Family Visas
Parent, child, remaining relative and other family visa applications, including queue dates, balance of family test and assurance of support.
Bringing a Family Member to Australia
Family visa pathways range from quick processing to offshore parent visas with very long queues. Choosing the right pathway depends on the family member, the balance of family in Australia, financial capacity and how long the family is willing to wait, and we give a realistic picture of the options from the start.
Available Family Visa Pathways
Options include contributory and non contributory parent visas, child and adoption visas, and remaining relative, aged dependent relative and carer visas, each with different eligibility rules and processing timeframes.
Parent, Child and Other Family Visas
Parent visas allow parents of settled Australian residents to join their family, child visas cover natural, adopted and step children, and remaining relative or carer visas apply in narrower circumstances involving specific family or care relationships.
Eligibility, Cost and Timing
Sponsorship and the Balance of Family Test
Most family visa categories require an eligible sponsor in Australia and, for parent visas, satisfaction of the balance of family test, which looks at where the applicant's children are permanently living.
Health, Character and Assurance of Support
Applicants generally need to meet health and character requirements, and many parent visa categories require an assurance of support, a legal commitment by an Australian resident to repay certain social security payments, supported by a bond. Gathering identity, health and financial documentation accurately reduces delays.
Waiting Periods and Cost
Non contributory parent visas currently face very long processing times measured in decades, while contributory parent visas are processed in a shorter window at significantly higher cost. We explain this trade off honestly before any application is lodged.
Refusals and Review
Where a family visa application is refused, Tribunal review may be available depending on the visa subclass and the reason for refusal, and strict time limits apply to any review application.
How Shah & Co Lawyers can assist
Family visa timelines vary enormously by category, so getting the pathway right at the start avoids years of wasted waiting.
Parent Visa Applications
Contributory and non contributory parent visa applications, onshore and offshore.
Child and Relative Visas
Child, adoption, orphan relative, remaining relative and carer visa applications.
Balance of Family Test Analysis
Assessment of eligibility before lodgement to avoid wasted applications.
Assurance of Support
Assurance of support applications and bond arrangements.
Tribunal Review
Review of family visa refusals where review rights exist.
Sponsor Eligibility
Advice on sponsor eligibility and obligations under each family visa category.
Factors that affect the right pathway
- Which family member you are seeking to bring to Australia.
- Where the applicant's other children are permanently living.
- How long the family is able and willing to wait.
- The financial capacity to support a contributory or assurance of support pathway.
- Any previous visa refusals or character issues affecting the applicant.
Frequently asked questions
General information only. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Other immigration law services
Visa Refusals
Advice and representation following the refusal of a visa application, including assessment of merits review rights and preparation of review applications within the statutory time limits.
Learn moreVisa Cancellations
Notices of intention to consider cancellation under sections 116 and 501, responses to the Minister or delegate, and merits review of cancellation decisions.
Learn moreMerits Review
Applications to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Migration and Refugee jurisdiction) for review of visa refusal and cancellation decisions, including preparation of submissions and representation at hearing.
Learn moreProtection Visas
Protection visa applications under Australia's protection obligations, including complementary protection, statements of claim and Tribunal review where required.
Learn morePartner Visas
Onshore and offshore partner visa applications, including prospective marriage visas, evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship and dealing with sponsorship issues.
Learn moreCitizenship Matters
Citizenship by conferral and descent applications, advice on the good character requirement and review of refusals before the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Learn moreArrange a confidential consultation about bringing your family member to Australia.
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