Relative Visa Options Australia

Family and Relative Visa Options

Partner Visa

Partner visas are available for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Common pathways include:

• Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) – for an eligible prospective spouse who intends to marry in Australia.
• Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) – offshore partner pathway.
• Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) – onshore partner pathway.

The temporary partner visa is generally the first stage toward the corresponding permanent partner visa.

Parent Visa

Parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may have several temporary or permanent visa options.

These include:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – permanent, non-contributory parent visa.
• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – permanent contributory parent visa.
• Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) – temporary pathway that can lead to subclass 143.
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – permanent onshore aged parent pathway.
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – permanent contributory aged parent visa.
• Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 884) – temporary pathway that can lead to subclass 864.
• Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 870) – allows eligible parents to stay temporarily in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, subject to the visa rules.

Many permanent Parent visa pathways are subject to capping and queuing, so processing can be lengthy.

Child Visa

Eligible parents may be able to sponsor their dependent or adopted children.

Relevant visas include:

• Child Visa (Subclass 101) – for an eligible child outside Australia.
• Child Visa (Subclass 802) – for an eligible child in Australia.
• Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) – for an eligible child adopted outside Australia.
• Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) – temporary visa for certain dependent children of temporary Partner visa holders.
• Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) – for an eligible child outside Australia whose parents are deceased, cannot care for them or cannot be found.
• Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) – for an eligible child already in Australia in similar circumstances.

Other Family Visas

Other Family visas may be available in specific circumstances, including:

• Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115) – permanent offshore pathway for eligible remaining relatives.
• Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835) – permanent onshore pathway.
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114) – permanent offshore pathway for an eligible single older dependent relative.
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) – permanent onshore pathway.
• Carer Visa (Subclass 116) – permanent offshore pathway for an eligible person who needs to provide substantial care to an Australian relative.
• Carer Visa (Subclass 836) – permanent onshore carer pathway.
• New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) – for certain family members of New Zealand citizens in Australia.

These visas have specific eligibility requirements and, for many Other Family categories, places are limited and applications are subject to capping and queuing.

Balance of Family Test

The Balance of Family Test is an important requirement for many Parent visa applicants.

Generally, a parent meets the test when:

• at least half of their children and stepchildren are eligible children; or
• there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country.

The Department states that the Balance of Family Test cannot be waived for the Parent visas to which it applies.

Sponsorship Requirements

Many family visas require an eligible sponsor. Depending on the visa, the sponsor may need to be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meet additional sponsorship requirements.

The relationship between the sponsor and applicant must also be supported by appropriate evidence, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption records or other relevant documents.

Visa Application Process

Although the process differs between visa subclasses, a family or relative visa application may involve:

1. Identifying the most suitable visa pathway.
2. Checking the applicant's relationship and eligibility.
3. Checking sponsorship requirements.
4. Preparing identity and relationship evidence.
5. Preparing health and character documents where required.
6. Meeting any applicable dependency or financial requirements.
7. Completing the relevant application forms and paying the visa application charge.
8. Providing additional information requested by the Department.
9. Monitoring the application until a decision is made.

Some Partner and Sponsored Parent Temporary visa applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount, while Parent, Child and Other Family visa applications generally use the relevant paper application process.

Why Choose Professional Visa Assistance?

Family migration applications can involve complex relationship evidence, sponsorship requirements, dependency rules, health and character requirements, and different application procedures.

A Registered Migration Agent can help you:

• Identify suitable family visa options
• Assess your eligibility
• Review your relationship and supporting evidence
• Explain sponsorship requirements
• Prepare your application strategy
• Identify potential issues before lodgement
• Assist with Department requests and correspondence
• Help you understand the pathway from temporary to permanent residence where available

The right family visa depends on your individual circumstances.

Contact The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd for personalised Australian family and relative visa guidance from Registered Migration Agent Navneet Kaur (MARN 2318181).

Important

Visa requirements, fees, processing arrangements and migration program settings can change. Eligibility is assessed according to the legislation and requirements applicable to your application at the relevant time. A visa application should be assessed individually rather than relying only on general information.