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
- Independent partners (including those in a same-sex relationship)
If you’re in Australia already
The Spouse 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.
The Interdependency Temporary visa (Subclass 826) and Permanent visa (subclass 814) have the same requirements and conditions as the above Subclass 820 and 801 visas, but are generally for people in a same-sex partnership.
If you’re outside Australia
The Spouse 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.
The Interdependency Temporary visa (Subclass 310) and Permanent visa (Subclass 110) have the same requirements and conditions as the above Subclass 309 and 100 visas, but are generally for people in a same-sex partnership.
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).
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).
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 Australian 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 (Subclass 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 Australian 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.
Visa options for other family members
Aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carers of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens may apply for visas to come to Australia permanently.
