Bringing your loved ones to live with you in Australia is a dream for many migrants. Fortunately, Australia offers a range of family sponsorship visa options that allow permanent residents and citizens to reunite with close family members. If you’re looking to sponsor family to join you in Australia, this guide will walk you through the key steps and requirements to get started.
Who Can You Sponsor?
As an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to sponsor the following family members:
- Partner or Spouse (including de facto)
- Fiancé(e) or prospective marriage partner
- Dependent children
- Parents (through aged or contributory parent visas)
- Other eligible relatives, such as siblings or carers, in limited circumstances
Each visa has its own eligibility criteria, and processing times and costs can vary.
Common Visa Categories for Family Sponsorship
1. Partner Visas (Onshore 820/801 & Offshore 309/100)
If you’re in a genuine relationship with your partner, you may sponsor them for a partner visa. These are processed in two stages: a temporary visa followed by permanent residency.
2. Parent Visas (Aged Parent Visa 804, Contributory Parent Visa 143/864)
Parents of settled Australian residents can be sponsored, but these visas often have long queues unless you choose the contributory option, which is faster but more costly.
3. Child Visas
You can sponsor your dependent child, adopted child, or orphan relative under the Child Visa (subclass 101 or 802), depending on whether they are inside or outside Australia.
4. Other Family Visas
In some cases, you may be able to sponsor a carer (Carer Visa 116/836), remaining relative (115/835), or aged dependent relative.
General Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a family member, you must usually:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Meet income or support requirements (for some visas)
- Pass character and police checks
For parent and partner visas, you may also be required to provide an Assurance of Support, showing you can financially support your relative and prevent them from relying on welfare.
Application Process
The application process generally includes:
- Eligibility check and choosing the correct visa
- Lodging a sponsorship application from the Australian-based sponsor
- Submitting the visa application by the family member
- Processing by the Department of Home Affairs, which may include health, character, and biometrics checks
Need Help? Let Australian Visa Advice Guide You
Applying to sponsor a family member can be complex, and visa rules change often. That’s where Australian Visa Advice comes in. Our team provides expert guidance on:
- Choosing the right visa for your family’s circumstances
- Ensuring all documents and requirements are met
- Lodging both sponsorship and visa applications correctly
- Advising on processing times, fees, and potential delays
We take the stress out of the process, so you can focus on what matters most, reuniting with your loved ones.
Reunite with Your Family the Right Way
Whether you’re bringing your spouse, children, or parents, sponsoring a family member to join you in Australia is a meaningful and life-changing step. With the right support and guidance, you can navigate the visa process with confidence.
Contact Australian Visa Advice today to start your family sponsorship journey.
