Family sponsored visa Australia
Shanovia provides professional guidance for individuals and families applying for Australian family-sponsored visas. Our experienced family visa consultants assist clients across Australia, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Darwin, Cairns, Melbourne, and other major cities.
Australia offers a range of family-sponsored visa options that allow eligible family members living outside Australia to reunite with their loved ones in Australia. Depending on the relationship and eligibility requirements, applicants may be able to sponsor their partner, parent, child, or other eligible family members.
Most family-sponsored visas require sponsorship from an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
At Shanovia, we provide personalized visa guidance, eligibility assessments, document support, and end-to-end assistance throughout the application process. Our team focuses on understanding your individual circumstances and preparing a tailored visa strategy to give your application the strongest possible foundation.
Types and requirements of Australia family visas
Australia offers several family visa options that allow eligible family members to join their relatives in Australia. Depending on your relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for a partner visa, parent visa, child visa, or other family-sponsored visas.
Partner visa category
A partner visa allows a spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé/fiancée to migrate to Australia and live with their partner. In most cases, applicants are initially granted a temporary visa and may become eligible for permanent residency after meeting the required conditions and waiting period.
Eligible applicants include:
- Married spouses
- De facto partners
- Fiancé or fiancée intending to marry
- Same-sex or opposite-sex partners
Partner visa requirements
To apply for a partner visa, the applicant must have a sponsoring partner who is:
- An Australian permanent resident
- An Australian citizen
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
Parent visa category
A parent visa allows parents of eligible children living in Australia to migrate and live with their family. The sponsoring child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Parent visas are available for both working-age and aged parents. Many parent visa holders are allowed to work in Australia. Some temporary parent visas may lead to permanent residency, depending on the visa subclass and eligibility requirements.
Applicants may also choose a contributory parent visa, which generally offers faster processing in exchange for a higher application cost. Because the number of parent visas granted each year is limited, waiting periods can be significant.
Parent visa requirements
Applicants must:
- Have an eligible child living in Australia
- Be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Child visa category
A child visa allows eligible children to join their parent or parents in Australia. At least one parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Depending on the circumstances, children may apply under different visa subclasses, including child visas, adoption visas, or orphan relative visas.
Child visa requirements
Generally, the child must:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Be dependent on the parent living in Australia
- Have a parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Visas for other family members
Australia also provides visa options for certain other relatives, including brothers, sisters, carers, and dependent family members. Some visas may initially be temporary, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency later if eligibility requirements are met.
General requirements
Applicants typically need sponsorship from:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
General eligibility criteria
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the visa subclass. However, most family visas require applicants to:
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have an eligible sponsor
- Provide evidence of a genuine family relationship or dependency
- Meet financial and sponsorship obligations where applicable
Australia family visa subclasses
Some of the commonly used family visa subclasses include:
Child Visa (Subclass 802) – Onshore
Allows an eligible child already in Australia to live with their parent or parents permanently.
Child Visa (Subclass 101) – Offshore
Allows a child outside Australia to migrate and live permanently with their parent or parents in Australia.
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)
Allows eligible family members of New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
A permanent visa for individuals whose only close relatives live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents.
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Allows an adopted child to live permanently in Australia with their adoptive parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclasses 114 and 838)
Allows financially dependent older relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia, provided they meet the age and dependency requirements.
Carer Visa (Subclasses 116 and 836)
Allows a person to live permanently in Australia to provide ongoing care and assistance to a relative who has a long-term medical condition and cannot reasonably obtain care from other relatives, community services, or government-funded support services.
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)
Allows eligible individuals to stay in Australia temporarily for approved work or activities under specific international relations arrangements.
Start your Australia family visa journey with Shanovia
Reuniting with your family in Australia begins with choosing the right visa pathway. Shanovia’s experienced family visa consultants can help you understand your eligibility, prepare your documents, and guide you through every stage of the application process with professional support and personalized assistance.
