WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN AUSTRALIA FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA?
Australia’s family sponsorship visa program isn’t just about relocation—it’s about creating a future where families can thrive, support one another, and share life’s milestones. Whether you’re looking to move with a spouse, parent, child, or another close relative or join them in Australia, a family sponsorship visa paves the way for permanent residency and a life surrounded by those who matter most.
Discover how a family sponsorship visa could be the ideal solution for reuniting with your loved ones.
WHAT IS A FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA?
A family sponsorship visa is a type of visa designed to reunite family members by allowing Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their loved ones for residency in Australia. These visas provide opportunities for partners, parents, children, and other eligible relatives to move with or join their family in Australia, creating a stronger support system and fostering family unity.
The key to eligibility for a family sponsorship visa lies in the sponsor’s status and the applicant’s relationship to them. Sponsors generally need to demonstrate their ability to support the applicant financially, and in some cases, provide an Assurance of Support bond to cover any potential welfare costs. These visas not only allow families to move together and/or reconnect but some also offer permanent residency options, granting access to healthcare, education, and employment rights in Australia.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN AUSTRALIA FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA?
Spouse or Life Partner
If you are married to or in a long-term, committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) (if applying from within Australia) or Subclass 309/100 (if applying from overseas)
Parent of an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for several visa options, such as:
Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for several visa options, such as:
- The Subclass 143/864 (Contributory Parent Visas)
- The Subclass 103 (Parent Visa)
- The Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent (temporary) Visa)
Dependent Child
Children of Australian citizens or permanent residents may qualify for the Child Visa (Subclass 101 or 802) if they are under 25 years old and financially dependent on their parents
Remaining Relatives
If you have no immediate family outside Australia, the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 or 835) may be a suitable option. This visa is designed for individuals whose closest family members are Australian citizens or permanent residents living in Australia
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T QUALIFY FOR A FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA?
Step 1: Consult with Hitchcock & Associates
The first step is to consult with immigration experts who can assess your situation and identify potential opportunities. Hitchcock & Associates specialises in helping interested parties understand their visa options, even when family sponsorship isn’t immediately viable. We’ll review your case and (if possible) highlight areas for improvement, and recommend the best course of action.
Step 2: Strengthen Your Case
● Gathering Stronger Documentation: Providing more comprehensive evidence of your family ties.
● Meeting Financial Requirements: Some family sponsorship visas require an Assurance of Support bond, which ensures applicants won’t rely on Australian welfare.
● Building Your Relationship Evidence: For partner visa applicants, strengthening the evidence of your relationship can significantly improve your chances.
Step 3: Consider an Alternative Visa
If family sponsorship isn’t the right pathway, there are many alternative visas to consider:
● Skilled Migration Visas: If your occupation is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, you may qualify for a points-based visa like the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190.
● National Innovation Visa (NIV): If you are a leading professional with exceptional skills in technology, innovation, or research, the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a great option. This visa is designed for individuals with advanced skills in specialized industries who want to contribute to Australia’s economic growth.
● Regional Work Visas: The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) offers opportunities to settle and work in designated regional areas. It is a temporary visa with the option to transition to permanent residency.
● Temporary Visas: If you have a job offer and an employer willing to sponsor you, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) allows you to live in Australia temporarily and may lead to permanent residency.
Step 4: Prepare for Reapplication or a Fresh Start
If you’ve strengthened your case or identified a new visa pathway, the next step is to prepare a high-quality application. This includes:
● Ensuring all documents are complete and meet Australian immigration standards.
● Addressing any previous issues that may have led to a rejection.
● Highlighting your eligibility and meeting all visa-specific requirements.
Our team at Hitchcock & Associates will handle the complexities of your application, giving you the best chance of a successful outcome.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
For partners: Are you married or in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident? If so, the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or Subclass 309/100) may be ideal.
For parents: Do you meet the age and sponsorship requirements for the Parent Visa (Subclass 143/864)?
For other family members: Are all your near relatives in Australia as citizens or permanent residents or are you financially or emotionally dependent on your Australian sponsor? If so, visas like the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835) or Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) might apply.
Step 2: Secure a Sponsor
Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. They’ll need to meet specific criteria, including:
Being over 18 years of age.
Demonstrating financial stability to support the applicant for a certain period during their stay in Australia.
In some cases, providing an Assurance of Support bond to ensure the applicant won’t rely on public welfare services.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Documentation is critical to proving your eligibility and relationship to the sponsor. Common documents include:
Evidence of the relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificates, shared finances, joint leases).
Identity documents (e.g. passports, birth certificates).
Police clearance certificates to meet character requirements.
Evidence of financial support or dependency (if applicable).
Step 4: Lodge Your Application
Most family sponsorship visa applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to create an account, complete the relevant visa application form, and upload all supporting documentation. The sponsor may also need to submit a sponsorship application alongside yours.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Visa application fees vary depending on the subclass. For example:
Partner visas generally have a higher upfront cost.
Parent visas like the Subclass 143/864 are more expensive, with fees reaching nearly $50,000 per applicant.
Ensure you’re aware of the costs and budget accordingly.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times for family sponsorship visas can vary greatly depending on the subclass and current processing times by the Department of Home Affairs For example:
Partner Visas: Typically processed within 12-24 months.
Parent Visas: Non-contributory visas may take several years, while contributory visas are faster but more expensive.
During this time, ensure you’re responsive to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.
WHY CHOOSE HITCHCOCK & ASSOCIATES FOR YOUR APPLICATION?
Applying for a family sponsorship visa for Australia can be complex, but Hitchcock & Associates is here to simplify the process. Our experienced team will:
- Assess your eligibility and recommend the best visa pathway.
- Help prepare the required documentation.
- Guide you through the online application process.
- Address any challenges or requests for further evidence from immigration authorities.
