Family & Partner Visas
Bring your family members to live permanently in Australia
Family Migration Program
Australia's Family Migration Program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia. The program prioritizes partners, children, and parents, recognizing the importance of family unity.
Family visas are generally processed in two stages: a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa after meeting residency and relationship requirements. Some visa types offer direct permanent residency pathways.
Permanent Residency
Most family visas lead to permanent residency, allowing your family to live in Australia indefinitely.
Work & Study Rights
Family visa holders can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
Access to Services
Enjoy Medicare healthcare, social security benefits, and educational opportunities.
Spouse & De Facto Partner Visas
Offshore Partner Visa (309/100)
For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside Australia.
Onshore Partner Visa (820/801)
For partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are in Australia.
Prospective Marriage Visa (300)
For fiancé(e)s of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who intend to marry.
Parent Migration Visas
For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Higher cost but significantly faster processing for parents.
For parents who meet the age requirements (must be in Australia).
Faster processing for aged parents with higher contribution.
Allows parents to visit Australia for up to 5 years at a time.
Child Migration Visas
For children under 18 (or under 25 if full-time student) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside Australia.
For children under 18 (or under 25 if full-time student) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are in Australia.
For children adopted or in the process of being adopted by Australian citizens or permanent residents outside Australia.
For children under 18 who are orphaned or whose parents cannot care for them, sponsored by eligible relatives in Australia.
Partner Visa Relationship Requirements
Genuine & Continuing Relationship
You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing. Evidence includes:
Additional Requirements
De facto relationships (not married) must have lived together for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are compelling circumstances. Same-sex relationships are recognized equally.
Partner Visa Application Process
Gather Evidence
Collect comprehensive evidence of your genuine and continuing relationship.
Sponsor Approval
Australian partner must be approved as a sponsor before visa application.
Lodge Application
Submit visa application online with all supporting documents and pay application fee.
Temporary Visa Grant
Receive temporary visa (309/820) allowing you to live and work in Australia.
Maintain Relationship
Continue genuine relationship for approximately 2 years from application date.
Permanent Visa Grant
Receive permanent visa (100/801) after demonstrating ongoing relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to be married?
No, you can apply as a de facto partner (living together in a genuine relationship). However, you must have lived together for at least 12 months before applying, unless there are compelling circumstances such as having a child together or registered relationship.
Can I work while waiting for my visa?
If you apply for an onshore partner visa (820/801) while holding a valid visa with work rights, you will receive a bridging visa that allows you to work. Offshore applicants (309/100) cannot work in Australia until their visa is granted.
What if we separate before permanent visa?
If your relationship breaks down before the permanent visa is granted, you may still be eligible if there was family violence, or if you have a dependent child with your sponsor. Otherwise, your application may be refused.
How long does the whole process take?
From application to permanent visa grant typically takes 3-4 years. You receive the temporary visa first (usually within 18-24 months), then the permanent visa approximately 2 years after the application date, provided the relationship is still genuine and continuing.
Can my sponsor have sponsored someone before?
Yes, but there are limitations. Your sponsor can only sponsor or be sponsored for a partner visa twice in their lifetime, and must wait 5 years between sponsorships. Exceptions apply in cases of death of the previous partner or if the previous relationship ended due to family violence.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family?
Let our registered migration agents guide you through the family visa process.
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