One of the most humane aspects of Australia's immigration program is its provision for individuals who have already obtained permanent residency or citizenship to sponsor their spouses, children, and parents to apply for temporary or permanent residency visas in Australia. Although family reunion migration does not have strict requirements concerning education or English proficiency, this does not mean that the application process is necessarily easier.
- Categories of Family Reunion Visas
- Application Process
1.Partner Visas：
- Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): This visa is for individuals who are in Australia and wish to apply for permanent residency through their partner. The applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100): This visa is for individuals who are outside Australia and wish to join their partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The process involves an initial temporary visa followed by a pathway to permanent residency.
2.Child Visas:
- Subclass 101 (Child Visa): This visa allows children who are outside Australia to join their parents who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The child must be under 18 years of age or a full-time student between 18 and 25.
- Subclass 802 (Child Visa): This visa is for children who are in Australia and want to stay with their parent or parents. The application can be lodged from within Australia, and the child must meet certain health and character requirements.
3.arent Visas:
- Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa): This visa allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia as permanent residents. It involves a higher application fee but provides a faster processing time compared to other parent visas.
- Subclass 103 (Parent Visa): This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently but generally involves a longer processing time and lower application fee compared to the Contributory Parent Visa. There are substantial waiting periods due to high demand and limited places.
- Eligibility Assessment: The first step in the family reunion migration process is to assess the eligibility of the applicant and the sponsoring family member. This involves ensuring that the sponsor meets the residency and financial requirements and that the applicant meets the visa-specific criteria.
- Document Preparation: 2. Applicants must prepare and submit a range of documents to support their application. This includes evidence of the genuine relationship for partner visas, proof of dependency for child visas, and evidence of family relationship and financial support for parent visas.
- Visa Application:3.Once the necessary documents are prepared, the application is lodged with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The processing times can vary significantly depending on the visa category and the specific circumstances of the application.
- Health and Character Checks: Applicants will need to undergo health examinations and character checks as part of the visa process. These checks ensure that applicants meet the health and character requirements set by Australian immigration authorities.
- Visa Decision: 5.After the application has been reviewed and processed, the Department of Home Affairs will make a decision. Successful applicants will receive a visa grant notification, allowing them to move to Australia or continue their stay.
- Post-Visa Support: 6.Once granted a visa, applicants may need assistance with settling into their new life in Australia. Support services may include help with finding accommodation, understanding local regulations, and integrating into the community.
Overall, while the family reunion migration program aims to keep families together, applicants should be prepared for a thorough process that involves meeting specific requirements and navigating complex procedures.