Australia's Family visa program provides pathways for eligible family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
Family visas may be available for partners, children, parents, orphan relatives, aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carers.
The requirements vary significantly between the different visa categories.
Unlike many skilled visa programs, most Family visa categories do not require the applicant to meet a points test or skills assessment. However, applicants must satisfy the specific requirements of the visa, including applicable health and character requirements.
Many Family visa categories also require an eligible Australian family member to sponsor the applicant.
Some Family visa categories are subject to capping and queuing arrangements, processing priorities and annual planning levels. As a result, processing times can vary considerably between visa subclasses.
Use the visa types below to find the pathway that matches your family's circumstances, or read on for information that applies across the Family visa program.
For spouses, de facto partners and people engaged to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
For dependent, offshore, onshore and adopted children of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Contributory and non-contributory pathways for parents of a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Orphan Relative, Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative and Carer visas for other eligible family members.
Family migration can involve different visa pathways depending on the relationship, the applicant's age and location, the sponsor's circumstances and the family's situation both in Australia and overseas.
Some Family visa categories have particularly strict eligibility requirements and lengthy processing periods.
Contact me to discuss your family's circumstances and determine which visa options may be available to you.
The information on this page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice for your individual circumstances.
Australian immigration legislation, visa requirements, government fees, processing priorities and planning levels can change.
Meeting the general requirements described above does not guarantee that a visa application will be approved.
Professional advice should be obtained based on your individual circumstances before lodging a Family visa application.
