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Australia Family Visa: An Overview

Congratulations on becoming a PR or citizen of Australia! You’ve embraced all that Australia offers, and now you want to bring your family members from overseas to join you in this new chapter.

 

Through Australia’s family migration program, Australian citizens or permanent residents can reunite with their loved ones by applying for family visas. This includes options for parents, children, and other family members to migrate under specific conditions.

Australian Parent Visa

 

Parent visas allow PR holders or citizens to bring their biological, legal (including adoptive) parent, step-parent, or parent-in-law to Australia on a permanent or temporary basis. There are seven subclasses of parent visas, each with different requirements, fees, and processing times. Since some options have long processing periods and high costs, it’s essential to weigh all choices carefully.

Types of Australian Parent Visa

Parent visas are divided into three categories: Contributory, Non-Contributory, and Temporary Sponsored.

  • Contributory Parent Visas offer permanent residence, come with higher fees, and have faster processing times.
  • Non-Contributory Parent Visas offer permanent residence at lower fees but with significantly longer processing times.
  • Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa does not lead to permanent residence but has the quickest processing times and no balance-of-family test. It allows extensions up to 10 years.
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Contributory Parent Visas

 
  • Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Offshore and Onshore
  • Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) – Offshore and Onshore
  • Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 884) – Onshore
  • Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 864) – Onshore
  •  

Non-Contributory Parent Visas

 
  • Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
  • Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
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Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

 
  • Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 870) – Offshore
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Benefits of a Contributory Parent Visa

 
  • Pathway to permanent residency
  • Access to Medicare
  • Faster processing times than Non-Contributory visas
Contributory Parent Visa Overview

143-Visa-Contributory Parent Visa

This visa is for parents of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently.

Subclass 143 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
  • Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Meet the balance-of-family test.
  • Have an Assurance of Support.
Learn More

Subclass 173 - Contributory Parent Temporary Visa

This visa allows parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia temporarily (up to 2 years).

Subclass 173 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Meet the balance-of-family test.
Learn More

884 Visa - Contributory Aged Parent Visa Temporary

This visa is for aged parents of a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident, allowing temporary residence in Australia for up to 2 years.

Subclass 884 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must be old enough to receive the Australian aged pension (65+).
  • Be in Australia, not in immigration clearance, during application and decision.
Learn More

864 Visa - Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent)

This permanent visa allows aging parents to live, work, and receive Medicare benefits in Australia indefinitely.

Subclass 864 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must have an Australian citizen or PR child who has resided in Australia for at least 2 years.
  • Be old enough to receive an Australian pension (65+).
Learn More

Non-Contributory Parent Visas

The Non-Contributory Parent Visas offer permanent residence in Australia, with access to Medicare and the possibility of eventual citizenship. These visas generally have lower application fees but longer processing times compared to contributory parent visas.

Benefits of Non-Contributory Parent Visa:

  • Permanent residency pathway
  • Access to Medicare
  • Lower application fees than Contributory Parent Visas

Learn more about Non-Contributory Parent Visas

Parent Visa Information

Parent Visa Subclass 103

This visa allows a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently.

Subclass 103 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Must meet all applicable visa conditions and comply with Australian law.
  • Must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa.
Learn More

Aged Parent Visa - Subclass 804

This visa allows an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently.

Subclass 804 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Must be old enough to receive the Australian age pension.
  • Must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa.
Learn More

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

Benefits of the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa:

  • Fastest processing time among Parent Visas
  • No requirement to meet the “balance of family” test
  • Allows a stay in Australia for up to 10 years

Learn More About the Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

870 Visa - Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa

This visa allows parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia temporarily for 3 or 5 years.

Subclass 870 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must be the biological, legal (including adoptive), step-parent, or parent-in-law of the Parent Sponsor.
  • An approved Parent Sponsor is required before lodging the visa application.
  • Visa application must be submitted within 6 months of sponsorship approval, or within 60 days if Permission to Apply in Australia has been granted.
Learn More

Australian Child Visa

The Australian Child Visas allow children—whether biological, step, or adopted—of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live permanently in Australia. These visas can be applied for both onshore and offshore and include options specifically for adopted children. Child visas generally offer permanent residency and are available for children under 18, and in certain cases, up to 25 years of age.

Child Visa Offshore

Child Visa Offshore Information

102 Visa - Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

The Adoption Visa allows Australian citizens or permanent residents to bring their adopted children to Australia to live permanently.

Subclass 102 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Child must be under 18 at the time of adoption, application, and visa decision.
  • Child must be outside Australia when applying and at the time of decision.
  • Child must be adopted or in the process of being adopted by the sponsoring parent.
Learn More

101 Visa - Child Visa (Permanent, Offshore)

This visa is for children of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their parents in Australia permanently.

Subclass 101 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Child must be a dependent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Eligible age ranges include under 18, full-time students aged 18-24, or those over 18 with a disability.
  • Child must be single and financially dependent on the parent.
  • Child must be outside Australia at the time of both application and decision.
Learn More

Child Visa Onshore

Child Visas allow children—whether biological, step, or adopted—of Australian citizens or permanent residents to reside permanently in Australia. Applications can be made onshore or offshore, with specific options available for adopted children. These visas generally apply to children under 18, and in some cases, up to 25 years old.

Benefits of the Child Visa (Subclass 802):

  • Permanent residency with the option to apply for Australian citizenship
  • Full work and study rights
  • Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
Child Visa Onshore Information

802 Visa - Child Visa (Onshore)

This visa allows the child of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia.

Subclass 802 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Must be a dependent child of an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent visa holder.
  • Eligible age ranges:
    • Under 18
    • Full-time students aged 18-24 who are financially dependent
    • Over 18 and unable to work due to a disability
  • Must be single and financially dependent on the parent.
  • Must be in Australia at the time of both application and visa decision.
Learn More

Child Visa Onshore / Offshore

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

Subclass 445 - Dependent Child Visa (Temporary)

The Subclass 445 Dependent Child Visa allows eligible children to live, work, and study temporarily in Australia while they await their parent’s permanent partner visa decision. This visa enables children to stay with their parent during the visa processing period.

Subclass 445 Visa Key Information for 2023

  • Eligible if the parent holds an Australian Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309 or 820).
  • The child must be under 18 years old, or if 18-25, must be a full-time student and financially dependent on the parent.
  • Must meet Australian health and character requirements.
  • Must be physically and financially dependent on the parent.
  • The parent must hold legal responsibility and sponsorship for the child.
Learn More
Other Australian Family Visas

Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)

The Subclass 115 Remaining Relative Visa allows a relative of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently. This visa is for individuals who have no other close family members and are sponsored by an eligible family member.

115 Visa Basic Eligibility

  • Must be outside Australia at the time of both application and decision.
  • Must be a remaining relative of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.
  • Requires sponsorship by an eligible family member.
More Details about 115 Visa

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)

The Subclass 461 Visa permits eligible family members of New Zealand citizens to study, work, and live temporarily in Australia for up to 5 years. This visa is available to partners or certain family members of New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.

461 Visa Basic Eligibility

  • Must not be a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
  • Must meet Australian health and character requirements.
  • Must have private health insurance, as this visa does not grant access to Medicare.
  • If under 18, immigration must be in the child’s best interest.
  • For previous visa holders, ensure there is no ‘no further stay’ restriction.
More Details about 461 Visa

Australian Family Visa Application Process

Plan Your Migration Professionally
Book a session with our migration agent to explore visa options tailored to your needs and develop a clear, step-by-step strategy.

Put Your Plan into Action
Together, we’ll turn your migration goals into reality by preparing a decision-ready family visa application, increasing your chances of approval.

Live Your Dreams
With your Australian family visa secured, enjoy the life you’ve envisioned with your loved ones in Australia.

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