Australia offers a range of family visas designed to reunite parents, children and other eligible relatives with their loved ones. Each visa category has different requirements, costs and waiting times – and choosing the right pathway can make a significant difference to your long-term migration goals.
Whether your aim is a temporary stay or permanent migration, it is crucial to select the visa that best suits your family’s circumstances and future plans.
The other family visas subclasses that are available include:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
- Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143)
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 864)
- Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
- Child Visa (Subclass 101) (offshore)
- Child Visa (Subclass 802) (onshore)
- Adoption Visa (Subclass 602)
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117) (offshore)
- Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 837) (onshore)
- Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114) (offshore)
- Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) (onshore)
- Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115) (offshore)
- Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 838) (onshore)
- Carer Visa (Subclass 116) (offshore)
- Carer Visa (Subclass 836) (onshore)
Most of these family visas have an extremely long processing time. Thus, part of our service is to provide you with strategic advice as to how you can utilise the bridging visa to achieve your migration objectives.
Each visa also has its own set of legal requirements, costs and processing time so it is best that you enquire with our lawyers to ensure that you choose the most suitable type of visa. For example, the parent visa category itself has 7 types of visas so you should be sure with which one is most suitable for you and your family before lodging the application.
Common Issues When Applying for Family Visas
Applicants often encounter the following challenges:
- Choosing the wrong visa type for their family circumstances, financial situation or long-term goals.
- Applying for a visa that is unsuitable or detrimental to their broader migration strategy.
- Not having a migration plan in place to manage the long processing times associated with certain family visa categories.
- Insufficient evidence or circumstances that do not align with the chosen visa category, resulting in refusal after extended wait times.
Suggested Solutions
Engaging an experienced migration lawyer is the most effective way to ensure your family visa application supports your desired outcome.
We can assess your family’s unique circumstances, advise on the most suitable visa category and design a strategic migration plan that anticipates both short-term needs and long-term goals.
Family Visa FAQs
When choosing the right visa, you should consider:
- The intended duration of stay (temporary or permanent);
- The sponsor’s financial circumstances; and
- Whether permanent residency is an ultimate goal.
Financial considerations:
Some visas, such as the Contributory Parent visa, offer faster processing but require the sponsor to:
- Provide an Assurance of Support (AoS);
- Meet a minimum income threshold; and
- Pay a significant financial contribution or deposit bond.
Length of stay:
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa can allow a cumulative stay of up to 10 years, but it does not lead to permanent residency and currently requires a minimum sponsor income threshold of $83,454.80 (as of 2025).
Tip: Choosing the correct visa from the outset can save years of waiting and substantial costs.
The balance of family test applies to certain visa categories, such as the Contributory Aged Parent visa.
To pass the test, the applicant must have:
- More eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country; and
- At least half of their total children classified as eligible children.
Eligible children are defined as:
- Australian citizens;
- Australian permanent residents who are usually resident in Australia; or
- Eligible New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia.
Processing times for family visas vary significantly depending on the category.
Notably:
- Parent visas are subject to capping and queueing, meaning the Department of Home Affairs only grants a set number of visas each program year.
- Once the cap is reached, remaining applications are queued until new places become available, which can result in lengthy waiting periods.
Note: A clear migration strategy can help you remain lawfully in Australia and maintain flexibility while waiting for a long-term visa outcome.
Why Choose Brightstone Migration?
- Comprehensive Expertise – We have extensive experience assisting clients across all family visa categories, including appeals and review options in the event of a refusal.
- Working with You – We take the time to understand your family’s needs and design a migration strategy that works for you, not against you.
- Expert Advocacy – From preparing compelling evidence to drafting detailed submissions, we guide you through every step of the process.
- Always in the Know – We stay fully up to date with migration law and policy changes, ensuring you receive accurate, current, and strategic advice.
Considering a family visa?
Contact our team for a personalised consultation and find the pathway that best suits your family’s future in Australia.