An extensive array of visa options awaits family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents, offering a diverse range of pathways to explore. Nevertheless, comprehending the intricacies of these visa categories and navigating through the complexities can prove arduous and time-consuming. As a registered migration agent, we are equipped to shoulder this burden by providing refined expertise in recommending the most suitable visa pathway and meticulously preparing your visa application. Entrusting us with these tasks allows you to bypass the challenges and streamline the process with confidence and efficiency.
Partner Visas
You may be eligible for a partner category visa if you are:
- Spouse / Fiancé or a De facto partner (including same-sex relationships) partner an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
There are generally 3 visa options that you could choose to apply:
- Apply within Australia for Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and Permanent Visa (subclass 801)
- Apply from outside Australia for Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) and Permanent Visa (Subclass 100)
- If you are applying from outside Australia intending to marry your partner in Australia, you can apply for Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Child Visas
There are three visa types in the child category:
- a child visa is for a dependent child of an Australian sponsor
- an adoption visa is for a child adopted outside Australia by an Australian sponsor
- an orphan relative visa is for a child who is under 18 years of age at the time of application and who cannot be cared for by either parent. The child will be cared for by the Australian sponsor.
There is also a temporary visa (dependent child visa) for dependent children of temporary partner visa holders. This visa enables these children to be added to their parent’s permanent partner visa application.
Dependent Child visa
A Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa is a temporary visa for a dependent child, whose parent holds a temporary Partner (subclass 820 or 309) visa or a Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa. A child can apply for a Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa so that they can be added to their parent’s permanent Partner (subclass 801 or 100) visa application.
To be granted a Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa, the child must not be engaged to be married or have a spouse or de facto partner. If the child is over 18 years of age they must also be financially dependent on their parent who holds a temporary Partner (subclass 820 or 309) visa or a Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa.
Parent Visas
There are two visa types in the parent category:
- a contributory parent visa is for parents of an Australian sponsor where the applicant pays a higher visa application charge in return for a faster processing time of approximately 2-4 years.
- a parent visa is for parents of an Australian sponsor. This visa type includes the Parent (subclass 103) and the Aged Parent (subclass 804). The processing time for these visas is approximately 30 years.
Contributory parent visa applicants must also provide a larger Assurance of Support (AoS) bond, with a longer AoS period than parent visa applicants.
There is going to be a new visa introduced soon. The new visa will allow Australians to sponsor their parents to stay in Australia for up to five years at a time.
Other Family Visa options
The other family category consists of the following three visa types:
- a carer visa is for applicants willing and able to give substantial, continuing assistance to an Australian relative or member of their family who has a medical condition that impairs their ability to attend to the practical aspects of daily life. The need for assistance must be likely to continue for at least two years
- an aged dependent relative visa is for single, widowed, divorced or formally separated applicants who are dependent on an Australian relative
- a remaining relative visa is for applicants who have no near relatives outside Australia and are the brother, sister, child or step equivalent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.