Family Visas

Family Visa Options for Australia

Australia values family unity and offers a range of visa options for family members who wish to join their loved ones in the country. These visa options are designed to reunite families and provide a pathway for family members to live, work, and study in Australia.


Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent residency visa for the parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Meet the balance-of-family test, which means that at least half of the applicant's children must be living in Australia

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their child or an eligible sponsor

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent residency visa for the parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens who are aged. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be aged

  • Have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their child or an eligible sponsor

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent residency visa for the parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. The visa is a 'fast-track' option and the visa fee is higher than that of the parent visa. The visa applicant must also have an assurance of support to be eligible. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Meet the balance-of-family test, which means that at least half of the applicant's children must be living in Australia

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their child or an eligible sponsor

  • Have an assurance of support

Child Visa (Subclass 101)

The Child Visa (Subclass 101) is a permanent residency visa for children of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a parent who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their parent or an eligible sponsor

Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) is a permanent residency visa for children adopted outside of Australia by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have been adopted by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Meet the adoption requirements, which means that the adoption must be recognized under Australian law

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their parent or an eligible sponsor

Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117)

The Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) is a permanent residency visa for children who have lost one or both parents and have a relative in Australia who is willing and able to provide for their needs. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have lost one or both parents

  • Have a relative in Australia who is willing and able to provide for their needs

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by their relative or an eligible sponsor


Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who provide care for an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has a long-term medical condition and requires assistance with daily tasks. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Meet the health and character requirements

  • Meet the sponsorship requirements, which means that the applicant must be sponsored by the person they will be caring for or an eligible sponsor

  • Provide evidence that they will be providing care to their sponsor who has a long-term medical condition that requires assistance with daily tasks

It's worth noting that the above are just a few examples of the family visa options available to those who wish to join their loved ones in Australia.