Family and partner visas Australia cover a broad group of visa subclasses that allow eligible relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This category spans partners, parents, children, carers, and other close relatives, and it forms one of the largest and most commonly used parts of Australia’s migration system. Because family circumstances vary so widely, the Department of Home Affairs maintains a large number of subclasses within this category, each with its own eligibility settings, processing pathway, and purpose.
This guide brings together every visa subclass within the family and partner category so you can understand how the category is structured, how the subclasses relate to one another, and which pathway may be relevant to your situation. Each subclass is summarised briefly below, with a link through to its dedicated article for full detail. This page does not provide legal or immigration advice; it is designed to help you understand your options before speaking with an OMARA-registered migration agent.
Table of contents
- Family and partner visas Australia: an overview
- What this visa category is and who it is for
- How the category fits within Australia’s migration system
- Key facts overview table
- High-level eligibility themes
- Subclass directory
- Comparison table of all subclasses
- How to choose between the subclasses
- Provisional vs permanent visas
- Pathways to permanent residency
- Pathways to citizenship
- Benefits of this visa category
- Limitations and common challenges
- Family member inclusion
- Key takeaways
- Common reasons applications may not succeed
- Important considerations
- Frequently asked questions
- Get expert help
What this visa category is and who it is for
The family and partner visa category is designed for people who have a qualifying family relationship with an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This includes spouses and de facto partners, fiancé(e)s, parents, children, carers, and certain other relatives such as remaining relatives, orphan relatives, and aged dependent relatives.
This category suits people who already have a close family connection to someone settled in Australia and who wish to reunite with them permanently or, in some cases, temporarily while a permanent application is processed.
How the category fits within Australia’s migration system
Family and partner visas sit alongside skilled, business, student, and humanitarian visas as one of the core pillars of Australia’s migration program. Unlike skilled visas, which are generally assessed against points, occupation lists, and labour market needs, family and partner visas are assessed primarily on the genuineness of the relationship and the sponsor’s eligibility to sponsor. Many subclasses in this category also interact with the permanent residency (PR) visa pathway and, further down the track, the citizenship application process.
Key facts overview table
| Category feature | Overview |
|---|---|
| Number of subclasses | 25 subclasses across partner, parent, child, and other relative streams |
| Core requirement | A qualifying family relationship and, in most cases, an eligible sponsor |
| Visa types included | Both temporary/provisional visas and permanent visas |
| Typical assessment focus | Genuineness of relationship, sponsor eligibility, health and character |
| Processing times | Vary widely by subclass, from months to several years |
| Leads to permanent residency | Most subclasses in this category lead to, or are, permanent residency |
High-level eligibility themes common across the category
- A genuine and ongoing family relationship must generally be demonstrated
- Most subclasses require an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Health and character requirements apply across almost all subclasses
- Some subclasses have balance-of-family or “remaining relative” style tests
- Provisional subclasses often lead to a linked permanent subclass after a qualifying period
Subclass directory
Below is a summary of every subclass within the family and partner visa category. Full detail for each subclass, including eligibility criteria and conditions, is covered in its dedicated article. Confirmed article links will be added as they become available; subclasses without a confirmed link are flagged below rather than linked.
Partner and marriage visas
Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
A temporary visa for the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, lodged from outside Australia. It is the offshore counterpart to the onshore Partner visa (subclass 820) and is typically paired with the permanent subclass 100 visa.
- Provisional (temporary) visa
- Lodged and generally held while offshore
- Requires sponsorship by an eligible partner
- Pathway to the permanent subclass 100 visa
Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)
The permanent partner visa granted after the provisional subclass 309 stage, once the relationship continues to meet requirements. It grants permanent residency to the partner of an eligible sponsor.
- Permanent visa
- Follow-on visa to subclass 309
- Requires ongoing genuine relationship
- Grants full permanent residency benefits
Partner visa (subclass 820)
The onshore, temporary stage of the partner visa process for partners applying while in Australia. It allows the applicant to remain in Australia while the application, and the linked permanent subclass 801 visa, are processed.
- Temporary visa
- Lodged onshore
- Combined application with subclass 801
- Allows work rights while processing continues
Partner visa (subclass 801)
The permanent onshore partner visa, granted once the subclass 820 stage requirements continue to be met over the qualifying period. It provides permanent residency to the applicant based on their ongoing relationship.
- Permanent visa
- Follow-on visa to subclass 820
- Requires the relationship to remain genuine
- Grants full permanent residency benefits
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
A temporary visa for people who intend to marry their Australian sponsor and wish to enter Australia to do so. It suits couples who are engaged but not yet married and who plan to apply for a partner visa after the wedding.
- Temporary visa
- Requires a genuine intention to marry the sponsor
- Time-limited stay to allow the marriage to take place
- Can lead to a partner visa application after marriage
Parent visas
Parent visa (subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who do not meet the balance-of-family test required for some other parent visas. It has a non-contributory application charge but typically involves a longer queue.
- Permanent visa
- Lower application charge than contributory options
- Generally longer processing queue
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
A permanent visa for parents who have reached retirement age and whose sponsoring child is settled in Australia. It follows the same non-contributory structure as subclass 103 but is specific to aged parents.
- Permanent visa
- Applicant must be of age-pension age
- Lower charge, longer queue than contributory options
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
A permanent visa for parents of an eligible sponsor, involving a higher contributory application charge in exchange for typically faster processing than the standard parent visa.
- Permanent visa
- Higher contributory charge
- Generally faster processing than subclass 103
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
A temporary visa that allows a parent to live in Australia while a permanent contributory parent visa application progresses, offering an interim stay option for the family.
- Temporary visa
- Usually paired with a permanent contributory parent application
- Time-limited stay in Australia
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
A permanent visa for aged parents who pay the higher contributory charge in exchange for a faster processing pathway compared with the standard aged parent visa.
- Permanent visa
- Applicant must be of age-pension age
- Higher contributory charge, faster than subclass 804
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
A temporary visa allowing an aged parent to remain in Australia while a permanent contributory aged parent visa application is finalised.
- Temporary visa
- Applicant must be of age-pension age
- Usually paired with a permanent application
- Requires an eligible sponsoring child
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)
A temporary visa allowing parents to stay in Australia for an extended period without needing to hold, or transition to, a permanent parent visa. It suits families seeking a temporary rather than permanent arrangement.
- Temporary visa
- Does not itself lead to permanent residency
- Requires an approved sponsorship from the child
- Suits long, but not permanent, family visits
Child visas
Child visa (subclass 101)
A permanent visa for the dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, lodged from outside Australia so the child can join their parent permanently.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged offshore
- Applicant must meet the definition of a dependent child
- Requires an eligible sponsoring parent
Child visa (subclass 802)
The onshore equivalent of subclass 101, allowing a dependent child already in Australia to obtain permanent residency through their parent’s sponsorship.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged onshore
- Applicant must meet the definition of a dependent child
- Requires an eligible sponsoring parent
Adoption visa (subclass 102)
A permanent visa for a child adopted, or in the process of being adopted, by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, whether the adoption occurs overseas or within Australia.
- Permanent visa
- Covers overseas and Australian adoptions
- Requires an eligible adoptive parent sponsor
- Distinct from the standard child visa subclasses
Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
A temporary visa for a dependent child of a parent who holds, or is applying for, certain other visas, allowing the child to remain with their family while the parent’s matter is resolved.
- Temporary visa
- Linked to a parent’s visa circumstances
- Keeps the family unit together during processing
- Applicant must meet the dependent child definition
Carer, remaining relative, orphan relative, and aged dependent relative visas
Carer visa (subclass 836)
An onshore permanent visa for a person who provides substantial and ongoing care to a relative in Australia who has a long-term or permanent medical condition, where no other suitable carer is reasonably available.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged onshore
- Requires evidence of an ongoing medical care need
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
Carer visa (subclass 116)
The offshore equivalent of subclass 836, for a carer applying from outside Australia to care for a relative with a long-term or permanent medical condition.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged offshore
- Requires evidence of an ongoing medical care need
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)
An onshore permanent visa for the last remaining close relative of a family who has no other near relatives outside Australia, allowing them to join their family who are settled in Australia.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged onshore
- Involves a strict “remaining relative” balance-of-family test
- Requires an eligible sponsor in Australia
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)
The offshore equivalent of subclass 835, for a remaining relative applying from outside Australia to join family members settled in the country.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged offshore
- Involves a strict “remaining relative” balance-of-family test
- Requires an eligible sponsor in Australia
Orphan Relative visa (subclass 837)
An onshore permanent visa for a relative under 18 whose parents have died, are incapacitated, or cannot care for them, and who has an eligible relative in Australia able to sponsor them.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged onshore
- Applicant must generally be under 18 and unmarried
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117)
The offshore equivalent of subclass 837, allowing an orphaned relative applying from outside Australia to join an eligible sponsoring relative in Australia.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged offshore
- Applicant must generally be under 18 and unmarried
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838)
An onshore permanent visa for a relative who is of age-pension age and who is wholly or substantially dependent on an eligible relative settled in Australia, with no other close family able to provide support.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged onshore
- Requires evidence of long-term financial and other dependence
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114)
The offshore equivalent of subclass 838, for an aged dependent relative applying from outside Australia to join and be supported by their eligible sponsoring relative.
- Permanent visa
- Lodged offshore
- Requires evidence of long-term financial and other dependence
- Requires an eligible relative sponsor
New Zealand family relationship visa
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461)
A temporary visa for the family member of an eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia, allowing the family member to live, work, and study in Australia for an extended period.
- Temporary visa
- Specific to family members of eligible New Zealand citizens
- Renewable temporary stay rather than a direct permanent pathway
- Requires an eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor
Comparison table of all subclasses
| Subclass | Provisional or permanent | Sponsorship required | Leads to PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption visa (102) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Aged Dependent Relative (114) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Aged Dependent Relative (838) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Aged Parent (804) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Carer (116) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Carer (836) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Child (101) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Child (802) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Contributory Aged Parent (Temp) (884) | Provisional | Yes | Leads to subclass 864 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Contributory Parent (Temp) (173) | Provisional | Yes | Leads to subclass 143 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Dependent Child (445) | Provisional | Linked to parent | Depends on parent visa |
| NZ Citizen Family Relationship (Temp) (461) | Provisional | Yes | Not directly |
| Orphan Relative (117) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Orphan Relative (837) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Parent (103) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Partner (Provisional) (309) | Provisional | Yes | Leads to subclass 100 |
| Partner (Migrant) (100) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Partner (820) | Provisional | Yes | Leads to subclass 801 |
| Partner (801) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Prospective Marriage (300) | Provisional | Yes | Not directly; may lead to a partner visa |
| Remaining Relative (115) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Remaining Relative (835) | Permanent | Yes | Is permanent |
| Sponsored Parent (Temp) (870) | Temporary | Yes | Not directly |
How to choose between the subclasses
Choosing between family and partner visa subclasses generally starts with identifying the relationship involved: partner, parent, child, or other relative. From there, key factors include whether the applicant is already in Australia (onshore) or applying from overseas (offshore), whether a faster contributory pathway is affordable for parent applicants, and whether a temporary or a permanent outcome best suits the family’s needs. Because eligibility criteria, evidentiary requirements, and processing times differ significantly between subclasses, most applicants benefit from tailored guidance from an OMARA-registered migration agent rather than relying on general information alone.
Provisional vs permanent visas within the category
Several subclasses in this category follow a two-stage structure: a provisional or temporary visa is granted first, followed by a permanent visa once further requirements are met over time. This applies to the partner visa stream (309/100 and 820/801) and to the contributory parent visa stream (173/143 and 884/864). Other subclasses, such as the standard child and orphan relative visas, are granted directly as permanent visas without a provisional stage. Some subclasses, including the Prospective Marriage visa and the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, are temporary by design and do not themselves convert into permanent residency.
Pathways to permanent residency across the category
Most subclasses within the family and partner category either grant permanent residency directly or form part of a clear two-stage pathway toward it. Applicants on provisional partner or contributory parent visas generally progress to the matching permanent subclass once the qualifying period and ongoing eligibility requirements are satisfied. Broader detail on permanent residency pathways is available on the permanent residency (PR) visa page.
Pathways to citizenship
Once a person holds permanent residency through a family or partner visa, they may, after meeting residency and other requirements, become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Citizenship is assessed separately from the visa grant and depends on factors such as time spent in Australia as a permanent resident. General information is available on the citizenship application page.
Benefits of this visa category
- Allows close family members to reunite and live together in Australia
- Most subclasses lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship eligibility
- Provisional visa holders in the partner stream generally have work rights while their permanent visa is processed
- Provides options for a wide range of family circumstances, from partners to aged parents and carers
Limitations and common challenges
- Processing times for some subclasses, particularly non-contributory parent visas, can extend over many years
- Contributory pathways involve significantly higher application charges
- Relationship-based subclasses require substantial evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship
- Some subclasses, such as remaining relative and orphan relative visas, involve strict eligibility tests that not all applicants will meet
Family member inclusion
Many subclasses in this category allow the primary applicant to include eligible family members, such as a partner and dependent children, in the same application. Inclusion rules vary by subclass, and some relative-based visas are structured around a single applicant joining a family already settled in Australia rather than around including additional dependants. Specific inclusion rules for each subclass are covered in that subclass’s dedicated article.
Key takeaways
- The family and partner visa category includes 25 subclasses covering partners, parents, children, carers, and other relatives
- Many subclasses follow a provisional-to-permanent structure, while others are granted directly as permanent visas
- Eligibility generally depends on a genuine family relationship and an eligible sponsor
- Processing times and costs vary significantly, particularly between contributory and non-contributory parent visa options
Common reasons applications may not succeed
- Insufficient evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship or family connection
- Sponsor not meeting eligibility requirements at the time of application
- Failure to meet health or character requirements
- Not meeting specific tests such as the balance-of-family or remaining relative criteria
- Incomplete documentation or inconsistencies within the application
Important considerations
- Sponsorship eligibility and limits can affect timing, particularly for partner visa sponsors
- Application charges differ substantially between standard and contributory parent visa pathways
- Processing times can change over time and vary by individual circumstances
- Each subclass has its own detailed eligibility criteria that should be reviewed before forming a view on suitability
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a partner visa and a prospective marriage visa?
A partner visa is for people who are already married or in a de facto relationship with their sponsor, while a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is for engaged couples who intend to marry after the applicant arrives in Australia.
What is the difference between subclass 820 and subclass 801?
Subclass 820 is the temporary onshore partner visa, while subclass 801 is the permanent visa that follows it once the relationship continues to meet requirements over the qualifying period.
What is a contributory parent visa and how is it different from a standard parent visa?
A contributory parent visa involves a higher application charge in exchange for generally faster processing, while the standard, non-contributory parent visa has a lower charge but a longer typical processing queue.
Can I sponsor my aged parents to live in Australia permanently?
Aged parents of age-pension age may be eligible for the Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) or the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864), both of which lead to permanent residency, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
What is a remaining relative visa?
A remaining relative visa (subclass 115 or 835) is for a person who is the last remaining close relative of their family living outside Australia, allowing them to join relatives already settled in Australia, subject to a strict balance-of-family style test.
Does the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa lead to permanent residency?
No. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) allows an extended temporary stay in Australia but does not itself convert into a permanent visa.
Who can apply for a Carer visa?
A Carer visa (subclass 116 or 836) is for a person who provides substantial and ongoing care to a relative in Australia with a long-term or permanent medical condition, where no other suitable carer is reasonably available in Australia.
How do I know which family visa subclass applies to my situation?
Because eligibility criteria differ across the 25 subclasses in this category, the most reliable way to identify the right pathway is to speak with an OMARA-registered migration agent who can assess your specific family circumstances.
Get expert help with family and partner visas
Choosing the right visa within the family and partner visa category can be complex. ImmigrationAU.com.au connects you with OMARA-registered migration agents who specialise in family and partner visa matters across Australia.
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