Family Visas

The family stream of Australia's Migration Program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor some categories of relatives to migrate to or stay permanently in Australia. Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens don't have an absolute right to bring any relative to live in Australia. Even legally married spouses and dependent children must meet all the requirements for migration before they can come to Australia. To gain a visa as a relative, the visa applicant, their family members and the visa sponsor must meet all the requirements for the visa in at least one of the categories outlined.

Partner Category Visa Options

Partners or fiancés of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply to enter and/or remain permanently in Australia. Partner category migration may apply to:

• people intending to get married (fiancés)
• married (de jure) partners
• de facto partners (including those in a same-sex relationship).

If you are in Australia

Partner Temporary Visa (Subclass 820) and Permanent visa (subclass 801)

For people to stay in Australia with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. If two years after you apply the relationship is still genuine and continuing, a permanent visa may be granted.

If you are outside Australia

Partner Temporary Visa (Subclass 309) and Permanent Visa (Subclass 100)

For people from overseas to enter and stay in Australia with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. If two years after you apply the relationship is still genuine and continuing, a permanent visa may be granted.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

For people from overseas to enter Australia, before marrying their fiancé. Their fiancé must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Once married, holders of this visa can then apply for a Partner visa to remain permanently in Australia.

Parent Visa Options

If you are in Australia

Aged parent visas

These visas are for parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian Age pension.

An aged parent making a parent visa application will not immediately be entitled to an Age pension after being granted a permanent visa. All new Australian permanent residents must wait 10 years before being eligible to receive the Age pension (unless there is a reciprocal agreement with another country that pays you a pension) or Disability pension.

Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 804)

A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must have children who are living in Australia.

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)

A permanent visa for aged parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)

This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)

For holders of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).

Other parent visas

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)

This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

If you are outside Australia

Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103)

A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)

A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)

This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Child Visa Options

If the child is in Australia

Child (Permanent) (Subclass 802)

For children from overseas who are the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 837)

For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown, and who have an eligible sponsor.

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

If the child is outside Australia

Child (Permanent) (Subclass 101)

For children from overseas who are the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 117)

For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown and who have an eligible sponsor.

Adoption (Permanent) (Subclass 102)

For children from overseas who have been or about to be adopted by an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Important: If the child was adopted before the parent became an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen, they should instead apply for a Child visa (subclass 101)

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

Other Family Visa Options

In Australia

Remaining Relative (Subclass 835) (Permanent)

For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 838) (Permanent)

A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Carer (Subclass 836) (Permanent)

For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) (Temporary)

For non-New Zealand citizens to travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.

Outside Australia

Remaining Relative Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 115)

For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 114)

A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Carer Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 116)

For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) (Temporary)

For non-New Zealand citizens to travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.

Source: Department of Immigration & Border Patrol (DIBP)

Disclaimer: All information outlined under this section titled "VISAS" is simply an overview of the various visas available under the migration act. The outlined information can be used as a reference point but cannot be relied upon by individuals to determine whether or not they qualify.

The Australian Migration regulations, change on a constant basis, and therefore to attain up-to-date legislative requirements you need to contact us to ensure that;

• You qualify under your selected visa subclass; and
• Most importantly that the selected subclass is the most appropriate visa for your specific needs