Australian Family and Partner Visas

Comprehensive Guide to Australian Family and Partner Visas (2025)

Australia offers a range of family and partner visas that allow eligible individuals to reunite with their loved ones, whether it be spouses, children, parents, or dependent relatives. This guide provides a detailed overview of the available visas, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

1. Partner Visas

These visas allow spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.

Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) – Onshore

• Subclass 820: Temporary visa allowing partners to live in Australia.
• Subclass 801: Permanent visa granted after holding the 820 visa for two years.

Eligibility:

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• The applicant must be in Australia when applying.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Processing time:

• 820 visa: 6 to 28 months.
• 801 visa: 12 to 24 months after eligibility.

Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa (subclass 309/100) – Offshore

• Subclass 309: Temporary visa allowing partners to enter and stay in Australia.
• Subclass 100: Permanent visa granted after holding the 309 visa for at least two years.

Eligibility:

• Must be outside Australia when applying.
• Be in a de facto or married relationship with an eligible sponsor.
• Meet financial, health, and character requirements.

Processing time:

• 309 visa: 6 to 24 months.
• 100 visa: 12 to 24 months after eligibility.

Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)

• Allows a fiancé(e) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia and marry their sponsor.
• Valid for up to 9 months.
• After marriage, applicants can apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801).

Eligibility:

• Must be outside Australia when applying.
• Must intend to marry the sponsor within the visa period.

Processing time:

• 12 to 26 months.

2. Child Visas

These visas allow children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia.

Child Visa (subclass 101) – Offshore

• For children outside Australia.

Child Visa (subclass 802) – Onshore

• For children already in Australia.

Eligibility:

• Must be under 18 years old, or under 25 if financially dependent, or have a disability preventing self-support.
• Must be sponsored by a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Processing time:

• 8 to 24 months.

Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445)

• For children whose parents hold a temporary Partner Visa (subclass 309 or 820).
• Allows the child to live in Australia while their parent's partner visa application is finalized.

Processing time:

• 8 to 18 months.

Adoption Visa (subclass 102)

• For children adopted or in the process of being adopted by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Processing time:

• 12 to 24 months.

3. Parent Visas

Parent Visa (subclass 103)

• Permanent visa for parents sponsored by their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child.
• Long processing times (up to 30 years).

Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

• Permanent visa with shorter processing times.
• Higher visa application charges.

Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)

• Allows parents to stay for 2 years before transitioning to subclass 143.

Processing time:

• 4 to 6 years.

Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)

• For aged parents who can apply for a bridging visa while waiting for a permanent visa.
• Processing time: up to 30 years.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)

• Faster processing alternative.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884)

• Temporary visa leading to the 864 visa.

4. Other Family Visas

Carer Visa (subclass 116) – Offshore & (subclass 836) – Onshore

• For individuals who need to move to Australia to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.

Processing time:

• 4 to 10 years.

Orphan Relative Visa (subclass 117) – Offshore & (subclass 837) – Onshore

• For a child who does not have parents to care for them overseas.

Aged Dependent Relative Visa (subclass 114) – Offshore & (subclass 838) – Onshore

• For elderly relatives financially dependent on an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Processing time: Up to 50 years.

Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115) – Offshore & (subclass 835) – Onshore

• For individuals who have no other close relatives outside Australia.
• Processing time: 30+ years.

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa (subclass 461)

• For non-New Zealand family members of a New Zealand citizen living in Australia.

Processing time:

• 12 to 18 months.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)

• Allows parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to stay temporarily in Australia for 3 or 5 years (renewable up to 10 years).
• Does not provide permanent residency.

Processing time:

• 3 to 8 months.

Application Process for Family & Partner Visas

1. Check visa eligibility – Ensure you meet the specific criteria.
2. Gather supporting documents – Identity, relationship proof, financial documents, health, and character checks.
3. Submit online application – Most visas are applied through ImmiAccount.
4. Pay the visa fee – Fees vary depending on visa type.
5. Wait for processing – Times vary, and some visas have long queues.
6. Visa outcome – If granted, comply with visa conditions.

Final Notes

• Partner visas generally lead to permanent residency over time.
• Parent and remaining relative visas can take decades unless applying under contributory streams.
• Carer and aged dependent visas have long processing times due to high demand.
• Working with a migration agent may help navigate complex applications.

For the latest updates and application details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.