Australia offers various visa options for individuals seeking to join family members who are already residing in the country. Here’s an overview of the most common family and relative visa subclasses:
Partner Visas (Subclasses 100, 300, 801, 820):
These visas are for individuals in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The options include prospective marriage visas and both temporary and permanent partner visas.
Child Visas (Subclasses 101, 143, 445, 802):
These visas are designed for dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Parent Visas (Subclasses 103, 143, 804, 864):
These visas allow parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to migrate to Australia, either permanently or temporarily.
Remaining Relative Visas (Subclasses 115, 835):
These visas are for orphaned or single dependent grandchildren who have no parents or legal guardians in their home country.
Carer Visas (Subclasses 116, 836):
These visas grant permanent or temporary residency to individuals who provide full-time care to a close relative with a permanent disability.
Other Family Visas:
Additional visa options include Adoption Visas (Subclasses 102, 802) for adopted children and Aged Dependent Relative Visas (Subclasses 114, 838) for specific family situations.
Choosing the right visa subclass is crucial, and a licensed immigration professional can offer valuable advice throughout the process.
Offshore and Onshore Application Process for Australian Family Immigration
You can lodge your Australian family immigration application either offshore (from your home country) or onshore (once you’ve entered Australia on a different visa). Here’s an overview of both processes:
Offshore Application Process:
Check Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for the family visa category you want to apply for, such as a partner visa (Subclass 309/100) or a parent visa (Subclass 103).
Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, including identification, relationship proof, health records, police clearances, and sponsor details.
Submit Application: Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs website or mail your application to the designated processing center.
Complete Additional Requirements: You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints) and undergo medical tests as per the guidelines.
Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary depending on the visa type and your specific situation.
Visa Decision: If approved, follow the instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs to obtain your visa and enter Australia.
Onshore Application Process:
Choose Your Visa: Select the visa type that fits your situation, such as a partner or child visa.
Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents, including relationship proof, health checks, and character documents.
Submit Application: Submit your application online or by mail to the relevant processing center.
Bridging Visa: If eligible, apply for a bridging visa to legally stay in Australia while your application is processed.
Additional Information: Be ready to attend interviews or provide extra details if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Decision: Wait for the decision on your visa application. If approved, follow the instructions to finalize your visa.
Family and Relative Visa Fees
There are several costs associated with applying for a family visa to Australia, which can vary depending on the specific visa subclass. Here’s a general breakdown of the fees:
Visa Application Charge: The cost can range from AUD$700 to AUD$4,000+, depending on the visa type.
Health Checks: Required for you and any dependents, costing around AUD$300 to AUD$500 per person.
Police Checks: Costs for obtaining police clearances from your home country (and sometimes Australia) range from AUD$50 to AUD$200+.
Biometric Data Collection: You may need to provide fingerprints and facial recognition scans, typically costing around AUD$100.
Additional Costs: Other costs may include translation fees, professional assistance, and character references.
Family and Relative Visa Processing Times
Processing times for family visas in Australia can vary greatly depending on the visa type. Here are some estimated processing times:
Partner Visas: Typically take between 6 months to 2+ years.
Child Visas: Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.
Parent Visas: These visas generally have the longest processing times, often exceeding 2 years.
Tips for Faster Processing:
Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Engage a registered migration agent for professional assistance.
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.
Family and Relative Visa Requirements
To be eligible for an Australian family and relative visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. While the requirements vary by subclass, here are some common ones:
Relationship: You must have a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsoring family member.
Health: Applicants and their dependents must meet health requirements, typically through a medical exam by approved practitioners.
Character: You must pass a character assessment, demonstrating good moral standing and no risk to the Australian community. Police clearances from your home country (and sometimes Australia) are required.
Financial Capacity: Some visas may require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents once in Australia.
English Language: Certain visa subclasses may require applicants to meet minimum English language proficiency standards.
Additional Requirements: These can include age limits, a balance of family test for parent visas, or assurance of support documents for some parent visa subclasses.
Next Steps for Successful Australian Family and Relative Immigration
Here’s a guide to ensure you are on the right track:
Choose the Right Visa: Determine the best visa subclass based on your relationship with your family member in Australia.
Prepare Documents: Begin gathering necessary documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, police checks, and financial records.
Meet Health and Character Requirements: Schedule medical exams and get police clearances as required by the visa subclass.
Submit Application Carefully: Complete the application form accurately and provide all required documentation.
Seek Expert Help: Consider consulting a registered migration agent who can guide you through the process.
Stay Updated: Check the Department of Home Affairs website regularly for updates on visa processing and requirements.
Additional Considerations for a Smooth Transition
Once your visa is approved, here are some additional tips for a smooth transition to Australia:
Pre-Departure Planning: Research housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities in the city or region you plan to move to.
Cost of Living: Australia has a relatively high cost of living, so plan your finances carefully to cover expenses like housing, utilities, and food.
Cultural Integration: Learn about Australian culture and customs to ease your transition. Embracing the multicultural society will help you adapt more quickly.
Building a Support Network: Connect with your sponsoring family member and engage with community groups to help you settle in.