenship, securing their future in the country.
Australia offers various family visa options to help spouses, children, parents, and dependent relatives reunite with their loved ones. These visas differ based on eligibility, benefits, duration, and processing times, allowing applicants to choose the most suitable option. Below are the key family visas in Australia, categorized by relationship type.
The Partner Visa allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
To qualify, applicants must provide proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship, such as shared financial commitments, cohabitation, or joint social activities. The visa applies to both married and de facto partners, including same-sex couples.
This visa has a two-step process: first, applicants must apply for a temporary visa (Subclass 820 for onshore applicants, Subclass 309 for offshore applicants). If their relationship remains valid after two years, they can transition to permanent residency (Subclass 801 or 100). Partner visa holders can work, study, and access Medicare while awaiting permanent residency.
Processing times for temporary partner visas range from 12 to 29 months, while permanent residency is typically granted after an additional two years. This visa provides a clear pathway to Australian citizenship, making it one of the most sought-after family visas.
The Child Visa allows dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia permanently. Eligible children must be biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 18 years old or financially dependent if over 18 and studying full-time.
This visa grants children permanent residency, granting them access to education, healthcare (Medicare), and future work opportunities. Unlike with other family visas, child visa holders do not need to meet financial requirements, as their Australian sponsor assumes responsibility for their well-being.
The processing time for the child visa is between 21 and 26 months, depending on individual circumstances. Once granted, the child can remain in Australia permanently and later apply for citizenship.
The Contributory Parent Visa is designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the balance-of-family test. This test determines the connection between parents and their children living in Australia. Compared to non-contributory parent visas, this visa offers a faster pathway to permanent residency but comes with higher application fees.
Applicants first receive a temporary visa (Subclass 173), which allows them to live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years. During this period, they must apply for permanent residency (Subclass 143) to stay indefinitely. The permanent visa grants access to Medicare, social benefits, and full work rights.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa is available to parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are old enough to qualify for an Australian age pension. Like the standard Contributory Parent Visa, this option offers a faster route to permanent residency at a higher cost.
Applicants first receive a temporary visa (Subclass 884), allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years. During this period, they can apply for the permanent Subclass 864 visa, which provides full Medicare access, work rights, and social benefits. This visa remains a popular choice for parents who want to reunite with their children without waiting decades for a standard Parent Visa.
The Carer Visa allows individuals to move to Australia to care for a relative with a serious medical condition requiring long-term assistance. The sponsoring relative must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and must prove that no suitable care options are available within Australia.
Carer visa holders receive permanent residency, enabling them to live, work, and study in Australia and travel to and from Australia for 5 years. They also gain access to Medicare and social services. However, the application process requires detailed medical assessments to confirm the sponsor’s need for a full-time carer.
The Remaining Relative Visa is for individuals who have no close relatives outside Australia and whose only near relatives are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Subclasses 115 and 835 are intended for people who are fully dependent on their Australian family for emotional and financial support. These visas grant permanent residency, allowing applicants to work, study, and access healthcare services, such as Medicare.
The Parent Visa allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently. Applicants must meet the balance-of-family test that assesses the extent of a parent’s relationship with their children residing in Australia.
This visa provides permanent residency, including access to Medicare, work rights, and social benefits. However, applicants must not have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for subclass 103.
The Aged Parent Visa is for parents who are old enough to qualify for an Australian age pension and have children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must meet the balance-of-family test and be in Australia when applying.
This visa grants permanent residency, allowing access to Medicare, social security benefits, and full work rights. The applicant can also sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia. Meanwhile, they should not be a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa holder or have applied for this subclass while applying for 804.
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa is for elderly individuals who are financially dependent on an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been financially supported by their sponsor or their sponsor’s partner.
The Subclass 838 visa requires applicants to be inside Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at both the time of application and when the visa decision is made. In contrast, the Subclass 114 visa requires applicants to be outside Australia during both the application process and the visa decision. In both cases, sponsorship from a relative or their partner is mandatory to ensure the applicant’s financial support. This visa provides permanent residency, including work and social security benefits.
Australia offers several other family visa options for specific circumstances in addition to standard partner, parent, and child visas. These visas cater to prospective spouses, adopted children, orphan relatives, dependent children, and family members of New Zealand citizens, as well as those seeking temporary entry for visits.
To apply for a family visa in Australia, applicants must meet specific relationship, sponsorship, financial, health, and character requirements. These criteria vary by visa type, ensuring that applicants have a valid connection to their sponsor and can support themselves in Australia.
Relationship Requirements
To qualify for a family visa, the applicant must be a spouse, partner, child, parent, or dependent relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. For partner visas, applicants must provide proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship, such as joint financial commitments, cohabitation records, or marriage certificates. Parent and child visa applicants must demonstrate a valid biological, legal, or adoptive relationship with their sponsor.
Sponsorship
The sponsor must be a family member residing in Australia who meets the required financial and legal obligations. In some cases, sponsors must provide financial guarantees and meet minimum income thresholds to prove they can support the applicant without relying on public assistance. Sponsors may also need to commit to providing accommodation and financial support for a set period.
Financial Requirements
Certain family visas, such as parent and contributory parent visas, require applicants or sponsors to show financial stability. This ensures that the applicant can support themselves without accessing public welfare. Some visas also need a financial assurance bond, which acts as a security deposit to cover potential expenses.
Age and Dependent Criteria
For child visas, the applicant must typically be under a certain age (18 or 21) and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent. If the child is over the age limit, they must prove that they are unable to work due to a disability. Aged parent visas require applicants to be old enough to qualify for an Australian age pension and meet the balance-of-family test.
English Language & Health Requirements
Certain visas, such as spouse and skilled family visas, require applicants to meet basic English proficiency standards. Additionally, all applicants must undergo mandatory health checks to ensure they meet Australia’s health standards. Some visas also require proof of adequate health insurance coverage before approval.
Good Character Requirement
Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate or undergo a criminal record check to meet the good character requirement. This ensures that the applicant does not pose a risk to Australian society. Any history of criminal offenses, deportations, or visa breaches may impact the application’s approval.
Visa Type-Specific Requirements
Each family visa category has its additional requirements:
Applying for a family visa in Australia involves several steps, including selecting the correct visa type, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting the necessary documents. The process varies depending on the visa category, but the general steps remain the same.
Determine the Right Family Visa Category
Australia offers different family visa options based on the applicant’s relationship with their sponsor:
Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure that both the applicant and sponsor meet the necessary criteria:
Gather Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
Submit an Online Application
Most family visa applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Applicants must:
Attend Biometrics and Health Checks
After submission, applicants may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) and undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic.
Wait for Visa Processing
Processing times vary based on visa type and demand, completeness of documents, and applicant’s circumstances.
Some family visas (such as parent visas) take several months to process, while others (such as student visas) may take years. The Home Affairs website provides estimated processing times.
Visa Outcome
Once a decision is made, the applicant will receive a visa grant notification if the application is approved. If it is denied, they will receive a refusal letter with reasons and possible appeal options.
A family visa costs from AUD 430 to AUD 48,495, depending on the visa type. Here is a complete list of all family visas with their costs
Visa Type | Cost (AUD) |
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 & 309/100) | $9,095 |
Child Visa (Subclass 101 & 802) | $3,140 |
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173 & 143) | -$32,430 (173) -$48,495 (143) |
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 & 864) | -$34,025 (884) -$34,025 (864) |
Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836) | $2,115 |
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 & 835) | $5,125 |
Parent Visa (Subclass 103) | $5,125 |
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) | $5,125 |
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838 & 114) | $5,125 |
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) | $9,095 |
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) | $3,140 |
Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) and Onshore Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) | $1,920 |
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) | $3,140 |
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 461) | $430 |
In addition to the visa application fee, applicants may need to cover other expenses
Applying for a family visa in Australia can be a complex process, with challenges such as long processing times, sponsorship responsibilities, and visa restrictions. Understanding these potential difficulties can help applicants prepare better and avoid unnecessary delays.
Processing Delays
Family visa applications often face lengthy processing times, especially for parent and remaining relative visas, which can take years or even decades due to high demand and limited yearly quotas. Factors affecting delays include incomplete documentation, security checks, and high application volumes.
To avoid unnecessary delays, applicants should:
Sponsorship Obligations and Responsibilities
Sponsors must meet financial and legal responsibilities, ensuring that the visa applicant is financially supported and does not rely on public assistance. For certain visas, such as parent visas, an Assurance of Support (AoS), which involves a refundable financial bond, may be required.
Failure to meet sponsorship obligations can result in visa cancellation or legal penalties. Sponsors should be aware that they may be held financially accountable for their family members’ expenses, including medical and welfare costs.
Visa Conditions and Limitations
Family visa holders may have restrictions on work, study, and travel depending on their visa type. Some temporary visas, such as the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) or the Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445), may limit work rights until the applicant transitions to a permanent visa.
Additionally, some temporary visa holders may face travel restrictions, requiring them to apply for a Bridging Visa if they need to leave and return to Australia. Understanding these limitations helps visa holders plan their stay effectively and avoid unintended visa breaches.
By addressing these challenges early, applicants and sponsors can ensure a smoother visa process and increase their chances of successful approval.
A family visa in Australia can lead to permanent residency (PR) and citizenship by allowing eligible visa holders to transition from temporary to permanent visas or directly obtain PR status. Some visas, such as partner and parent visas, require a two-step process, while others, like the remaining relative visa, grant permanent residency immediately.
Certain family visas, particularly partner and parent visas, involve a two-step process before granting permanent residency.
Each visa category has specific conditions that must be met before transitioning to permanent residency, including relationship status, financial stability, and sponsorship obligations.
Once an applicant becomes a permanent resident, they may apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency and character requirements.
Gaining permanent residency and citizenship through a family visa provides long-term stability, access to government benefits, and full work rights in Australia, making it an attractive pathway for families wishing to settle permanently.
Applying for a family visa in Australia can be complex, with strict eligibility criteria and extensive documentation requirements. StudyCo, a trusted education and migration consultancy, provides expert guidance to help applicants avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or visa rejections. Our team of registered migration agents stays updated on policy changes, ensuring applications comply with the latest immigration laws.
With comprehensive consultation services, StudyCo assists in eligibility checks, document preparation, and visa submissions. Our experts handle sponsorship verification and immigration queries, reducing applicants’ stress. Whether applying for a partner, parent, or child visa, StudyCo increases the chances of visa approval and family reunification in Australia.
The processing time for a family visa takes 12 months to years. Partner visas take 12–24 months, while parent and remaining relative visas can take longer due to high demand.
No, family visas are limited to spouses, children, parents, and dependent relatives. Friends and distant relatives must apply under skilled or humanitarian visa pathways.
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