How to Apply for a Family Visa in Australia: Complete Guide for 2026

Australia’s family migration program gives eligible relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens a pathway to live together permanently — but navigating it is far from simple.

From choosing the right subclass to assembling the correct documentation, the process involves strict legal requirements, significant financial commitments, and processing periods that can stretch years. Getting the application right from the start makes a real difference.

At FTS Visa Services, our MARA-registered migration agents help families across Australia understand their options and lodge well-prepared applications. This guide covers everything you need to know about Australia’s family visa pathways in 2026 — including visa types, costs, processing times, eligibility rules, and the steps to apply.

What Is a Family Visa in Australia?

A family visa allows eligible relatives to join a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen — either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Department of Home Affairs administers Australia’s Family Stream migration program, which is divided into several visa categories based on the relationship between the applicant and their Australian sponsor.

Official family visa listings: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing#Family-and-partner-visas

Types of Family Visas Available in Australia

Partner Visas — Subclass 820/801 (Onshore) and 309/100 (Offshore)

Partner visas are the most common family visa pathway, available to spouses and de facto partners of eligible Australian sponsors.

There are two routes depending on where you are when you apply:

Onshore (Subclass 820 → 801): For applicants already in Australia. After lodgement, you are granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which typically includes full work rights and Medicare access while your application is assessed. The 820 is the temporary stage; the 801 is the permanent stage, usually granted after two years.

Offshore (Subclass 309 → 100): For applicants outside Australia. The 309 is a temporary partner visa; the 100 is the permanent stage.

2026 Partner Visa Application Fee: Approximately AUD $9,365 for the primary applicant.

Processing Times:

• Temporary stage (820/309): approximately 14–26 months
• Permanent stage (801/100): an additional 20–28 months after the temporary grant

Processing times fluctuate based on application volumes and completeness of documentation. Always check the official processing times tool for current estimates.

Parent Visas — Subclass 103, 143, 173, and 884/864

Parent visas allow eligible parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia.

Parent visas are subject to annual migration program limits, which means waiting periods can extend well beyond 10 years for non-contributory options. Contributory parent visas are significantly more expensive but generally processed faster.

Approximate cost for Subclass 143: Over AUD $47,000 for a couple (including second instalment charges).

Child Visas — Subclass 101 and 802

Child visas are available for dependent children of eligible Australian sponsors who are not yet Australian citizens or permanent residents.

• Subclass 101 (Offshore): For children outside Australia
• Subclass 802 (Onshore): For children already in Australia

Both visas, if granted, provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Remaining Relative Visa — Subclass 115 and 835

This visa may be suitable for applicants whose only near relatives permanently reside in Australia. Eligibility is very specific — applicants must have no near relatives outside Australia other than the sponsor.

Carer Visa — Subclass 116 and 836

The Carer Visa allows an eligible relative to move to Australia to provide long-term, substantial care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen with a medical condition that limits their ability to look after themselves.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa Application?

Depending on the visa subclass, sponsors must be:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen

Sponsors are also generally required to:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Meet character requirements
• Satisfy any financial support obligations under the migration regulations
• Be willing to fulfil their sponsorship obligations throughout the relevant period

Australia Family Visa Rules You Must Understand

The Balance of Family Test (Parent Visas)

For parent visas, applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test — meaning at least half of their children must be lawfully and permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

Genuine Relationship Requirement (Partner Visas)

Partner visa applicants must demonstrate their relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs assesses four key aspects:

1. Financial: Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, property ownership
2. Household: Shared living arrangements, division of household responsibilities
3. Social: Recognition of the relationship by family and friends, social activities together
4. Commitment: Future plans, knowledge of each other’s background and circumstances

Insufficient relationship evidence is one of the most common reasons for partner visa delays and refusals.

Character Requirements

All applicants must satisfy Australia’s character requirements. This typically involves providing police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Health Requirements

Most applicants must meet Australia’s health standards by undergoing a medical examination with an approved panel physician. Some visa subclasses require health checks before lodgement; others request them during processing.

Sponsorship Obligations (Assurance of Support)

Some visa subclasses — particularly parent visas — require an Assurance of Support (AoS), a legal commitment by the sponsor (or another approved person) to repay certain Australian Government payments made to the visa holder during a specified period. A bond may be required.

How to Apply for a Family Visa in Australia — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa Subclass

Choosing the wrong subclass wastes time, money, and can complicate future applications. Consider:

• The nature of your relationship to the sponsor
• Whether you are onshore or offshore
• Your budget and intended timeline
• Whether a temporary or permanent visa suits your immediate circumstances

Step 2: Check Eligibility for Both Applicant and Sponsor

Before lodging, both parties must satisfy eligibility criteria. For partner visas, this includes relationship evidence. For parent visas, this includes the Balance of Family Test. Confirm eligibility early to avoid applications that cannot succeed.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation

The Department of Home Affairs requires thorough, organised evidence. Commonly required documents include:

• Certified passport copies (all relevant pages)
• Birth certificates
• Marriage or de facto relationship certificates
• Police clearances from all relevant countries
• Medical examination results (from an approved panel physician)
• Relationship evidence (photos, communications, statutory declarations)
• Financial records and joint commitments
• Sponsorship declaration and forms

Important: Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation by a NAATI-accredited translator.

Step 4: Create an ImmiAccount

All Australian visa applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount: online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

Both the sponsor and applicant will need separate ImmiAccount profiles in most cases.

Step 5: Lodge the Application and Pay Government Fees

Once all forms and documents are ready, submit the application online and pay the required government fees. Keep a record of the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and your Application ID.

Double-check everything before submission — inconsistencies between forms, passport details, or provided evidence can trigger requests for further information and delay processing.

Step 6: Complete Health and Character Checks

Depending on the visa subclass:

Attend a medical examination with an approved panel physician (HAP ID is required — available via ImmiAccount after lodgement in most cases)

• Lodge police clearance certificates from all required countries
• Provide biometric information if requested by the Department

Step 7: Respond Promptly to Departmental Requests

During assessment, the Department may issue a Section 56 request for additional information or a Schedule 3 request (for certain partner visa applicants). Responding accurately and on time is critical — failing to respond within the set timeframe can result in a decision being made on the information already on file.

Family Visa in Australia Processing Times in 2026

Processing times vary significantly by visa subclass:

These are estimates only. Processing times change based on application volumes, annual migration program allocations, health and character assessment outcomes, and whether additional information is requested. Always check the official tool for current data: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

Common Reasons Family Visa Applications Are Delayed or Refused

Even well-intentioned applicants experience delays due to avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• Insufficient relationship evidence — particularly for partner visas, where applicants underestimate the volume and quality of evidence required
• Incorrect visa subclass — applying for the wrong visa can mean starting over entirely
• Missing or outdated documents — expired police clearances or medical results cause significant delays
• Incomplete forms — missing fields or inconsistent answers attract departmental scrutiny
• Slow responses to departmental requests — failing to reply promptly within the given timeframe can result in a decision being made without your input
• Providing false or misleading information — this can result in visa refusal and a finding of bad character that affects all future Australian visa applications

Why Work With a MARA-Registered Migration Agent?

Australian migration law is complex, regularly updated, and highly consequential — errors are costly and can affect your ability to apply in the future.

A MARA-registered migration agent is legally authorised to provide Australian immigration advice and assist with visa applications. Working with a registered agent can help you:

• Select the correct visa subclass from the outset
• Understand and satisfy all eligibility requirements
• Build a stronger evidence file
• Respond effectively to departmental requests
• Avoid common mistakes that cause delays or refusals

Verify any migration agent’s registration at: mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents

At FTS Visa Services, our MARA-registered agents work closely with clients throughout the entire application process — from initial eligibility assessment through to visa grant.

Other Visa Options Worth Considering

Depending on your circumstances, you may also wish to explore:

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — For family members wanting to visit Australia temporarily while long-term options are explored. Can be granted for up to 3–5 years for parents of citizens and permanent residents.
• Skilled Migration Visas — If you hold qualifications or work experience in an occupation on Australia’s Priority Skilled Occupation List, a skills-based pathway may be faster and more cost-effective than a family visa.
• Student Visa (Subclass 500) — For eligible family members who wish to study in Australia full-time while pursuing longer-term residency options.

Key Takeaways

Applying for an Australian family visa involves far more than completing a form. You need to:

• Choose the correct visa subclass for your situation
• Satisfy eligibility requirements for both the applicant and the sponsor
• Build a thorough and well-organised evidence file
• Meet health and character obligations
• Respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs

With proper preparation and professional support, families can significantly improve their chances of a successful outcome. FTS Visa Services provides personalised guidance to individuals and families at every stage of the Australian family visa process — helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Contact FTS Visa Services for an obligation-free consultation with a MARA-registered migration agent.

Frequently Asked Questionhttps://ftsvisa.com.au/skilled-nominated-visa/