Australia Family Visa Options Explained (2026)

The Department of Home Affairs groups family visas into several categories:

• - Partner visas — For spouses, de facto partners, and prospective marriage applicants
• - Parent visas — For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents
• - Child visas — For dependent children, adopted children, and orphan relatives
• - Other family visas — For remaining relatives, aged dependent relatives, and carers

Each category has specific eligibility requirements and different processing times. The costs vary enormously — from around $2,500 for a child visa to over $48,000 for a contributory parent visa.

The partner visa is the most common family visa. It allows spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently.

Key details: - Onshore (Subclass 820/801): Apply while in Australia. Grants a temporary visa first, then permanent after at least two years - Offshore (Subclass 309/100): Apply from outside Australia. Same two-stage process - Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300): For fiances who intend to marry in Australia within 9 months - Government fee: $8,850 (2026) - Processing time: 15-30 months for the temporary stage - Agent fee: $3,000-$8,000 (see our cost guide)

The main challenge is proving the relationship is genuine. The Department examines financial evidence, living arrangements, social recognition, and commitment to each other. A migration agent experienced in partner visas can help prepare strong evidence. Read our detailed partner visa guide.

Australia offers several parent visa options, but the costs and wait times vary dramatically:

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173): - Government fee: $48,365 (plus $2,000 Assurance of Support bond per person) - Processing time: 5-7 years - This is the faster option despite the high cost

Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103): - Government fee: $4,990 - Processing time: 29-30+ years (queue is essentially closed) - New applications are not being accepted

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804/884): - For parents of pension age who are in Australia - Similar costs to the contributory pathway

The balance of family test requires that at least half of the parent's children live in Australia (or more children live in Australia than any other single country).

See our guide on parent visa processing times for current wait estimates.

Child visas allow dependent children under 18 (or dependent students under 25) to join their parent in Australia.

Key details: - Offshore (Subclass 101): For children outside Australia - Onshore (Subclass 802): For children already in Australia - Government fee: $2,790 - Processing time: 8-14 months

The sponsoring parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Adoption cases (Subclass 102) have additional requirements including compliance with Australian intercountry adoption laws.

Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835): For applicants whose only near relatives (as defined by immigration law) are in Australia. This visa has very long processing times (10+ years) and limited places.

Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836): For applicants who need to provide care to an Australian relative with a medical condition. Requires evidence from a medical practitioner.

Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114/838): For older relatives who are financially dependent on an Australian citizen or resident.

• - Start gathering documents early — family visas require extensive documentation including birth certificates, relationship evidence, police clearances, and financial records
• - Budget for the full cost — government fees, agent fees, health exams, translations, and postage add up
• - Use a migration agent for partner visas — the relationship evidence requirements are strict and a professional can ensure you present a strong case. Find a specialist agent
• - Be prepared to wait — parent visas in particular have very long processing times. Plan your family's living arrangements accordingly
• - Keep your contact details updated — the Department communicates by email and post. Missing a request can delay or jeopardise your application
• - Check processing times regularly using our processing times tool