Try “820”, “partner”, “cancellation” or “citizenship test”.
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Bring your partner, parents, children and other relatives to Australia. Family visas depend heavily on evidence, so preparation matters.
Partner & family visas
Choose a visa below for the full requirements, or book a consultation and we will tell you which option suits your family.
How we help
Every matter starts with an honest assessment of your circumstances against the current criteria, so you know your real options before you spend money on an application.
We check your relationship or family link, your sponsor's eligibility and the best option, such as onshore (820/801), offshore (309/100) or prospective marriage (300).
We guide you on the evidence the Department looks for, including finances, household, social life and commitment for partners, and family records for parents and children.
Relationship statements and supporting statutory declarations are prepared and checked for consistency, with accredited translations arranged.
We prepare and lodge the sponsorship and visa applications together, with health and character requirements organised.
We respond to any request for information and, for partner visas, prepare updated evidence for the permanent stage.
Partner
For the spouse, de facto partner or fiancé(e) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Most partner visas are granted in two stages.
For partners applying in Australia. The temporary 820 is assessed first; the permanent 801 is usually assessed about two years after you lodge.
For partners applying from outside Australia. The 309 lets you travel to and live in Australia while the permanent 100 is assessed.
For a fiancé(e) outside Australia who intends to marry their Australian sponsor within nine months of the visa grant, then apply for a partner visa.
For family members of a New Zealand citizen living in Australia who are not themselves New Zealand citizens.
Partner visas in detail
Parent
Parents of settled Australian children can apply for permanent or temporary visas. The balance-of-family test applies to most permanent parent visas. Non-contributory visas have very long queues; contributory visas cost more but are processed sooner.
Permanent, non-contributory, applied for outside Australia. Lower charge but a very long queue.
Permanent, non-contributory, for parents old enough to receive the Australian age pension, applied for in Australia.
Permanent 143, or temporary 173 which can later lead to the 143. A higher second instalment charge, with faster processing.
The onshore equivalents of the 143 and 173 for parents of age pension age.
Lets parents visit their children in Australia for up to three or five years at a time. Needs an approved parent sponsor first. No balance-of-family test.
Parent visas in detail
Most permanent parent visas require at least half of your children to live permanently in Australia, or more of your children to live in Australia than in any other single country.
Permanent parent visas need an assurance of support: a person in Australia agrees to support you and a bond is lodged for a set period.
Contributory parent visas cost much more but are processed far faster. Non-contributory visas have queues that can take many years.
Child
For dependent children, adopted children and orphaned relatives of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Permanent visa for a dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen. The 101 is applied for outside Australia, the 802 inside.
Temporary visa for a dependent child of a person who holds a temporary partner visa.
For a child adopted, or being adopted, by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen outside Australia.
For a child under 18 whose parents have died, are permanently incapacitated or cannot be located, sponsored by a relative in Australia.
Other family
These visas are capped and many have very long waiting periods. We give you a realistic assessment before you apply.
For a person whose only near relatives are a brother, sister, parent or step-equivalent who usually live in Australia.
For a person who needs to provide long-term care for a relative in Australia with a medical condition.
For an older, single relative who has been financially dependent on an Australian relative.
How we help
We compare onshore and offshore options, timing and cost, including whether you can stay in Australia while the application is processed.
We guide you on relationship evidence, statements, photographs and third-party declarations so the decision-maker sees the full picture.
We check sponsor limitations, previous sponsorships and character requirements before you lodge.
Documents
The Department looks at four areas: your finances, your household, your social life and your commitment to each other.
Documents not in English need accredited translations.
Printable checklists →Questions
Married couples can apply at any time if the relationship is genuine. De facto partners usually need to show 12 months of living together before applying, unless the relationship is registered or there are compelling circumstances.
If you apply in Australia while holding a substantive visa, you usually receive a bridging visa that lets you stay until a decision is made. Some visa conditions, such as 8503, can prevent you applying in Australia.
Yes. A person can generally sponsor no more than two partners in their lifetime, and not within five years of a previous partner sponsorship, unless there are compelling circumstances.
The visa may still be granted in limited situations, such as family violence by the sponsor, the death of the sponsor, or where there is a child of the relationship. Get advice straight away.
Sometimes. The Department may interview one or both partners to check the relationship is genuine. We help you prepare.
Book a consultation and we'll assess your options against the current criteria.
