How to Get Family Sponsorship Visa in Australia

This guide provides detailed information on how to obtain a Family Sponsorship Visa in Australia, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and additional considerations to increase your chances of success.

With the Family Sponsorship Visa, eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor close relatives for either permanent or temporary residence.

Whether you’re a parent wishing to reunite with your children, a partner looking to join your spouse, or a sibling hoping to build a life together, this guide covers the essential steps, requirements, and tips you need.

Types of Family Sponsorship Visas in Australia

The Family Sponsorship Visa stream in Australia includes several types of visas designed for different family relationships and needs. Below are the most common categories:

1. Partner Visas (Subclasses 820/801 and 309/100): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820 or 309) can lead to a permanent visa (Subclass 801 or 100) if the relationship is ongoing.
2. Parent Visas (Subclasses 103 and 143): For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. These visas allow parents to live in Australia permanently, although they come with long wait times. The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is faster but more costly.
3. Child Visas (Subclasses 101 and 802): For children (including adopted or step-children) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas allow children to live with their parents in Australia permanently.
4. Other Family Visas (Subclasses 115 and 835): This category includes Remaining Relative Visas and Aged Dependent Relative Visas for relatives who meet specific eligibility criteria.
5. Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For family members who wish to visit their relatives in Australia temporarily. This visa is typically for short-term stays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Sponsorship Visa

Navigating the visa application process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps can make the process more manageable. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand what each step involves.

1. Choose the Right Visa

Your choice of visa will depend on your relationship with your sponsor and your intentions for your stay in Australia. For example, if you’re a partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, you may qualify for a Partner Visa, while a parent may need to apply for a Parent Visa. Be sure to research each visa option thoroughly to select the one that best aligns with your situation.

2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Family Sponsorship Visa, you and your sponsor must meet certain criteria. Here are the key requirements:

• Relationship Requirement: The applicant must be closely related to the sponsor. This includes being a spouse, de facto partner, child, parent, or dependent relative. Relationships are verified through official documentation.
• Sponsor’s Citizenship or Residency Status: The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Australia.
• Sponsor’s Age: The sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old, although some exceptions apply.
• Financial Capacity: Some visa categories may require the sponsor to show they can financially support the applicant.

3. Gather Required Documents

Each visa type has specific documentation requirements, but generally, you’ll need to submit the following:

• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or documents proving a de facto partnership.
• Identification Documents: Passports, IDs, and proof of nationality.
• Health and Character Checks: Medical examinations to meet health standards, and police clearance certificates to meet character requirements.
• Financial Documents (if applicable): Proof of your sponsor’s financial ability to support you, including bank statements, tax records, and employment information.

4. Create an ImmiAccount

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs uses the ImmiAccount system to manage visa applications. Create an account on the ImmiAccount website and complete your application online. This portal will allow you to track your application status, upload documents, and communicate with the Department of Home Affairs.

5. Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees

After completing the online form, double-check all information for accuracy, as errors can cause delays. Each visa application requires a processing fee, which varies by visa type. Ensure you pay the correct fee, as unpaid applications will not be processed.

6. Await Processing and Updates

Visa processing times can vary based on several factors, including the visa type, the applicant’s country, and the current application backlog. Be prepared for a waiting period, as some visas, such as Parent Visas, can take years to process. Check your ImmiAccount regularly for updates.

Additional Requirements and Considerations

While completing your application, you should also be aware of some additional considerations:

1. Health Requirements

Australia has strict health requirements for all visa applicants to ensure that newcomers do not pose a public health risk. Applicants and their family members must undergo health examinations. Failing to meet health requirements could impact your application’s success.

2. Character Requirements

Australia’s immigration system places a strong emphasis on character. Applicants may be asked to provide a police certificate to verify their criminal history, and those with significant criminal records may be refused a visa.

3. Financial Support

Some visa subclasses require the sponsor to demonstrate they can financially support the applicant. This is particularly important for Parent Visas, as parents may not be permitted to work for a specific period upon arrival in Australia.

4. Seek Professional Assistance

Visa applications can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Australia’s immigration laws. Consider hiring a registered migration agent to help you understand the requirements, organize your documents, and increase your chances of success.

Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship Visa in Australia

Eligibility criteria vary between the applicant and the sponsor. Here’s what each party needs to fulfill:

For the Applicant:

• Relationship: Must be closely related to the sponsor (spouse, partner, parent, child, or other eligible relative).
• Balance of Family Test (for Parent Visas): At least half of the applicant’s children must reside in Australia.
• Health and Character: Must meet Australia’s health and character standards.

For the Sponsor:

• Citizenship or Residency: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Financial Capacity (if applicable): May need to show proof of financial ability to support the applicant.

FAQs

1. How Long Does It Take to Get a Family Sponsorship Visa in Australia?

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Sponsored Family Stream): Processing times typically range from 24 to 36 days.
• Partner Visas (Subclasses 309/100 & 820/801): Processing times can vary but usually range from 17 to 27 months.
• Parent Visas (Subclasses 103 & 143): These visas may take several years or even decades, depending on demand and visa subclass.

2. How Much Does a Family Sponsorship Visa Cost?

The cost of a Family Sponsorship Visa varies widely depending on the visa type and number of applicants. Partner Visas start from AUD 8,085, while Parent Visas can cost upwards of AUD 47,000 for faster processing. Additional fees may apply for dependents.

3. Can I Bring My Sibling to Australia on a Student Visa?

No, student visas only allow for certain dependents, such as spouses or minor children. Unfortunately, siblings do not qualify as dependents on a student visa.

4. Can an Australian Citizen Sponsor a Friend for Permanent Residency?

No, Australian citizens cannot directly sponsor friends for permanent residency. The Family Sponsorship Visa is exclusively for family members.

Conclusion

Applying for a Family Sponsorship Visa in Australia offers a pathway for families to reunite and enjoy life together in a vibrant and diverse country. By understanding the visa options, meeting the eligibility requirements, and following the application steps carefully, you can improve your chances of a successful application.

Although the process may be lengthy, the reward of joining your loved ones in Australia makes it worth the effort.

Whether you’re applying as a partner, parent, or child, being thorough and prepared can help streamline your application process and bring you one step closer to reuniting with family in Australia. For those considering a move to this beautiful country, the Family Sponsorship Visa could be the key to a new chapter filled with opportunity and growth.