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Family visa lawyers in Melbourne
Family visas usually involve several generations and more than one country. For Melbourne families sponsoring parents, children or other relatives, we bring everyone into the same plan, with the sponsor meeting us at Collins Street and relatives joining by video.
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Or call (03) 9958 5854
Family visas in brief
Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor some family members for visas. The main groups are parent visas, child visas, the carer visa, the remaining relative visa and the aged dependent relative visa. Partner visas are a separate program.
Parent visas come in two kinds. Contributory parent visas carry a much higher charge and a shorter queue; non-contributory parent visas carry a lower charge and a far longer wait. Most parent visas require the Balance of Family Test to be met, which looks at where all of the parent's children live. See also our pages on parent visas and child visas.
Melbourne families and their relatives overseas
In most of our Melbourne family matters, the sponsor has settled here, often with children of their own, and wants a parent to join the household or stay for longer periods. The questions we hear most are practical: what happens to a parent who is visiting on a visitor visa, how the second instalment is funded, and whether a temporary sponsored parent visa is a better first step.
Child visa matters are different. They are usually about a child who has been living with the other parent or with grandparents overseas, and the evidence about custody and consent carries much of the weight.
For the full rules, subclasses and current processing information, see our national family visas page.
How Melbourne families work with us
The sponsor usually meets us at Level 13, 257 Collins Street, often with a partner or sibling who is helping with the cost. Parents or children overseas join by video, and we send a written summary after each meeting so everyone has the same account of the advice.
Because family visas can take a long time, we keep a single file for the family and stay in touch while it waits in the queue, so that a change, such as a new grandchild, a move or a change in a parent's health, is dealt with when it happens rather than at the end.
Our Melbourne office
Visa Plan LawyersLevel 13, 257 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, closed on Victorian public holidays
- Phone
- (03) 9958 5854
Government charges
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent (143), main applicant, first instalment | $6,300 |
| Contributory Parent (143), additional applicant 18 or over, first instalment | $2,125 |
| Contributory Parent (143), second instalment, applying directly | $43,600 |
| Parent (103), main applicant, first instalment | $6,600 |
| Parent (103), second instalment, each person | $2,065 |
| Child visa (101/802), main applicant | $4,040 |
| Child visa, additional applicant 18 or over | $2,020 |
| Child visa, additional applicant under 18 | $1,015 |
Parent visa charges are paid in two instalments: the first with the application and the second before the visa is granted. A different second instalment applies to a current or recent Subclass 173 holder.
Checked on 22-10-2026. Source: Department of Home Affairs: current visa pricing. Our professional fees are separate and are quoted in writing before you instruct us.
How the matter runs
-
Family meeting
We meet the sponsor in Melbourne and, by video, the relatives applying, and confirm who is eligible and for which visa.
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Eligibility tests
For parents we work through the Balance of Family Test; for children, dependency and age; for other relatives, the near-relative rules.
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Documents by person
Each family member receives their own document list, with translation and certification needs noted.
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Lodgement and queue
We lodge the application and explain where it sits in the Department's queue and what the family can expect while it waits.
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Before grant
Close to a decision, we arrange health and character checks and payment of any second instalment.
Questions from Melbourne clients
My parents are visiting us in Melbourne. Can they apply for a parent visa from here?
Some parent visas are applied for in Australia and others from outside it, and a visitor visa may carry a condition that stops a further application onshore. Before your parents do anything, we check their current visa, the Balance of Family Test and which parent visa fits, so a step taken in Melbourne does not close an option.
Should we choose the contributory parent visa or the non-contributory one?
The contributory Subclass 143 has a much larger second instalment than the non-contributory Subclass 103, and the queues for the two are very different. Both first instalments and the second instalments are in the table on this page. The choice turns on your family's finances, your parents' ages and how long they can wait, and we talk it through with the whole family.
Can the whole family come to the meeting, including relatives overseas?
Yes. Family visa meetings often include the Melbourne-based sponsor at our Collins Street office and the parents or child joining by video from overseas.
We are bringing a child to join us in Melbourne. Which visa applies?
A dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen may be eligible for a child visa: Subclass 101 from outside Australia or Subclass 802 from inside. Adoption, orphan relative and the child of a partner visa applicant have their own visas. The charges for the child visa are in the table on this page.
Who in the family needs to provide documents?
Usually the sponsor in Melbourne provides proof of status and residence, and the applicant provides identity, relationship and, for parent visas, evidence about where all their children live. We give you one checklist split by person, so each family member knows what is theirs.
Families we have acted for
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"Visa Plan provided exceptional service in helping me and my family with our visa process. Their professionalism and dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free."
Reviewed by James Bae, Managing Director and Principal Immigration Lawyer. This page is general information about Australian migration law and is not legal advice for your circumstances.