Various Types of Family Visas
In Australia, family reunification is a key aspect of the immigration system, and the government provides several visa categories to help individuals sponsor their family members. These visas allow families to live together in Australia, with eligibility requirements varying based on the type of relationship and the specific family member being sponsored. Here's an overview of the main family visa categories, eligibility criteria, application steps, and sponsorship processes in 2024:
Types of Family Visa categories:
1. Partner Visas
These visas are for individuals who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa):
Eligibility: Applicants must be in a de facto or married relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.
Application: Apply for both Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) simultaneously. The Subclass 820 visa allows you to stay in Australia while the Subclass 801 is processed.
Processing Time: The Subclass 820 is generally processed within 12-18 months, while Subclass 801 may take 2-3 years.
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa):
Eligibility: Same requirements as the onshore visa but for applicants outside Australia.
Application: You apply for both Subclass 309 (temporary) and Subclass 100 (permanent) visas together.
Processing Time: Subclass 309 is typically processed in 12-24 months, and Subclass 100 takes longer.
Sponsorship:
To sponsor a partner, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also be able to prove that you and your partner are in a committed and genuine relationship.
2. Parent Visas
Parent visas are for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Subclass 103 (Parent Visa):
Eligibility: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and meet the balance-of-family test (more than half of your children must live in Australia).
Application: This is a permanent visa, but processing times are long (up to 30 years in some cases), making it less common.
Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa):
Eligibility: For parents who are older than the Australian pension age and can meet the balance-of-family test. This visa allows you to live in Australia permanently.
Processing Time: Similar to Subclass 103, processing can take years.
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa):
Eligibility: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You also need to pay a significantly higher application fee to expedite processing.
Application: This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently, with a much faster processing time (around 2-3 years).
Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa):
Eligibility: For parents who want to stay temporarily in Australia before applying for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143).
Processing Time: Temporary, but allows you to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa.
Subclass 864 (Aged Dependent Relative Visa):
Eligibility: For elderly parents who are financially dependent on their child living in Australia.
Sponsorship:
To sponsor a parent, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The balance-of-family test is also an important part of the process.
3. Child Visas
These visas are for children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Subclass 101 (Child Visa):
Eligibility: For children under 18 years old, or over 18 if they are dependent on their parents.
Application: The child must be outside of Australia when applying for this visa.
Processing Time: Usually takes 12-18 months.
Subclass 102 (Adoption Visa):
Eligibility: For children adopted by Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Application: The adoptive parent must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Processing Time: Typically 6-12 months.
Subclass 445 (Temporary Protection Visa for a Child):
Eligibility: A temporary visa granted to children who are in Australia, but who are waiting for the outcome of their Parent’s visa application.
Subclass 801 (Permanent Child Visa):
Eligibility: For children of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are already in Australia under a temporary visa.
Sponsorship:
To sponsor a child, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. For children under 18, a parent must apply, but for dependent children over 18, the child must prove their financial dependency.
4. Other Family Visas
Subclass 114 (Remaining Relative Visa): For individuals whose only remaining close family members are in Australia.
Subclass 835 (Carer Visa): For people who need to come to Australia to care for a relative with a medical condition.
Subclass 610 (Visitor Visa for Family Visit): Temporary visas for family members to visit their Australian relatives.
General Eligibility for Sponsorship:
Sponsorship: Sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Financial Responsibility: Sponsors may need to demonstrate their financial ability to support the person they are sponsoring.
Character and Health Requirements: Both the sponsor and applicant must meet certain health and character criteria.
General Application Process:
Prepare Documents: Gather required documents such as identity proof, evidence of relationship (for partner visas), financial stability, and health records.
Complete Application: Submit the application online or in person. For most family visas, you can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Health and Character Checks: Applicants will undergo medical exams and police checks.
Decision: After submission, applications are processed. Processing times can vary, and applicants may be asked for further information.
Visa Grant: If approved, the applicant is granted the visa.