Home Affairs

The following information has been reproduced from the website of the Department of Homes Affairs on 27 April 2025. 

 

Australia has a range of visas available to help families to reunite in Australia.

Family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens can apply to come to Australia either temporarily or to live permanently through the Migration Program​.

The Family Migration program is an important part of Australia’s immigration system. It promotes family unity, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. It also provides a pathway for eligible family members to:

• live and work in Australia

• contribute to the economy

• become part of the Australian community.

Australia offers a range of visa options for Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to be reunited with their spouse, de facto partner or prospective spouse in Australia both temporarily and permanently.

You can personalise any of the below web pages depending on whether you are an applicant or a sponsor. You can do this after clicking on the relevant link.

Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)

This visa lets you come to Australia to marry your prospective spouse. You can then apply for a Partner visa.

You must be outside of Australia when you apply for this visa.

For more information see Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300).

Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)

This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia and live in Australia temporarily.

You must be outside of Australia when you apply for this visa.

For more information see Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309).

Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100).

Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)

This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently.

For more information see Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100).

Partner visa (Temporary) (subclass 820)

This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australia citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily.

You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa.

For more information see Partner visa (Temporary) (subclass 820).

Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (Permanent) (subclass 801).

Partner visa (Permanent) (subclass 801)

This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently.

For more information see Partner visa (Permanent) (subclass 801).

Relationship cessation information

There may be circumstances in which the Partner visa application can continue despite the relationship between you and your sponsor ending.

This includes when:

• the sponsoring partner has died

• you, or any other family members included on the application have experienced domestic and family violence committed by the sponsoring partner

• you and the sponsoring partner have a child and share access and parental responsibility.

For more information, see Your relationship has changed.​​

Your online safety

To protect your personal safety online, we recommend you:

• Change your ImmiAccount password as soon as possible and avoid using saved passwords to log in.

• Update your email password or consider creating a new email account.

For more tips on improving your online safety, check the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety checklist page.

​Global processing model

Partner visa applications can be processed at any of our offices, including those inside and outside Australia.

The location of the office that processes the application is not determined by the nationality or location of the applicant.

This ensures we process applications in a consistent manner and allows us to respond to impacts such as COVID 19.

Help and Support

Query​
Useful links and/or correct contact channel information

You want to apply for a Partner visaGo to ImmiAccount.
 

​You need more information

Go to Partner Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​.

You want to know how long your visa application may take to processGo to Visa processing times.

You want help with your visa applicationSee Who can help with your application.

You are experiencing technical difficulties with ​ImmiAccountSee ImmiAccount Technical Help.

Your circumstances have changedSee Changes in your situation.

You want to arrange a health examinationSee Meet our health requirements.

You want more information about Afghan nationals​​
See the Department's website Afghanistan Update or go to Smart Traveller.

​You want to withdraw your applicationGo to You want to withdraw an application.

You have a complaint or want to provide feedbackSee Compliments, complaints and suggestions.

You want to become an Australian CitizenSee Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.​

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Visa Processing Times Australia

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Planning

Each year the Australian Government plans the number and types of visas provided through Australia's Migration Program. This includes the Family Migration Program.

In 2022-23, the Australian Government allocated a planning level of 52,500 places to the Family stream of the Migration Program.

We grant Partner and Child visas on a demand driven basis to help family reunification. For the 2023-24 program year, 40,500 Partner visas and 3,000 Child visas are estimated for our planning purposes.

For further detailed information see Migration Program planning levels.

Processing

The time that it takes for us to process an application for a visa under the Family Migration Program can vary.

A range of factors can impact on processing times.

You can find information on processing times for Partner and Child visas at ​global processing times.

Parent and Other Family visa applications are subject to capping and queueing.

See Parent visas - queue release dates and processing times.

See Other family visas - queue release dates and processing times.

The order in which we assesses Family Program visas is set by Ministerial Directions. See Family visa processing priorities.

When you submit all the required information with your visa application, we may be able to process your application faster. See Check twice, submit once.

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Family Migration Program

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Domestic and family violence

If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

Police in Australia are safe, you can trust them.

The Australian Government has zero tolerance for domestic and family violence against anyone. This includes permanent and temporary visa holders.

You do not need to stay in a relationship where you do not feel safe to stay in Australia.

For further information see Domestic and family violence and your visa.

Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS)

Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS) offers short term needs-based support to help eligible visa holders, with complex needs, to access appropriate mainstream services and develop the necessary skills to manage their needs independently.

For eligibility and further information see Specialised and Intensive Services.

Support to settle into Australia

Settling into a new country can be challenging. Support is available to help you start your journey in Australia.

You can find a range of information on settling in Australia, including information on English language and settlement support services that you may be eligible for at Settle in Australia.​

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Family Migration Program

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Change to Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa

From 1 July 2024, the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa can be granted to applicants in or outside Australia. For more information see Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa.

COVID-19 visa concessions for family visa applicants

The Government introduced a number of concessions for eligible family visa applicants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

The COVID-19 concession period commenced on 1 February 2020 and ended on 25 November 2023.

For more information see COVID-19 visa concessions.

Change to Partner (subclass 309 and 820) visas

From 25 November 2023, the Partner (subclass 309) visa can be granted to applicants in or outside Australia. For more information see Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa.

From 25 November 2023, the Partner (subclass 820) visa can be granted to applicants in or outside Australia. For more information see Subclass 820 Partner visa (temporary).

Partner Visa Processing News

If you hold a Partner (subclass 309) or Partner (subclass 820) visa and two years have passed since you first applied for your Partner visa, you can now submit your information for the permanent stage of your Partner visa.

Partner (subclass 309) holders see: Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) visa.

Partner (subclass 820) holders see: Subclass 801 Partner visa (Permanent).

Make sure you provide all required information with your application. Applications with all required information can be processed faster.

A list of common questions and answers for ‘Subclass 309 and Subclass 820 holders’ is available at Partner Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens - Impact on holders and applicants of family type visas

On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. This means all New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) are eligible to apply directly for citizenship (by conferral).

These changes only apply to citizenship applications submitted on or after 1 July 2023. If you are a New Zealand citizen, you can check on the day you want to apply to confirm your eligibility.

Withdrawing your application

New Zealand citizen SCV holders with a pending Partner, Parent, Child or Other Family type visa application, who on 1 July 2023 may be eligible to apply for citizenship by conferral under the new direct pathway for Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens, may wish to consider withdrawing their application.

Applicants should consider:

• their individual circumstances

• impact on family members and their pending visa applications, visas they hold, and/or their future visa options in Australia

• the benefits of permanent residence

• the timeframes for processing citizenship applications.

Applicants would remain temporary residents during citizenship processing.

For further information see You want to withdraw an application.

Refunds

The direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia does not entitle holders or applicants for any Partner, Parent, Child or Other Family type visa, who are holders or would otherwise hold an SCV, a refund of their Visa Application Charge (VAC). There are very limited circumstances in which we refund a VAC. For further information see Getting a refund.

Family members of New Zealand citizens

The backdating of permanent residence for SCV holders will impact children born to SCV holders. From 1 July 2023, any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth. From 1 July 2023, children who meet these circumstances can apply for evidence of citizenship.

Eligible family members of SCV holders will continue to be able to apply for, and be granted, a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa.

Family members who already hold a Subclass 461 visa will continue to hold this visa for the remaining period of its validity, which could be up to 5 years. See your visa conditions, including its expiry date, in your grant letter or in VEVO.

Family members of SCV holders who acquire Australian citizenship, however, will no longer be eligible to apply for a Subclass 461 visa from the citizenship acquisition date.

New Zealand citizens who obtain Australian citizenship through the new direct pathway can visit the Department’s website to explore visa options to sponsor their family members. Relevant visa options to remain in Australia may include Partner and Child visas.

Impacted family members of New Zealand citizens who get Australian citizenship through this pathway may also wish to explore their visa options.

Explore visa options

Replacement of Ministerial Direction 80 with Ministerial Direction 102

On 9 February 2023, the Australian Government revoked Ministerial Direction 80 - Order for considering and disposing of Family visa applications (Direction 80) and replaced it with Ministerial Direction 102 – Order for considering and disposing of Family visa applications (Direction 102). Direction 102 removes the lowest processing priority for applications where the sponsor is a permanent visa holder who entered Australia as an unlawful maritime arrival.

Applicants who were previously affected by Ministerial Direction 80 do not need to take any further action to ensure their visa is processed.

For further information see Direction 102.

Applicants from Afghanistan can visit Afghanistan update. 

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Australia offers a range of visa options for parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their children in Australia. This includes both temporary and permanent visa options. 

A limited number of permanent Parent visa places are available each Migration Program year. Once we reach this number, we do not grant any more visas that program year. 

Demand for these visas is greater than the places available each year. As a result, processing times for Parent visa applications can be lengthy.

 You can personalise any of the below web pages depending on whether you are an applicant or a sponsor. You can do this after clicking on the relevant link.

Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

This permanent visa lets an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia. ​For more information see Aged Parent visa (subclass 804).

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)

This temporary visa lets the aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay temporarily in Australia.

For more information see Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884).

Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)

This permanent visa lets the aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia.

For more information see Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).​

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

This temporary visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay temporarily in Australia.

For more information see Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173).

Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)

This permanent visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia.

For more information see Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Parent visa (subclass 103)

This permanent visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia.

For more information see Parent visa (subclass 103).

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)

This temporary visa lets a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years.

For more information see Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).

Parent visa processing

We can't provide exact processing timeframes for these visas. These visas are subject to capping and queueing*.

Learn more about estimated processing times for these visas at the Parent visa queue.

Learn more about processing priorities.

* excludes Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)

Help and support​

QueryUseful links and/or correct contact channel information

You want to apply for a Parent visa You must apply for Parent visas on a paper application form.

For further information see Parent Visa Centre.

You want help with your visa applicationFor further information see Parent Visa Centre.

Your circumstances have changed Go to Changes in your situation.

You want to arrange a health examination See Meet our health requirements.

You want more information about Afghan nationalsSee the Department's website Afghanistan Update or go to Smart Traveller.

​You want to withdraw an applicationGo to You want to withdraw an application.

You have a complaint or want to provide feedbackSee Compliments, complaints and suggestions.

You want to become an Australian CitizenSee Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.

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The Child category in the Family Migration Program allows children to be sponsored to live permanently in Australia. Generally, children are sponsored by their biological or adoptive parents. There is also an Orphan Relative visa option for an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand Citizen or an Australian permanent resident to sponsor a relative to come to Australia to live. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found.

You can personalise any of the below web pages depending on whether you are an applicant or a sponsor. You can do this after clicking on the relevant link.

Child visa (subclass 101)

 

This visa lets a child outside Australia move to live with their parent in Australia. The child must be a dependent of a parent who is an Australian Citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa.

 

For more information see Child visa (subclass 101).

Adoption visa (subclass 102)

This visa lets a child adopted outside Australia live in Australia with their adoptive parent.​

For more information see Adoption visa (subclass 102).

Child visa (subclass 802)

This visa allows a child to stay in Australia and live with their parents.

For more information see Child visa (subclass 802).

Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)

This visa allows a child to stay in Australia temporarily while we process their parent's permanent Partner visa application.

For more information see Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).

Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117)

This visa lets a child come to Australia to live with a relative. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found. 

For more information see Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117).

Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837)

This visa lets a child stay in Australia with a relative. This applies if their parents are deceased, can't care for them or can't be found. 

For more information see Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837). 

Child visa processing

From April 2020, all new Child visa applications are processed in our Perth office. A​pplications lodged prior to this date may be processed at one of our overseas offices.

Help and Support​

QueryUseful links and/or correct contact channel information

You want to apply for a Child visaYou must apply for Child visas on a paper application form.

For further information see Child and orphan relative processing centre form.​

You want to view the progress of your applicationFor further information see Child and orphan relative visa processing centre form.

You need assistance with your applicationSee who can help with your application.

Your circumstances have changedGo to Changes in your situation.

You want to arrange a health examinationSee Meet our health requirements.

You want more information about Afghan nationalsSee the Department's website Afghanistan Update or go to Smart Traveller.

​You want to withdraw an applicationGo to You want to withdraw an application.

You have a complaint or want to provide feedbackSee Compliments, complaints and suggestions.

You want to become an Australian CitizenSee Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.

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​​​Australia offers a range of permanent visa options for aged dependent relatives, carers and remaining relatives of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.

A limited number of Other Family visa places are available each Migration Program year. Once we reach this number, we do not grant any more visas that program year.

Demand for these visas is greater than the places available each year. As a result, processing times for Other Family visa applications can be lengthy.

You can personalise any of the below web pages depending on whether you are an applicant or a sponsor. You can do this after clicking on the relevant link.

Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114)

This permanent visa lets a single older person, who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support, move to Australia permanently.

For more information see Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114).

Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838)

This permanent visa lets a single older person stay in Australia if they rely on a relative living in Australia for financial support.

For more information see Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838).

Carer visa (subclass 836)

This permanent visa lets you stay in Australia to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.

They must have no reasonable access to care options in Australia.

For more information see Carer visa (subclass 836).

Carer visa (subclass 116)

This permanent visa lets you move to Australia to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.

They must have no reasonable access to care options in Australia.

For more information see Carer visa (subclass 116).

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461)

This visa is for a person who is not a New Zealand citizen but is a member of a family unit of a New Zealand citizen.

It lets you live and work in Australia for five years.

For more information see New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461).

Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)

This permanent visa lets people move to Australia to be with their only close family members.

For more information see Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115).

Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)

This permanent visa lets people stay in Australia to be with their only close family members.

For more information see Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835).

Former Resident visa (subclass 151)

This visa lets former permanent residents and certain people who served in the Australian Defence Force to live in Australia.

For more information see Former Resident visa (subclass 151).

Other Family visa processing

We can't provide exact processing timeframes for these visas. These visas are subject to capping and queueing*.

* excludes New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) and Former Resident visa (subclass 151)

Help and Support

QueryUseful links and/or correct contact channel information

You want to apply for Other Family visas

You must apply for Other Family visas on paper application forms.

For further information on applying see explore visa options

You want to view the progress of your applicationFor further information see ​Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre .

You need assistance with your applicationSee who can help with your application.

You need help with submitting documents to your applicationFor information related to submitting documents see Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre.

You want to arrange a health examinationSee Meet our health requirements.

Your circumstances have changedGo to Changes in your situation.

You want more information about Afghan nationalsSee Afghanistan Update or go to Smart Traveller.

​You want to withdraw an applicationGo to You want to withdraw an application. .

You have a complaint or want to provide feedbackSee Compliments, complaints and suggestions.

You want to become an Australian CitizenSee Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) Permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.