Australia offers several family migration pathways for individuals who have family members living in Australia and want to reunite with them. These family reunion visas allow eligible family members to join their Australian relatives in the country. Here are the main family migration options in Australia:
Partner Visas:
Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): This visa is for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows temporary residence (Subclass 309) followed by permanent residence (Subclass 100).
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): Also known as the fiancé(e) visa, this visa allows individuals to travel to Australia to marry their Australian fiancé(e). After the marriage, they can apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) for permanent residency.
Parent Visas:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143): These visas are for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. They require a substantial financial contribution.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103): This visa has lower fees but longer processing times and is also for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Child Visas:
Child Visa (Subclass 101): This visa allows dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their parents in Australia.
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102): This visa is for children adopted overseas by Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114/838): This visa is for aged dependent relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835): This visa is for individuals who have no close family members outside of Australia and whose only near relatives are living in Australia as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Carer Visas:
- Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836): This visa is for individuals who are needed to provide substantial and continuing care or assistance to an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative with a long-term medical condition.
Orphan Relative Visas:
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117/837): This visa is for orphaned relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Aged Parent Visas:
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884/864): These visas are for aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. They require a substantial financial contribution.
Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): This visa has lower fees but longer processing times and is also for aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
It’s important to note that each family reunion visa category has specific eligibility criteria, including requirements related to the sponsoring Australian relative, the relationship with the applicant, and health and character checks. Visa policies and requirements can change over time, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and seek professional advice if you are considering family migration to Australia.
