Partner & Family Visas

Navigating the parent visa stream in 2026 requires a realistic assessment of Department of Home Affairs processing queues.

• The 30-Year Reality: Standard Contributory and Non-Contributory Parent visas (Subclasses 143 and 103) currently face projected wait times exceeding 30 years. For many families, these are no longer viable pathways for immediate reunification.

• The Subclass 870 Advantage: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows parents to stay in Australia for periods of 3 or 5 years, renewable up to a total of 10 years.

Partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens are eligible to immigrate to Australia. The following are considered “partners” in Australian immigration law: Fiancé(e)s Married partners; and De facto partners including same-sex marriages.

If you are engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) may allow you to come to Australia to marry your intended spouse.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are in a genuine relationship, intend to marry their prospective spouse and intend to live together as a married couple after the marriage.

After marrying in Australia, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for an onshore Partner Visa, including the Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801).

Like a Parent Visa, a Child Visa is also issued under several sub-classes. In general, the sponsorship of a child visa is necessary to be done by a parent who is permanently settled in Australia, a citizen of this country, or a qualified New Zealand citizen. If the child concerned is in Australia, he/ she could immigrate as a permanent resident, dependent child, or orphaned relative. In the event that the concerned child is an offshore secondary applicant, a dependent child visa, adoption visa, or orphaned relative visa may be sought.

Aged Parent visa pathways may be available for eligible parents who meet the relevant age requirements and have a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor.

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): A permanent visa option for eligible aged parents in Australia.
• Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884): A temporary pathway for eligible aged parents.
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): A permanent visa option for eligible aged parents.

Eligibility and the most suitable pathway depend on factors including age, location, sponsorship and family circumstances.

In specific circumstances, other family visas may be available to help eligible relatives join or remain with family members in Australia.

• Aged Dependent Relative Visas: For eligible older applicants who rely on an Australian relative for financial support.
• Remaining Relative Visas: For certain applicants whose only near relatives are usually settled in Australia.
• Carer Visas: For eligible applicants who need to provide ongoing care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.
• Orphan Relative and Adoption Visas: For eligible children requiring sponsorship and care arrangements in Australia.

These pathways have strict eligibility requirements, so it is important to obtain advice before commencing an application.

The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa may be available to eligible non-New Zealand family members of certain New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

• This is a temporary visa pathway.
• It may allow eligible applicants to live and work in Australia for up to five years.
• Eligibility depends on the applicant’s relationship to the New Zealand citizen and their individual circumstances.