Australia is not just a land of opportunity; it is a place that values family. Whether you are a permanent resident missing your parents, a citizen wanting to bring your partner home, or a parent hoping to reunite with a child, the Australian family visa in Australia program offers a pathway.
However, in 2025, the landscape of family migration has shifted. With increased application fees, stricter income thresholds for sponsors, and varying processing times, having the right information is critical. This comprehensive guide breaks down every major family visa category to help you navigate the system with confidence.
1. Partner Visas: Bringing Your Love to Australia
Partner visas are the most popular family migration stream. They allow you to live in Australia if you are the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Visa Subclasses at a Glance
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore): You apply while inside Australia. You typically receive a bridging visa to stay while it processes.
- Subclass 309/100 (Offshore): You apply while outside Australia and must wait abroad for the temporary visa grant (unless you get a visitor visa).
- Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage): For fiancés engaged to be married. You must marry within 9-15 months of entering Australia.
2025 Updates & Costs
- Cost Increase: As of July 1, 2025, the base application fee has risen to AUD $9,365. This covers both the temporary and permanent stages.
- Processing Times:
- Subclass 820: 75% processed in under 12 months (due to automation improvements).
- Subclass 309: 90% processed in 26 months.
- Subclass 100 (Permanent Stage): Can take a further 12-18 months after eligibility.
Crucial Requirement: “Genuine & Continuing”
You must provide solid evidence that your relationship is real. In 2025, the Department is stricter on “social” and “financial” evidence.
- Joint bank account statements (active use, not just open).
- Wills or beneficiary listings.
- Photos of social outings with friends/family.
- Lease agreements or joint utility bills.
2. Parent Visas: The “Wait vs. Pay” Dilemma
Bringing parents to Australia is emotionally rewarding but practically challenging due to caps on places. You essentially have two choices: pay a high fee for a faster result, or pay a low fee and wait decades.
A. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173) – The “Fast” Track
- Cost: Base fee + a massive second installment of approx. AUD $43,600 per parent.
- Total Cost: Expect to pay over AUD $100,000 for a couple (including bonds and health checks).
- Processing Time: Currently 12–14 years. Even the “fast” track has a backlog.
- Benefit: Direct PR and Medicare access.
B. Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – The “Slow” Track
- Cost: Much lower application fees (approx. AUD $5,125).
- Processing Time: Currently estimated at 30+ years.
- Reality: This is rarely a viable pathway unless the parent is onshore and eligible for an Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), which allows them to stay in Australia on a bridging visa indefinitely while waiting.
C. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) – The “Visitor” Track
This is a popular 2025 alternative for parents who want to visit for long periods (3-5 years) without permanent residency.
- No Balance of Family Test required.
- Stay: Up to 5 years per visa (max 10 years cumulative).
- Sponsor Income Threshold: The sponsor (child) must earn at least AUD $83,454.80 (taxable income) in the last financial year.
- Cost: Approx. AUD $5,735 (3-year visa) or AUD $11,470 (5-year visa).
- Condition: Parents cannot work in Australia.
3. Child Visas: Securing Your Children’s Future
If you are a PR or Citizen and your child was born overseas, you can sponsor them to live with you permanently.
- Subclass 101 (Offshore) / 802 (Onshore)
- Eligibility: Child must be dependent on you. Usually under 18, or under 25 if a full-time student.
- Cost: Approx. AUD $3,140.
- Processing:
- Subclass 101: 90% processed in 27 months.
- Subclass 802: 90% processed in 14 months.
- Key Check: The sponsoring parent must meet character requirements (police checks) to ensure child safety.
4. Other Family Visas (Carer & Relative)
These visas exist for specific humanitarian or care needs but are heavily capped and slow.
Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836)
For people who need to move to Australia to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition that cannot be treated by Australian services.
- Medical Assessment: The relative’s condition must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services (impairment rating of 30+).
- Processing: Can take 4–6 years.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835)
For people whose entire near family (parents, siblings) are settled in Australia.
- Wait Time: Extremely long—estimated at 50+ years. It is functionally closed for new practical applications.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114/838)
For single, older relatives who rely on an Australian family member for financial support.
- Wait Time: Also 50+ years.
Step-by-Step Application Guide (2025)
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Sponsors: Must be settled Australian PRs or Citizens.
- Applicants: Must meet health and character requirements.
- Income: Check if you meet the $83,454.80 threshold for the 870 visa.
Step 2: Collect Documents
- Identity: Passports, birth certificates.
- Status: Proof of sponsor’s citizenship/PR.
- Evidence: Marriage certs, photos, financial proof (Form 888 for partners).
- Police Checks: From every country lived in for 12+ months (last 10 years).
Step 3: Lodge Online via ImmiAccount
- Most family visas are now online. Ensure scans are high-quality color copies.
- Pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) immediately to lock in your date.
Step 4: Health Exams & Biometrics
- Wait for the “HAP ID” after lodging.
- Book health exams with Bupa (in Australia) or approved panel physicians (overseas).
Step 5: The Waiting Game
- Processing times fluctuate. Keep your contact details updated in ImmiAccount.
- Do not sell your house or quit your job until the visa is granted!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I work while waiting for my Partner Visa?
A: If you lodge an Onshore (820) application, you will generally be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This usually comes with full work rights and Medicare access while you wait for a decision.
Q: Can I include my parents in my own PR application?
A: Generally, no. Parents are not considered “members of the family unit” for skilled migration visas. You must get your PR first, then sponsor them separately.
Q: What is the “Balance of Family” test?
A: It’s a strict rule for Parent Visas (103/143). At least half of your parent’s children must live permanently in Australia. (e.g., If they have 3 children, at least 2 must be in Australia).
Q: Is the 870 Sponsored Parent Visa renewable?
A: Yes. You can apply for further visas up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years stay in Australia. However, it does not lead to permanent residency.
Need Help Uniting Your Family?
Family visas are emotionally high-stakes and legally complex. A single error in evidence or form filling can lead to a refusal, costing you thousands of dollars and years of separation.
At Ausizz Migration Consultants, we specialize in bringing families together. Our experts understand the nuances of the 2025 rules and can guide you to the fastest, safest pathway for your loved ones.
Get a Free Family Visa Assessment Today!
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
