Bringing Your Family Members to Australia: Family Migration

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your family over to Australia, best be sure, you are not alone. In addition to golden beaches and endless opportunity, Australia is a family-oriented country. That’s why there are a variety of visas in the country aimed at family reunification, whether your family member is a spouse, child, parent or dependent relative.

But let’s be honest — the rules around family migration in Australia can be maze-like. It is a confusing process: paperwork that seems never-ending, waiting times that never seem to end, policies that change days before a federal program is set to expire.

Don’t worry, though! This guide will explain it all. From family-based visa types, through the application process, to the routes you can take post-approval, we’re here to help. Let’s get right into it!

Who can apply for Family Migration to Australia?

Family migration in Australia helps families be reunited and gives relatives an opportunity to live a future together in the country. But who, exactly, is eligible for family migration?

They are-

• The Australian citizen,

• An Australian permanent resident,

• A New Zealand citizen eligible (someone who was living in Australia on 26th February 2001, or held a Special Category Visa on that date).

Sponsors must also:

• Be at least 18 years old (in most cases).

• Be financially capable of supporting the person they are sponsoring (if needed).

• Have Health and character requirements.

• Have Commitment to support the family member to settle in Australia.

Read also: Permanent Residency in Australia: A Complete Guide

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Your relationship with the person you are bringing to Australia will determine which visa option is right for you. The main categories include:

• Partner (Spouse or De Facto Partner)– You may apply for a Partner Visa if you are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible New Zealander.

• Children – If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your biological, adopted or stepchild through a Child Visa.

• Parents — If you’re established in Australia, you might be able to sponsor your parents on a Parent Visa, but you should know that this category has extensive processing times.

• Dependents family members – Some dependent family members (such as orphaned relatives or carers) may be able to apply. Third-party payers may also benefit from specific family visas.

You should read: 5 Australian Companies That Sponsor Work Visas

Which Are The Main Family Visas Type In Australia?

Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Sponsored family stream

This visa is for inviting your relatives to visit Australia for a stay less than 12 months. Holders of this visa can visit family or friends or even explore Australia or study for up to a maximum of three months. However, it does not allow for employment.

Requirements to be a sponsor:

You must be:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident,
• At least 18 years old willing to provide financial support if requested by immigration authorities.
• Have a security bond between $5,000 – $15,000 per individual,

Processing Time: 3-6 Months

Cost: $145

You should read: Australian Visas: Choose the Perfect Path for Your Migration  

Family Sponsored – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa, which was introduced recently, enables skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in particular regional Australia areas for five years. Visa holders can apply for permanent residency after three years. Nomination from an Australian state or territory or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in a regional area is required for eligibility.

Sponsor Requirements

• Minimum Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
• Must live and work in a specific regional area
• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be a qualifying relative (like a parent, sibling, grandparent or first cousin)

Requirements For Application:

• Be sponsored or nominated
• Be under 45 years old
• Pass a validated skills assessment
• Show adequate knowledge of the English language
• Occupation must be listed on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
• Health and character requirements

Cost: $4,045

Processing Time: 3 to 6 months

You should read: How to Migrate to Australia as a Skilled Worker-Step-by-Step Guide

Relative Visa (Subclass 115 / 835)

The application for Subclass 115 and Subclass 835 visas are permanent visas for people who are solely in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria:`

• The parent/sponsoring partner must be an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, or their partner.
• There must be no other close family in Australia — nor parents, siblings or dependent children outside Australia
• This must include an assurance of support to prevent dependency on government assistance
• Must satisfy the health and character requirements

This visa allows for permanent residence, work and study. But because the quota is limited, the processing can take more than 10 years.

Cost: $6,415

You should read: The Ultimate Guide to Migrating to Australia: What You Must Know.

Carer Visa (Subclass 116 / 836)

The Carer Visa enables you to live in Australia on a permanent basis to support a relative who has a long-term medical condition.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be carer giving significant and ongoing support
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident relative sponsor must be one of your close relatives
• Must be able to offer financial and housing support to the applicant for their initial two years spent in Australia
• The medical condition must be one that requires ongoing care, and that there is no reasonable ability to access alternative support in Australia
• Must also meet health and character criteria

Cost: $3,860

Processing Time: Unavailable

You should read: Visa Interview Questions You MUST Prepare For — And How to Nail Every Answer!

Australian Citizens Returning with Family Born Overseas

You must have at least one parent as Australian citizen at the time of your birth (in this case you can apply for citizenship by descent). Then you can get an Aussie passport.

Cost: $230

Processing Time- 4-7 months

New Zealand Citizens Who are Bringing Family

New Zealanders don’t need a visa to enter Australia. They are issued with a Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival.

This allows family members of a New Zealand citizen to live and work there for five years under the Subclass 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa.

The eligible family members are partners and dependants.

You should read: 10 Easiest Countries to Get a Work Visa in 2025

Partner Visa (Subclass 820 & 801) – Onshore Application

If you are applying in Australia and are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can apply for:

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820), or
• Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)

Partner Visa (Subclass 309 & 100) – Offshore Application

For applicants applying outside Australia, the options are as follows:

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 309)
• Subclass 100 — Permanent Partner Visa

You must be the partner or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You can also apply if you plan to marry before your partner visa is decided.

You should read: Twente University Netherlands Scholarship 2025 (Funded)

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

If you intend to enter Australia to marry an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to apply for this visa in another country.

Preschool Visas (For Young Children) H3T6.

If a child is overseas and you’re seeking to have that child reside with you in Australia, there are a number of avenues open to you:

• Subclass 101 (Offshore Child Visa) & Subclass 802 (Onshore Child Visa) – Dependent children of Australian citizens or PR holders

• Subclass 445 (Dependent Child Visa) – For children of temp partner visa holder.

• Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) – For children adopted by Australian citizens or PR holders

• Orthodox Relative Visa (Subclass 117/837) – For children of deceased parents with a relative in Australia willing to look after them.

However, the child needs to be under 18 years old (or under 25 if financially dependent)

Processing Time: 6 months – 2 years

Read also: Working in Australia: Complete Guide

What is the Process of Applying for a Family Visa To Australia? Step-by-Step Guide

The process varies by which visa you’re applying for specifically, but the general steps are the same for all types of family visa.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Ensure that all the requirements are met for both the sponsor (the person in Australia), and the applicant (the family member overseas or in Australia) before applying. This includes:

• Entitlement to the correct relationship (spouse, child, parent or dependent relative).

• Financial viability (if required).

• Passing health and character assessments.

For parent visas, ensure you meet the “Balance of Family Test” (50% or more of your children must already reside in Australia).

Step 2: Collect Your Documentation

Each type of visa has a unique set of document needs, but you’ll generally be required to present:

• Identification documents (passport, birth certificate, national ID).

• Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, family photographs, messages, joint financial documents, etc.).

• Health and police clearance (medical examinations and police certificates).

• Financial documentation (if the sponsor must demonstrate income or support ability)

Tip: Delays can occur due to missing documents! Double check what you specifically require for your visa.

You should read: Working in Australia: Complete Guide

Step 3. Submit the Visa Application

The family visa applications are lodged online using the Department of Home Affairs website. Some visas (for example: some types of child or parent visas) might require a paper application, which should be sent by post.

How to Apply Online:

• You can create your ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website.

• Attach all necessary documents.

• Pay the visa fee (the fees depend on the type of visa).

• Turn in the app and obtain a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track progress

For Partner & Child Visas: The application is typically lodged by the overseas family member.

For Parent & Other Family Visas: Usually, the sponsor in Australia prepares and lodges the application.

Step 4: Wait for Processing & Attend Interview (If Required)

After you’ve submitted it, there will be a waiting time while the Department of Home Affairs processes the application. The visa office may request:

• Additional documents.

• An interview (for partner visas or when fraud is suspected).

• All health and police clearance results_available

Tip: Visit the Home Affairs website and check processing times for your visa type—some require months, others take years.

You need to read: Visa Interview Questions You MUST Prepare For — And How to Nail Every Answer!

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

When your application for your Australia family migration is approved, you’ll receive a visa grant letter that informs you of your visa conditions. From then on your family member can travel to or stay in Australia according the visa rules.

If not accepted, the cause will be detailed. You may be able to:

• Ask to submit more evidence and make an appeal.

• Reapply upon addressing any issues.

• Find a migration agent, or a lawyer.

You should also read: 5 Australian Companies That Sponsor Work Visas

How Long Does Australia Family Migration Take?

It’s a well-known fact that visa processing times can vary wildly between visa types, depending on demand, and depending on if your application is submitted completely.

Although you can’t control government processing times, here’s what you can do to prevent delays:

• Do online applications (They are much faster than paper ones).
• Turn in a complete application—missing documents lead to slowdowns.
• Do health & police checks early on (so they don’t hold things up).
• Employ a migration agent (if your situation is complicated).
• Choose the right visa—a quicker, more costly visa can sometimes be a better alternative to waiting decades.

You should read: Can I Apply for Scholarships While Working Full-Time?

Conclusion

Though the process is often lengthy and expensive, being reunited with loved ones is priceless. Understanding the family migration visa types in Australia, having a strong application, and following the proper steps can help make it more manageable. However, whether you are bringing your partner, child, parent, or relative, every effort takes you a step closer to a new life together in Australia.

Read also: Luxembourg Skilled Worker Visas: How to Apply in 2025

FAQs

References

• immihomeaffairs.gov.au- Family Migration visa in Australia
• visaenvoy.com– Bring your family to Australia through migration
• studyaustralia.gov.au- Family Migration in Australia routes

Recommendations 

• Permanent Residency in Australia: A Complete Guide
• Australian Visas: Choose the Perfect Path for Your Migration  
• Working in Australia: Complete Guide