One of the most rewarding milestones for any migrant is being able to bring their loved ones to Australia. The Family Visa program offers several pathways depending on your relationship with the Australian sponsor.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

To sponsor a family member for a visa, you generally need to be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia. The type of family visa available depends on your relationship to the applicant.

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

The most common family visa is the partner visa, which allows a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or PR to live and work in Australia.

• Onshore partner visa (820/801): Apply while already in Australia
• Offshore partner visa (309/100): Apply from outside Australia

Both pathways involve a two-stage process: a temporary grant first, followed by a permanent grant after at least two years — provided the relationship is ongoing and genuine.

Parent Visas

Australia offers both contributory and non-contributory parent visa options. The key difference is cost and waiting time:

• Contributory Parent Visa (143/173): Higher fees but significantly shorter wait — often 3–5 years
• Parent Visa (103): Lower fees but very long queue — currently 30+ years in some cases

For most families, the contributory pathway is the realistic route to reunification within a foreseeable timeframe.

Child Visas (Subclass 101 / 802)

Australian citizens and PRs can sponsor their dependent children who are not already Australian citizens or PRs. The child must be under 18, or under 25 if they are full-time students, or any age if they have a disability that makes them unable to work.

Key Documents Required for Family Visas

• Proof of the relationship (photos, joint finances, correspondence, declarations)
• Sponsor’s Australian citizenship or PR evidence
• Police clearance certificates from every country lived in
• Medical examination results
• Birth or marriage certificates

How We Can Help

Family visa applications require extensive documentation and evidence of a genuine relationship. A poorly organised application is one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals. Our team will ensure every document is in order and your application tells a clear, compelling story.

Explore our Family Visa service or book a free consultation to discuss your situation with a MARA-registered agent today.