Family migration visas
Visa options for partners
Partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may enter and/or remain permanently in Australia. Partner migration may apply to:
• People intending to get married
• Married (de jure) partners
• De facto partners (including those in a same-sex relationship)
If you’re in Australia already
The Partner Temporary visa (Subclass 820) and Permanent visa (Subclass 801) are intended for people to stay with their Australian citizen/resident partner. If the partnership is still intact two years after application, a permanent visa may be granted.
If you’re outside Australia
The Partner Temporary visa (Subclass 309) and Permanent visa (Subclass 100) are for people from overseas to enter and stay with their Australian citizen/resident partner in Australia. If the partnership is still intact two years after application, a permanent visa may be granted.
The Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) is for people from overseas to enter Australia and marry their Australian citizen/resident fiancé/fiancée. Holders of this visa can apply to stay in Australia permanently once married.
More about these visas
Visa options for parents
Parents may be able to migrate to Australia if they have a child in Australia who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Parents coming to Australia on a parent visa will not be eligible to receive an age or disability pension until they have been Australian residents for 10 years (unless they already receive a pension from their home country and there is a reciprocal agreement with Australia).
If you’re in Australia already
The Aged Parent (Residence) visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent visa for aged parents to stay in Australia with children who live there.
The Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (Subclass 864) is another permanent visa for aged parents to stay in Australia with children who live there. This visa is processed more quickly than the Aged Parent visa, but is more expensive.
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 884) is a two-year visa to be used while applying for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (Subclass 864).
Lastly, the Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143) can be utilised by holders of a temporary 173 visa, who wish to apply for the permanent 143 visa.
If you’re outside Australia
The Parent (Migrant) visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.
The Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa, but is generally processed faster.
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary visa, valid for two years. Holders of this visa can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143).
The Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143) is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143).
More about these visas
Visa options for children
These options exist for dependent children, orphan relatives or adopted children of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
If the child is in Australia
The Child (Permanent) visa (Subclass 802) is for children overseas who have a natural, adopted or step parent who is an Australian resident/citizen.
The Orphan Relative (Permanent) visa (Subclass 837) is for children whose parents are permanently incapacitated, deceased, or with unknown whereabouts, and who have an eligible sponsor.
The Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) is for children who have a parent who holds a temporary partner visa, but is in the process of getting a permanent partner visa.
If the child is outside Australia
The Child (Permanent) visa (Subcla2s 101) is a permanent visa for children overseas who have a natural, adopted or step parent who is an Australian resident/citizen.
The Orphan Relative (Permanent) visa (Subclass 117) is a permanent visa for children whose parents are permanently incapacitated, deceased, or with unknown whereabouts, and who have an eligible sponsor.
The Adoption (Permanent) visa (Subclass 102) is for children about to be adopted from overseas by an Australian citizen/resident. If the adoption took place before the adoptive parent became a citizen, Child visa (Subclass 101) is the more appropriate visa option.
The Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445) is for children who have a parent who holds a temporary partner visa, but is in the process of getting a permanent partner visa. More about these visas
Visa options for other family members
Others who may be eligible to come to Australia permanently include:
- Aged dependent relatives (Subclass 838, Subclass 114)
- Remaining relatives and carers of Australian citizens (Subclass 835, Subclass 836, Subclass 115, Subclass 116)
- Eligible New Zealand citizens (Subclass 461 – Temporary, Subclass 461 - Temporary)
Visa eligibility and approval depends on the applicant's individual circumstances. To find out if you're eligible for an Australian General Skilled Migration visa, take Working In's free online eligibility assessment.
What next?
- Get help with your Australian visa from a MARA registered agency
- Find out more about the types of visas you can apply for
- Talk to Australian employers at an Opportunities Overseas Expo near you