Family Visas
If you have a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to join them through the Family Migration Program. Aran Legal guides you through every step with clarity and care.
Overview
Keeping Families Together in Australia
The Family Migration Program recognises the importance of keeping families together and offers several pathways depending on your relationship to your sponsor. Whether you are bringing a child, joining your relatives, or reuniting aging parents, there is a pathway designed for you.
Family visas represent a significant financial and emotional investment. Government application fees can cost thousands of dollars — and these fees are not refunded by the Department of Home Affairs, even if your application is refused. Aran Legal makes sure your first application is your best application.
Family Visa Pathways.
- Parent Visas (Subclasses 173, 143, 884, 864, 870, 103) — For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents, with temporary and permanent options available.
- Child Visas (Subclasses 101, 802, 102) — For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents, onshore or offshore.
- Relative Visas (Subclasses 115, 835, 461) — For remaining relatives or New Zealand citizen family members wishing to join eligible family in Australia.
Partner Visas
Subclasses 820, 801, 309, 100, 300, 461
You can apply for a partner visa if the Main applicant’s partner is an:
- Australian citizen
- Australian permanent resident
- Eligible New Zealand citizen
Partner Visa
Subclass 820 & 801
For applicants who are currently in Australia and in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
SC 820 – Temporary partner visa allowing you to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
SC 801 – Permanent partner visa granted after meeting relationship requirements.
This pathway allows applicants to remain in Australia during processing.
Partner Visa
Subclass 309 & 100
For applicants who are outside Australia when applying.
SC 309 – Temporary visa allowing entry to Australia.
SC 100 – Permanent visa granted after relationship assessment.
Applicants usually transition to permanent residency around two years after application.
Prospective Marriage Visa
Subclass 300
For applicants who are outside Australia and engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Allows entry to Australia to marry your partner.
You must marry within 9 months of visa grant.
After marriage, you can apply for the Onshore Partner Visa (820/801).
Child Visas
Subclasses 101, 802 & 102
Permanent visas allowing dependent children to live, study and access healthcare in Australia.
Child Visa
Subclass 101
For children outside Australia who want to move to live with their parent permanently. Allows the child to stay, study, and access healthcare in Australia indefinitely.
Child Visa
Subclass 802
For children already in Australia who wish to remain permanently with their parent. A permanent visa with the same benefits as Subclass 101.
Adoption Visa
Subclass 102
For children who have been adopted or are being adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be under 18 years of age throughout the adoption process.
Key Requirements
Child Visa Requirements
Permanent visas allowing dependent children to live, study and access healthcare in Australia.
Sponsorship
The child must be sponsored by their parent or their parent's partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Relationship Status
The child must be single not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship at the time of application.
Age Requirement
Under 18 years of age, or 18–25 and studying full-time and financially dependent, or over 18 with a disability and dependent on the parent.
All applicants must meet health and character requirements. If custody is shared, consent from the other parent may be required. Aran Legal ensures your documentation is complete and compliant.
Relative Visas
Subclasses 115, 835 & 461
For remaining relatives and New Zealand citizen family members seeking to join eligible family in Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa
Subclass 115
For applicants outside Australia who are the brother, sister, or child of an eligible Australian and have no close family members living outside Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa
Subclass 835
The onshore version of the Remaining Relative Visa, for applicants already in Australia applying for permanent residence as the remaining relative of their eligible family member.
NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa
Subclass 461
A temporary visa for non-NZ citizens who are family members of a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444). Live and work in Australia for up to five years.
Parent Visas
Subclasses 103, 173, 143, 884, 864 & 870
Multiple pathways for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents temporary and permanent options available.
Parent Visa
Subclass 103
A permanent visa with a low government fee, but with extremely long processing times — currently estimated at over 30 years due to high demand. Best for those who can wait and do not need immediate permanent residence.
Contributory Parent Visa
SC 173 (Temp) & SC 143 (Permanent)
Faster processing in exchange for a higher government fee. SC 173 allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years, after which they can apply for permanent SC 143. Costs can be spread over two stages.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa
SC 884 (Temp) & SC 864 (Permanent)
For parents aged 67 and over applying while onshore. SC 884 is temporary, leading to the permanent SC 864. Applicants can remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while their application is processed.
Key Requirements
What Parent Visa Applicants Must Demonstrates
Balance of Family Test
For most permanent parent visas, at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia. The Subclass 870 is exempt from this requirement.
Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen aged over 18.
Assurance of Support
Most permanent parent visas require a financial bond to ensure you do not rely on government welfare during your initial years in Australia.
Health & Character
All applicants must meet health and character requirements. Subclass 870 also requires mandatory health insurance throughout the stay.
Aran Legal is ready to assist you with your family visa application, whether you are seeking to bring a child, a relative, or an aging parent to Australia. We help families navigate Australian migration law with clarity and compassion.
Important Notice