Australia offers several family visa options for those who wish to reunite with their relatives who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas allow family members to live, work, and study in Australia, with some leading to permanent residency (PR).

Types of Family Visas

1. Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801 & 309/100)

For spouses or de facto partners of Australians.

• Onshore (820 → 801)– Apply while in Australia (temporary → permanent).
• Offshore (309 → 100)– Apply from outside Australia (temporary → permanent).
• Processing Time:~12-24 months per stage.

2. Parent Visas

For parents of Australian citizens/PR holders.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173) – Faster but expensive

Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Cheaper but long wait (~30+ years).

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) – Allows stays up to 3-5 years (not PR).

3. Other Family Visas

Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114/838) – For elderly relatives dependent on an Australian.

Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835) – For those with no family outside Australia.

Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836) – For those needed to care for an Australian relative.

General Requirements

✔ Sponsorship – An eligible family member in Australia must sponsor you.
✔ Relationship Proof – Marriage certificates, birth certificates, dependency evidence.
✔ Health & Character Checks – Medical exams & police clearances required.
✔ Financial Support – Some visas require Assurance of Support (AoS).