Australian family reunification immigration

This document compiles core information on Australian family reunification immigration, covering visa categories for spouses, children, parents, and other family members.

Project Description

Australian family reunification immigration aims to allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their immediate or close relatives to come to Australia for family reunification. It is mainly divided into four categories:

• Spouse/Partner Visa: Applicable to married couples or de facto partners. The process typically involves two steps: first, a temporary visa is granted (subclass 820 onshore or subclass 309 offshore), and after two years, eligible applicants can apply for a permanent visa (subclass 801 onshore or subclass 100 offshore). Additionally, the subclass 300 unmarried partner visa allows applicants to marry within nine months of arriving in Australia, after which they can apply for a partner visa.
• Child visa: Applicable to the sponsor's biological, adopted, or stepchildren. Children are usually under 18 years old; if 18-23 years old, they must be financially dependent on the sponsor. Subclasses 101 (offshore) and 802 (onshore) are the main categories.
Parent visas include queue-based (subclass 103, low cost but extremely long wait) and fee-based (subclass 143, high cost but relatively shorter wait). The 870 temporary parent visa allows parents to reside continuously for 3-5 years (maximum cumulative 10 years), but they cannot work and it does not directly lead to permanent residency.
• Other Family Category: Applicable to widowed or childless relatives, elderly dependents, or caregivers requiring special care. This category requires applicants to have no other close relatives to rely on, and there are very few spots available (only 500 spots in fiscal year 2024-25).

Application requirements

The applicant and guarantor must meet the following core conditions:

• Sponsor requirements: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or older, and must be “settled” in Australia (usually meaning resided in Australia for more than 2 years).
• Family Balance Test (Parents): This test is required for permanent parent visa applicants, meaning that at least half or more of the applicant's children reside in Australia long-term.
• Financial sponsorship: Contributory parent visas require financial sponsorship, and the sponsor must provide a guarantee (e.g., AUD 10,000) to prevent the applicant from receiving welfare benefits. The 870 visa requires the sponsor to have an annual personal income of at least AUD 83,454.80.
• Health and character: All applicants must pass a medical examination and a criminal record check.
• Authenticity of Relationship (Spouse Category): The authenticity and continuity of the relationship must be demonstrated through the "four pillars" of finance, family, social relationships, and mutual commitment.

suggestion

• Consider the time and money: The waiting time for the standard parent visa (subclass 103) is as long as 30 years, which is impractical; the paid visa (subclass 143) requires at least AUD 50,000 in fees and an expected 12-year waiting period. If you want a quick family reunion and do not need permanent residency, the 870 temporary visa is a better compromise.
• Take advantage of the bridging visa: If your parents have reached the age to receive the Australian pension (currently 67 years old), they can apply for the 864 Aged Parent Contributory Visa onshore. After the bridging visa is approved, they can legally wait for the result in Australia indefinitely.
• Ensure all application materials are complete: Family reunification immigration has a high rejection rate, especially for the "family balance test" and relationship documentation. Always double-check the document checklist before submission, and it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional registered immigration agent.



Australian family reunification immigration application process

1. Confirm eligibility: Determine the sponsor's identity and whether the applicant meets the requirements for a specific visa category (e.g., age, balance test).
2. Required documents: Passport, proof of relationship, criminal record check, medical examination report, and proof of funds. Non-English documents must be certified translated.
3. Submit the application:
• Online submission: Spouses and parents applying for temporary visas (subject to visa type 870) can submit their applications online through ImmiAccount.
• Paper submission: Parents (103/143), children and other family visas require a completed paper form to be mailed.
4. Awaiting Processing: Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date and accessible while awaiting your visa. If your application materials are incomplete, the immigration office will request additional documents (which will extend the processing time).
5. Approval and Entry: After approval, the first entry date requirement must be met. Consultation fee: US$500.

$500.00

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