Family Migration

Applicants can apply for a visa under the family migration scheme either offshore (outside Australia) or onshore (within Australia).

Family migration visas can be applied for by:

·        parents

·        children

·        other relatives

 

Parent visas (offshore) - Subclasses 103, 143 and 173

Subclass 103 – Parent (Permanent) Visa
A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia. They must pass the Balance of Family test.

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa

A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. They must pass the Balance of Family test. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa

A temporary visa valid for two years. Holders of this visa can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) after two years.

 

Parent visas (onshore) - Subclasses 804, 864 and 884

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent (Permanent)

A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must have children who are living in Australia. They must pass the Balance of Family test. The Aged Parent visa is for parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian Age pension.

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa

A permanent visa for aged parents with children living in Australia. They must pass the Balance of Family test. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa

This is a temporary visa valid for two years. Holders of this visa can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).

 

Child visas (offshore) - Subclasses 101, 102, 117 and 445

Subclass 101 – Child (Permanent)

For a child from overseas who is the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Subclass 102 – Adoption (Permanent)

For a child from overseas who has been or is about to be adopted by an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen. If the child was adopted before the parent became an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen, they should instead apply for a Child visa (subclass 101).

Subclass 117 – Orphan Relative (Permanent)

For a child from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown and who has an eligible sponsor.

Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa (Temporary)

For a child whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

 

Child visas (onshore) - Subclasses 802, 837 and 445

Subclass 802 – Child (Permanent)

For a child from overseas who is the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Subclass 837 – Orphan Relative (Permanent)

For a child from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown, and who has an eligible sponsor.

Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa (Temporary)

For a child whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

 

Other relatives (offshore) - Subclasses 114, 115 and 116

Subclass 114 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa

A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Subclass 115 – Remaining Relative Visa 

For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Subclass 116 – Carer Visa

For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition

 

Other relatives (onshore) - Subclasses 835, 836 and 838

Subclass 835 – Remaining Relative Visa

A permanent visa for applicants to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Subclass 836 – Carer Visa

A permanent visa for people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

Subclass 838 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa

A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.