If you’re an Australian resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen looking to bring family members to Australia for a long-term stay or even permanent residence, finding the right Visa can be challenging. Australia offers a variety of family Visas, each with specific criteria for different relationships. Whether you’re planning to sponsor a partner, parent, child, or other relatives, choosing the right Visa type is important for a smooth application process.
We will be covering the different family Visa options available in Australia. From eligibility to benefits, we’ll help you understand the options available to bring your family closer to you.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
First, let’s explore the key Visa types in Australia.
Overview of Family-Sponsored Visas
Australia’s family-sponsored Visas help residents and eligible New Zealand citizens bring close family members to join them in Australia. These Visas often provide pathways toward permanent residency. Here’s a quick look at the main family Visas:
1. Partner and Prospective Marriage Visas
The Partner and Prospective Marriage Visas are designed for individuals looking to bring their spouse, fiancé(e), or de facto partner permanently to Australia.
- Eligibility:
Applicants must be in a genuine relationship with their Australian sponsor, either as a married or de facto partner. Prospective Marriage Visa applicants must be engaged to marry within nine months of entering Australia.
- Process:
Partner Visas involve a two-stage process, beginning with a temporary Visa (subclass 820/Subclass 309), and after two years, if the relationship is ongoing, applicants may be granted a permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801/Subclass 100).
- Requirements:
Proof of relationship is crucial. Evidence of joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and social recognition of the relationship can help the application.
Types of Partner Visa
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801): This Visa is for applicants already residing in Australia
- Partner Visa (Subclass 309 and 100): This Visa is for applicants living outside Australia.
- Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): This Visa allows fiancés of Australian citizens or residents to enter Australia and marry within nine months.
2. Parent Visas
Australian residents who want to bring their parents to live with them can choose from parent Visas with both temporary and permanent options. These Visas have specific requirements and often come with long waiting periods due to high demand.
- Eligibility:
The sponsoring child must be over 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The Balance of Family test requires that the parent has more children living in Australia than in any other single country or at least half of their total children live in Australia. A parent who does not meet the balance of family test, may be eligible for a temporary visa- Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent visa).
- Assurance of Support:
This financial assurance, which the sponsor provides, helps ensure that the parent won’t require government financial support initially. This payable as a second installment for most of the parent visas.
Types of Parent Visa:
1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143):
It is a faster way to permanent residency but involves a significant financial contribution.
2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103):
These Visas require a smaller application fee but have a much longer waiting time.
3. Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173):
Offers a temporary stay with the option to later apply for permanent residency.
3. Child Visas
Child Visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their biological, adopted, or stepchildren to live with them in Australia permanently.
- Eligibility:
Children must rely on their sponsoring parent(s) for financial support and generally be under 18.
- Exception:
Children over 18 may still qualify if they are financially dependent on their parent(s).
Types of Child Visa
1. Child Visa (Subclass 101):
This Visa is for children who are outside Australia and want to join their parent(s) permanently.
2. Child Visa (Subclass 802):
This Visa is for children already living in Australia who want to stay permanently with their parent(s).
3. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445):
This Visa is for children whose parent has a temporary partner Visa, allowing the child to stay in Australia until the parent’s permanent partner Visa is approved.
4. Other Relative Visas
Other Relative Visas allow certain family members, such as aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives, or orphaned relatives, to live in Australia permanently with their Australian family. These Visas have specific eligibility rules to make sure applicants don’t have other close family members living outside Australia who could care for them.
- Eligibility:
Applicants must depend on their Australian sponsor for financial support or meet criteria that reflect their unique family situation.
Types of Other Relative Visas:
1. Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838 and 114):
This Visa is for older relatives who rely on their Australian sponsor for ongoing financial support.
2. Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835 and 115):
This Visa is for individuals who have no other close relatives outside Australia and wish to join their family permanently.
3. Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117 and 837):
This Visa is for children under 18 who have no parents able to care for them and who wish to live permanently with a relative in Australia.
5. Visitor Visas for Family Members
Visitor Visas allow family members to visit Australia for short stays, usually for tourism or to spend time with family. This Visa is ideal for those who want to visit family temporarily.
- Eligibility:
Applicants need a sponsor who is an Australian resident. The sponsor must provide an invitation and may also need to offer financial support to cover the visitor’s stay.
Type of Visitor Visa
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)– Family Sponsored:
This Visa allows family members to stay for a short period, generally up to 12 months, based on the sponsor’s support and the applicant’s circumstances. This is one of the most cost-effective visas to sponsor eligible relatives.
6. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)– Family Sponsored
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is for skilled workers with family in regional Australia. It addresses job shortages in these areas and can lead to permanent residency.
- Eligibility:
Applicants must be sponsored by a family member who lives in a designated regional area of Australia. They must also meet specific skills requirements based on work experience or qualifications in high-demand fields.
- Benefits:
This Visa lets holders live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years. After meeting certain criteria, Visa holders can apply for permanent residency, giving them a chance to settle in Australia long-term.
With so many family Visa options, each with unique requirements, timelines, and costs, deciding on the best choice can be overwhelming. Knowbal makes this easier, offering expert, step-by-step guidance tailored to your family’s needs. Before making a decision, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure a smooth Visa process.
Important Considerations while Choosing a Family Visa
Choosing the right family Visa is a big decision, and it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Here are some important considerations to help guide your choice and improve your chances of a successful application:
1. Processing Times
Family Visas can have varying processing times. For example, non-contributory Parent Visas can take several years due to high demand, while contributory options offer faster processing but require higher fees. If timing is a priority, be sure to check the estimated wait times for each Visa type.
2. Financial Requirements
Some family Visas may require a financial commitment from the sponsor or applicant. For example, Contributory Parent Visas require a larger fee upfront to help cover future social costs. Additionally, certain Visas, such as the Sponsored Family Stream, may require sponsors to show proof of financial support for the visitor’s stay in Australia. Assessing these costs in advance can help you avoid any unexpected expenses.
3. Temporary vs. Permanent Residency Options
It’s crucial to understand whether a Visa provides a temporary stay (which can lead to permanent residency) or if it grants immediate permanent residency. For instance, the Prospective Marriage Visa offers a temporary stay for fiancé(e)s, while Child Visas allow children to settle permanently. This distinction is important for families planning long-term residency in Australia.
4. Eligibility and Relationship Requirements
Each family Visa has unique eligibility criteria based on the applicant’s relationship to the Australian sponsor. For instance, Parent Visas require sponsors to pass the Balance of Family test, while Partner Visas involve proof of a committed relationship. Reviewing these specific criteria can help ensure your family member is eligible for the chosen Visa.
5. Regional Residency Conditions
For Visas like the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), applicants must commit to living and working in designated regional areas. This requirement is essential for the Visa’s validity and must be followed to maintain eligibility for future applications, such as permanent residency.
These considerations can make a significant difference in selecting the best Visa option for your family’s needs, reducing delays and maximizing the chances of a smooth process.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re all set to bring your family closer, Knowbal is here to make the process simple. They are a trusted partner in navigating Australia’s Visa process, offering expert guidance tailored to your family’s needs. With Knowbal, you’ll receive clear, step-by-step assistance, helping you handle every part of the application with confidence.
Schedule a quick call with Knowbal today and take the first step toward reuniting in Australia!
