How to Sponsor a Family Member to Australia
Many Australian citizens and permanent residents wish to have their close relatives join them so they can live together in Australia.
Australia offers several visa options that allow family members to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently. The available pathway usually depends on the relationship between the sponsor and the person applying for the visa.
What Sponsorship Means
In most family visas, the applicant lodges the visa application while the eligible relative in Australia agrees to sponsor them. The sponsor confirms the relationship with the applicant and agrees to certain sponsorship obligations, which may include providing accommodation and financial support where required.
Depending on the visa subclass, there may also be additional requirements such as an Assurance of Support, which is assessed separately.
Partner Visas
One of the most common ways to bring a family member to Australia is through a partner visa. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens may sponsor their spouse or de facto partner.
Partner visas generally involve two stages. The successful applicant is first granted a temporary visa and may later become eligible for permanent residence if the relationship continues and all requirements are met.
Examples include:
- Subclass 820 and 801 – Partner visa applied for in Australia; and
- Subclass 309 and 100 – Partner visa applied for outside Australia.
Applicants must provide evidence that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. This often includes evidence relating to:
- shared finances;
- living arrangements;
- social recognition of the relationship; and
- long-term commitment.
As well as proving that the relationship is genuine and ongoing, the Australian partner will usually need to meet the sponsorship obligations.
Parent Visas
Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents may also be eligible to migrate to Australia through family visas.
Most parent visa applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test. In general terms, this means that at least half of the applicant’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children live in Australia than in any other country.
Common parent visa options include:
Parent visas are subject to annual migration program places, and processing times can vary significantly depending on the visa category.
Child Visas
Children may also be sponsored to live in Australia by their parents. These visas apply to dependent biological children, adopted children, or stepchildren of Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents.
Common subclasses include:
- Child Visa (Subclass 101) for applications lodged outside Australia; and
- Child Visa (Subclass 802) for applications lodged in Australia.
Applicants must meet age and dependency requirements, and the relationship between the parent and child must be clearly documented.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Member
If you are considering how to sponsor a family member to Australia, the sponsor must usually meet certain eligibility requirements.
In most cases, the sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen;
- Meet relevant character requirements; and
- Agree to meet sponsorship obligations where required.
For some visa categories, a sponsor or another eligible person may also need to provide an Assurance of Support, which is a legal commitment to assist the visa holder financially if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which family members can be sponsored to Australia?
In most cases, Australians can sponsor their partner, children or parents through the family migration program. There are also limited visa options for other relatives, although these visas have strict eligibility requirements and fewer places available.
How long does it take to sponsor a family member to Australia?
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and the individual circumstances of the application. Partner visas may take months or several years to process, while some parent visas can take significantly longer due to annual migration program limits.
Who can sponsor a family member to Australia?
To sponsor a family member, a person must generally be:
- An Australian citizen;
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
Sponsors usually need to be at least 18 years of age and must meet certain character requirements. They may also need to agree to sponsorship obligations for the visa applicant.
Do I need to provide financial support when sponsoring a family member?
Some visas require the sponsor, or another eligible person, to provide financial support. In certain cases, this may involve an Assurance of Support, which is a legal commitment to assist the visa holder financially if necessary. The specific requirements depend on the visa subclass.
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Related Blog – Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia