Family Visas for Australia: What you need to know

If you’re considering bringing family members to Australia, understanding the family visa options is crucial.

Australia offers various family visas designed to allow family members to join relatives who are either Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Applying for these visas can be complex, but with guidance from a migration lawyer like Dr. Steven Gething at Morgan Clifford, the process becomes much clearer.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the family visa options.

Why Choose a Family Visa for Australia?

Family visas allow you to reunite with your loved ones, providing a pathway for them to live in Australia permanently or temporarily.

These visas cater to different family relationships, such as spouses, parents, children, and other close relatives.

Here’s an overview of the primary family visa categories:

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

Partner visas are among the most popular family visas. They are for individuals who are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

These visas allow partners to live, work, and study in Australia.

• Subclass 820/801 (temporary and permanent partner visa):
  • Eligibility: The applicant must be in a de facto or married relationship with an Australian sponsor.
  • Temporary Stage (820): Initially granted for two years, allowing the partner to stay in Australia.
  • Permanent Stage (801): Available after two years of living in Australia on the temporary visa, provided the relationship is ongoing.
• Subclass 309/100 (offshore partner visa):
  • Eligibility: For partners applying from outside Australia.
  • Temporary Stage (309): Initially grants a temporary stay while waiting for the permanent visa.
  • Permanent Stage (100): Available after two years if the relationship remains valid.

Steven Gething, a senior migration lawyer at Morgan Clifford, can help guide you through the complexities of these visa categories, ensuring your application meets all the requirements and demonstrating a genuine relationship.

2. Parent Visas (Subclass 103/143)

Parent visas are for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. These visas allow parents to live permanently in Australia.

• Subclass 103 (Parent Visa):
  • Eligibility: This visa is for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. It is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Processing Time: Processing times can be lengthy, sometimes taking over a decade due to high demand.
  • Financial and Health Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements and demonstrate that they have adequate financial support to sustain themselves in Australia.
• Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa):
  • Eligibility: A faster processing option than the Subclass 103, but applicants must make a larger financial contribution.
  • Processing Time: Much shorter processing times compared to the standard parent visa due to the contribution fee.
  • Contribution Fee: This fee offsets the costs of healthcare and other services in Australia, making it a beneficial option for parents who can afford the higher fees.

Dr. Steven Gething’s experience ensures your financial contributions and health checks are properly managed, helping to streamline the process and enhance the likelihood of a successful application.

3. Child Visas (Subclass 101/802)

Child visas are for children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

These visas allow dependent children to live in Australia.

• Subclass 101 (Child Visa):
  • Eligibility: For dependent children under 18 years of age, either inside or outside Australia.
  • Processing Time: Generally quicker due to the priority given to children.
  • Financial and Health Requirements: Parents must demonstrate that they can support the child and provide adequate care.
• Subclass 802 (Contributory Child Visa):
  • Eligibility: A faster processing pathway compared to Subclass 101, available to children living outside Australia.
  • Processing Time: Significantly faster due to the contributory nature of the visa.
  • Contribution Fee: Similar to the contributory parent visa, the fee helps cover Australia’s healthcare costs for the child.

4. Other Family Visas

Other family visas allow other family members to join their relatives in Australia, such as siblings and other relatives.

• Subclass 114 (Remaining Relative Visa):
  • Eligibility: For individuals who have no immediate family members (parents, partners, or children) in Australia.
  • Conditions: Applicants must be sponsored by an Australian relative who meets specific criteria.
  • Processing Time: Varies but generally longer due to limited places each year.
• Subclass 116 (Aged Dependent Relative Visa):
  • Eligibility: For dependent relatives aged 65 or over.
  • Conditions: Applicants must be wholly dependent on their Australian sponsor.
  • Financial and Health Requirements: The sponsor must provide assurances of financial support and meet health criteria.

Why Seek Professional Legal Advice?

The family visa application process can be complex with numerous requirements, including proof of relationship, financial capacity, and health standards.

Mistakes in any of these areas can lead to delays or even refusals. Steven Gething, with his extensive experience, provides invaluable assistance:

• Personalised Advice: Tailored advice for each family situation to ensure the application meets Australian immigration requirements.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Assistance in gathering and organising the necessary documents to support your application.
• Strategic Guidance: Advising on the best visa options based on your family situation and future plans in Australia.

Steven Gething and the Morgan Clifford team offer a compassionate and detailed approach to family migration, helping to reunite families smoothly and efficiently.

Take the Next Step with Morgan Clifford

If you’re considering applying for a family visa to reunite with loved ones in Australia, Steven Gething and the team at Morgan Clifford are here to help.

From understanding visa types to preparing and lodging your application, they offer personalised guidance throughout the process.

Contact Morgan Clifford today to schedule a consultation with Steven Gething and begin your family reunion journey.

Let us help you bring your family to Australia without the stress of navigating the complex immigration system alone.

Visit morganclifford.com.au for more information or call to speak with Steven Gething about your family visa options.

Reunite with your loved ones in Australia with confidence and ease.