Australian family and partner visa

Australian family and partner visas are designed to enable Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members or partners to live in Australia. Below is an outline of the primary visa options available:

### Partner Visas

Partner visas are for individuals in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. These visas permit partners to live, work, and study in Australia.

1. Partner Visa (Temporary) – Subclass 820

- For applicants currently in Australia.

- Provides temporary residency while the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) is finalized.

2. Partner Visa (Permanent) – Subclass 801

- For holders of a Subclass 820 visa.

- Offers permanent residency if the relationship continues.

3. Partner Visa (Provisional) – Subclass 309

- For applicants residing outside Australia.

- A temporary visa leading to the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100).

4. Partner Visa (Migrant) – Subclass 100

- For holders of a Subclass 309 visa.

- Grants permanent residency if the relationship endures.

5. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

- For individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

- Permits you to enter Australia, marry your partner, and subsequently apply for a Partner Visa.

### Parent Visas

Parent visas allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia.

1. Contributory Parent (Temporary) – Subclass 173

- Temporary visa for parents of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

- Requires a substantial financial contribution.

2. Contributory Parent (Permanent) – Subclass 143

- Permanent visa for parents who previously held a Subclass 173 visa or meet specific financial criteria.

3. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

- Permanent visa for parents of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

- Processing times can extend up to 30 years.

4. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

- For parents of pension age who qualify for the Australian Age Pension.

- Grants permanent residency.

5. Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 864 and 884)

- Subclass 884 is temporary and progresses to the permanent Subclass 864.

- Specifically for parents of pension age who meet financial contribution requirements.

### Child Visas

Child visas allow dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join them in Australia.

1. Child Visa (Subclass 101)

- For children applying from overseas.

- Provides permanent residency.

2. Child Visa (Subclass 802)

- For children applying from within Australia.

- Grants permanent residency.

3. Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

- For children legally adopted by Australian citizens or permanent residents.

4. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

- A temporary visa for dependent children of individuals holding a temporary Partner visa.

### Other Family Visas

1. Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 and 835)

- For individuals with no close family members outside Australia.

- Subclass 115 applies to those outside Australia, while Subclass 835 is for applicants within Australia.

2. Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)

- For individuals needing to move to Australia to care for a relative with a chronic medical condition.

- Subclass 116 applies to those outside Australia, while Subclass 836 is for applicants within Australia.

3. Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114 and 838)

- For elderly relatives financially reliant on an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

- Subclass 114 is for those outside Australia, whereas Subclass 838 applies to applicants within Australia.

### Key Eligibility Criteria for Partner and Family Visas

- Sponsorship: Applicants must have sponsorship from an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

- Genuine Relationship: Applicants must provide evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship.

- Health and Character Checks: All applicants must satisfy the necessary health and character requirements.

- Assurance of Support: Some family visas may require an assurance of support, which is a financial commitment made by the sponsor.

### Processing Times and Fees

- Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Partner visas, for example, often take between 12 and 24 months or more.

- Visa application fees can be considerable and differ by visa type. For instance, partner visas generally cost upwards of AUD 8,000.