Family Visas

There are a number of migration options for parents, children and other family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Create “Further Information” boxes with separate labels:

Further Information: Parent Visa

Further Information: Child Visa

Further Information: Other Family Members

Parent Visa Options - If you are in Australia

Aged parent visas

These visas are for parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian Age pension.

An aged parent making a parent visa application will not immediately be entitled to an Age pension after being granted a permanent visa. All new Australian permanent residents must wait 10 years before being eligible to receive the Age pension (unless there is a reciprocal agreement with another country that pays you a pension) or Disability pension.

Aged Parent (Permanent) (Subclass 804)
A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must have children who are living in Australia.

Contributory Aged Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 864)
A permanent visa for aged parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).

Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (from Subclass 884 to Subclass 864)
For holders of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).

Other parents visas

Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Parent Visa Options - If you are outside Australia

Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.

Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143)
A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Humanitarian Program – Split Family Provisions
Children in Australia who are under the age of 18 and have been granted any permanent humanitarian visa (including Protection and Resolution of Status visas) in the last five years may be eligible to propose their parents for entry to Australia through the offshore Humanitarian Program.

Child Visa Options

If the child is in Australia, the categories are:

Child (Permanent) (Subclass 802)
For children from overseas who are children or stepchildren of, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 837)
For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown.

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

If the child is outside Australia, the categories are:

Child (Permanent) (Subclass 101)
For children from overseas who are the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 117)
For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown and who have an eligible sponsor.

Adoption (Permanent) (Subclass 102)
For children from overseas who have been or about to be adopted by an Australian citizen, the holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Important: If the child was adopted before the parent became an Australian citizen, the holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen they cannot apply for this visa. They must apply for a Child visa (subclass 101).

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

Humanitarian Program – Split Family Provisions
For the dependent children of people granted any permanent humanitarian visa (including Protection and Resolution of Status visas) in the last five years. Dependent children declared at the time of application may be eligible for entry to Australia through the offshore Humanitarian Program.

Other Family Members

If the Other Family Member is in Australia, the categories are:

Remaining Relative (Subclass 835) (Permanent)
For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 838) (Permanent)
A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Carer (Subclass 836) (Permanent)
For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) (Temporary)
For non-New Zealand citizens to travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.

If the Other Family Member is outside Australia, the categories are:

Remaining Relative Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 115)
For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 114)
A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Carer Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 116)
For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) (Temporary)
For non-New Zealand citizens to travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.