Australian Family Visas – Partner, Parent, Child
Australia's Family Visa program enables Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their family members in Australia. Whether you're seeking to bring your spouse, partner, child, or parent to Australia, Visa Green provides expert guidance and support throughout the entire application process.
Our Melbourne-based team of registered migration agents and immigration lawyers specializes in family migration pathways, offering personalized legal assistance to ensure your application meets all current Department of Home Affairs requirements. With decades of combined experience in Australian immigration law, we understand the emotional importance of family reunification and work diligently to bring your loved ones to Australia as efficiently as possible.
Family Visa Expertise You Can Trust
Registered Migration Lawyers
Our team consists of fully qualified migration lawyers registered with MARA, providing legally sound advice for your family visa application.
Comprehensive Documentation Support
We assist with gathering and presenting compelling relationship evidence, statutory declarations, and supporting documents for maximum success.
End-to-End Application Management
From initial eligibility assessment to visa grant, we handle all communications with the Department of Home Affairs, reducing stress and complexity.
High Success Rate
Our methodical approach and attention to detail have resulted in an exceptional approval rate for family visa applications across all categories.
How Visa Green Supports Your Family Reunification
At Visa Green, we understand that bringing your family to Australia is more than just paperwork—it's about reuniting loved ones and building your future together. Our registered migration lawyers provide comprehensive legal support throughout the entire family visa process, ensuring your application presents the strongest possible case.
We specialize in navigating complex scenarios including long-distance relationships, blended families, and challenging documentation situations. With our deep understanding of Australian immigration law and policy, we can anticipate potential issues before they arise and develop strategies to address them effectively.
Family Visa Pathways
Australia offers several visa options for families seeking reunification. Our team specializes in all family visa categories to help bring your loved ones to Australia.
- Partner Visas
- Parent Visas
- Child Visas
The Benefits of Family Migration to Australia
Family migration offers numerous advantages beyond simply reuniting with loved ones. When you choose to bring your family to Australia through proper visa pathways, you gain:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Access: Family members gain access to Australia's world-class Medicare system once eligible
- Education Opportunities: Children can attend Australia's excellent public and private schools with permanent resident benefits
- Work Rights: Many family visas include full work rights, allowing partners to contribute to household income
- Social Security Access: After waiting periods, family members may access various social security benefits
- Pathway to Citizenship: Family visas typically lead to permanent residency and eventual eligibility for Australian citizenship
Our team ensures you understand all the benefits and obligations associated with your specific family visa path, helping you make informed decisions at every step. We also provide guidance on timeframes, with partner visas typically processed within 12-24 months, contributory parent visas within 3-4 years, and child visas within 12-18 months depending on case complexity.
Key Benefits of Professional Family Visa Assistance
- Higher Approval Rates: Professionally prepared applications have significantly higher success rates
- Faster Processing: Complete, well-documented applications typically experience fewer delays
- Reduced Stress: Expert guidance reduces the emotional burden during family separation
- Legal Protection: Professional advice ensures compliance with all immigration requirements
- Future Planning: Comprehensive understanding of permanent residency and citizenship pathways
The Family Visa Application Journey
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Visa Journey with Visa Green
Explore how Visa Green delivers expert legal support for your migration pathway. From tailored consultation to final visa success, we are with you at every stage.
Initial Consultation
We assess your family situation, eligibility factors, and recommend the most suitable visa pathway for your circumstances.
Book Consultation
Strategy Development
Our team creates a customized application strategy addressing your specific relationship circumstances and documentation needs.
Evidence Compilation
We guide you through gathering compelling relationship evidence, statutory declarations, and supporting documentation for a robust application.
Application Preparation & Lodgment
Our registered migration lawyers prepare and submit your complete application with all supporting evidence to the Department of Home Affairs.
Department Communications
We manage all correspondence with immigration authorities, including responding to any requests for further information or clarification.
View Processing Times
Visa Outcome & Next Steps
We notify you of the visa decision and provide guidance on next steps, including permanent residency pathways and future planning.
Family Visa Eligibility Requirements
Each family visa category has specific eligibility criteria that must be met for a successful application. Our team conducts a thorough assessment during your initial consultation to determine the most appropriate pathway.
| Visa Type | Key Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Partner Visa (820/801 or 309/100) | • Genuine and continuing relationship with Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen • Relationship must be married or de facto (including same-sex relationships) • Ability to provide evidence of shared financial, social, and household arrangements • Meet health and character requirements |
| Parent Visa (103, 143, 804, 864) | • Sponsored by eligible child living in Australia • Meet the Balance of Family Test (at least half of your children live in Australia) • Health and character requirements • Assurance of Support (AoS) for contributory parent visas |
| Child Visa (101, 802) | • Child must be under 18 (or financially dependent if older) • Sponsored by parent who is Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen • Child must be single and dependent • Meet health and character requirements |
Important: Recent changes to partner visa processing prioritize onshore applicants with Australian sponsor citizenship. Contributory parent visa allocations have also increased for the 2024-2025 migration program. Contact us for details on how these changes may affect your application.
Essential Documentation for Family Visa Applications
Proper documentation is critical to family visa success. Our team helps you compile comprehensive evidence packages tailored to your specific circumstances.
Required Documents for Partner Visas
- Valid passports for applicant and sponsor
- Birth certificates and identification documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) or evidence of de facto relationship
- Evidence of sponsor's Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Relationship evidence (financial, social, household, commitment)
- Form 888 statutory declarations from supporting witnesses
- Police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months
- Medical examination results
- Previous relationship documentation (divorce certificates, etc.)
- Additional supporting evidence specific to your circumstances
Required Documents for Parent Visas
- Valid passports for applicant and sponsor
- Birth certificates of all children (including the sponsor)
- Evidence of sponsor's Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Evidence satisfying the Balance of Family Test
- Police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months
- Medical examination results
- Assurance of Support documentation (for contributory visas)
- Evidence of dependency (if applicable)
Required Documents for Child Visas
- Valid passport for the child
- Birth certificate naming the sponsoring parent
- Evidence of sponsor's Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Evidence of parental responsibility and custody arrangements
- Consent from any non-migrating parent with custody rights
- Medical examination results
- Police clearances (for applicants aged 16+)
- Evidence of dependency (for applicants over 18)
Family Visa Application Timeline
Understanding the timeline for family visa processing helps you plan effectively for your family's reunification. While processing times vary based on visa subclass and individual circumstances, our experience allows us to provide realistic estimates.
Weeks 1-3
Initial Consultation & Strategy
Assessment of eligibility, visa pathway selection, and documentation planning
Weeks 4-8
Evidence Compilation
Gathering required documents, preparing statements, and organizing relationship evidence
Weeks 9-12
Application Preparation & Lodgment
Finalizing forms, legal review, and submission to the Department of Home Affairs
Months 3-24
Processing Period
Department assessment, possible requests for further information, and health/character checks
Final Stage
Decision & Next Steps
Visa grant notification and guidance on compliance requirements
Fees and Costs
Visa Green provides transparent fee structures for all family visa services. Our professional fees are competitive and reflect the comprehensive legal support we provide throughout your application journey.
| Service | Government Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Partner Visa (820/801 or 309/100) | $8,850 (main applicant) |
| Parent Visa (Contributory 143) | $4,710 initial + $43,600 second installment |
| Child Visa (101 or 802) | $2,790 (main applicant) |
Note: Government fees are subject to change and additional costs may apply for health examinations, police clearances, and document translation. Visa Green offers payment plans to make professional migration assistance more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Visas
Can I apply for a partner visa while visiting Australia?
Yes, you may apply for an onshore partner visa (subclass 820) while in Australia on a visitor visa, provided your visa doesn't have conditions like "no further stay" (8503). Upon lodgment, you'll typically receive a Bridging Visa A that activates when your visitor visa expires, allowing you to remain in Australia while your partner visa is processed. Our team can assess your current visa conditions and advise on the best approach.
What evidence do I need for a genuine relationship?
Australian immigration authorities require evidence across four key areas: financial aspects (joint accounts, shared expenses), social aspects (recognition of your relationship by family and friends), nature of household (living arrangements, domestic responsibilities), and commitment to each other (future plans, communications during separation). Visa Green helps you identify and present compelling evidence in each category, tailored to your specific relationship circumstances.
How do I prove a de facto relationship for immigration purposes?
For de facto partner visas, you generally need to demonstrate that you've been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months prior to application. This requires evidence of cohabitation, financial interdependence, social recognition, and mutual commitment. Exceptions to the 12-month requirement may apply if you've registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory, or if there are compelling circumstances such as having a child together. Our team specializes in navigating these requirements, even for complex situations.
What is the Balance of Family Test for parent visas?
The Balance of Family Test requires that at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or that more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country. This test applies to most parent visa categories. Our team helps you document family compositions appropriately and determine eligibility under these criteria, including strategies when the test presents challenges.
Can parents visit Australia while waiting for visa approval?
Yes, parents with a pending parent visa application can often obtain a Tourist Visa (subclass 600) with extended stay periods (up to 12 months) and multiple entries. This allows them to visit Australia while waiting for their permanent visa decision. Special visitor provisions exist for parent visa applicants, and our team can assist with both the permanent visa application and appropriate visitor visa arrangements.
Are there faster options for bringing parents to Australia?
Yes, the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143 or 864) offers significantly faster processing—typically 2-3 years compared to 20+ years for standard parent visas. However, these visas require a substantial second visa application charge (currently $43,600 per parent) plus an Assurance of Support bond. For temporary solutions, the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 870) allows stays of up to 3-5 years but doesn't lead to permanent residency. We can help you evaluate which option best suits your family's circumstances and financial situation.
What happens if my relationship circumstances change during processing?
Changes in relationship circumstances must be declared to the Department of Home Affairs. For partner visas, separation generally leads to visa refusal, though exceptions exist for cases involving family violence or death of the sponsor. For parent and child visas, changes in sponsor circumstances or family composition may affect eligibility. Visa Green provides crucial legal guidance if your situation changes, helping you understand your options and obligations.
Why Choose Visa Green for Your Family Visa Application
Our Family Visa Expertise
- Specialized Knowledge: Our team focuses specifically on family migration pathways
- Legal Qualifications: Registered migration lawyers with advanced immigration law expertise
- Proven Track Record: High success rates across all family visa categories
- Personalized Approach: Tailored strategies addressing your unique family circumstances
- Ongoing Support: Consistent communication throughout the application process
Family Reunification Success: Partner Visa Case Study
A client approached us after his partner's visitor visa expired, forcing her to return overseas. Despite their long-distance relationship and limited cohabitation evidence, our team developed a comprehensive application strategy focusing on their financial integration, communication during separation, and future commitment plans. We guided them through collecting compelling evidence, preparing statutory declarations, and addressing potential concerns preemptively. Their partner visa was granted within 14 months, allowing them to reunite permanently in Australia.
"Visa Green transformed a stressful situation into a manageable process. Their attention to detail and strategic approach made all the difference for our partner visa approval."
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Take the Next Step Toward Family Reunification
Ready to bring your family to Australia? Contact Visa Green today for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and personalized guidance on the most suitable family visa pathway.
Our experienced team is committed to reuniting families through efficient, legally sound visa applications. With Visa Green, your family's future in Australia is in expert hands.