Family visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor certain family members to live in Australia. Depending on individual circumstances, eligible applicants may sponsor children, parents, siblings or other qualifying relatives under Australia's family migration program.
Australia offers a range of family and relative visa categories, each with its own eligibility requirements and application criteria.
The Adoption Visa is designed for Australian residents who wish to adopt a child under 18 years of age from overseas. Applications are generally lodged while the prospective adoptive parent is in Australia on behalf of the child.
This visa is available to eligible older relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents and qualifying New Zealand citizens. Applicants must meet the required pension age and demonstrate financial dependence on an eligible family member. Due to high demand, processing times for this visa category can be extremely lengthy.
The Carer Visa allows eligible applicants to provide ongoing care for a relative in Australia who has a long-term medical condition. Supporting medical evidence must confirm that the sponsor requires substantial personal care that cannot reasonably be provided through other available services.
This visa enables eligible children to join their parent or legal guardian in Australia. Each child must submit an individual application, even when multiple children from the same family are applying.
The Subclass 445 Visa allows dependent children of partner visa applicants to travel to Australia while their parent's partner visa application is being processed. The visa remains valid until a final decision is made on the associated partner visa application.
This visa is available to eligible non-Australian family members of New Zealand citizens living in Australia. It may be suitable for partners or dependent children who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
The Orphan Relative Visa is intended for children whose parents are deceased, permanently unable to care for them, or whose whereabouts are unknown. It enables eligible children to live with a suitable relative in Australia who is willing to provide ongoing care and support.
The Remaining Relative Visa is designed for individuals whose only close family members live permanently in Australia. Eligible relatives, including parents or step-parents, may sponsor applicants who satisfy the requirements of this visa category.