Parent Visas
Contributory (143/173, 864/884) and non-contributory (103/804) parent visas, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870), and the Balance of Family Test that governs eligibility.
Family Migration
Australian Family Visas
The family stream lets Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens sponsor close family members for migration. Visa Plan advises on parent, child, carer, remaining relative, and partner pathways, including the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship requirements.
Family visa streams
Each family visa has its own eligibility criteria, sponsorship requirements, and processing arrangements. Select a stream to see the subclasses and pathways in detail.
Child Visas
Dependent child (101 offshore, 802 onshore), adoption (102), the dependent child of a Partner visa applicant (445), and orphan relative (117/837) pathways.
Carer Visa
Permanent visa (116 offshore, 836 onshore) for a relative providing ongoing care to a settled Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.
Remaining Relative Visa
Permanent visa (115 offshore, 835 onshore) for an applicant whose only close family members are settled in Australia. A strict near-relative test applies.
Aged Dependent Relative
Permanent visa (114/838) for an older single relative who has been substantially dependent on a settled Australian relative for a qualifying period.
Partner Visas
Onshore (820/801) and offshore (309/100) partner and prospective marriage visas. Covered separately from the family stream above, with their own criteria.
Why instruct Visa Plan for a family visa
Solicitor-led advice
All matters are handled by admitted Australian solicitors, not migration agents. Your communications are protected by Legal Professional Privilege.
Eligibility assessed first
We confirm sponsorship eligibility, the Balance of Family Test, and relationship evidence before lodging, so applications are not refused on avoidable grounds.
Pathway strategy
Where queues are long, we advise on contributory and temporary options and the trade-offs, so you can choose the pathway that fits your circumstances.
Family visas: common questions
What is the family stream of Australian migration?
The family stream of the Migration Program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor certain family members. It covers partner, parent, child, carer, remaining relative, and aged dependent relative visas. Each visa has its own eligibility criteria, sponsorship requirements, and processing arrangements.
What is the Balance of Family Test?
The Balance of Family Test, set out in regulation 1.05 of the Migration Regulations 1994, applies to parent visas. In general, at least half of a parent’s children must be settled in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country. It does not apply to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa.
How long do family visas take?
Processing times vary widely by visa. Some non-contributory parent visas have very long queues measured in years or decades, while contributory parent visas are faster at a substantially higher Visa Application Charge. Child and partner visas are processed on their own timelines. Always check current Department of Home Affairs processing times for the specific subclass.
Does a family visa guarantee permanent residence?
No. Meeting the sponsorship and relationship requirements is necessary but not sufficient. A visa grant depends on satisfying all criteria for the relevant subclass, including health, character, and any applicable caps and queues. Visa Plan assesses your circumstances and advises on the strongest available pathway before any application is lodged.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Family visa eligibility, caps, and processing times change and depend on individual circumstances. Contact Visa Plan Migration Lawyers for advice specific to your situation.