Because obtaining a visa for a family member can require a lot of work, several months of time and a substantial amount of money for items like government fees and health exams, many people choose to work with a professional immigration consultant to help them wade through the process.

An immigration consultant can provide added experience and insight that helps the process to be as low-stress as possible for the applicant and his or her loved one. All immigration consultants in Australia are required to be registered with Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

One may ask, “Who is eligible for a family visa?” An Australian citizen, eligible permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen may apply to obtain a visa for a partner, spouse, parent, child, dependent, or other family member depending on the circumstances.

The partner visa is a very popular option, and it is applicable to a fiancé, a de jure spouse, or a de facto partner. If the couple’s relationship continues after 2 years, the resident must provide sponsorship for his or her partner, and a permanent visa may be issued after an undefined period of time. The partner may remain in Australia indefinitely until a decision is reached in regard to the permanent visa.

During the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will require documentation of such aspects of the couple’s relationship as shared financial responsibilities, a synopsis of how they met one another and how their relationship developed, their mutual plans for the future, etc.

• Bringing a parent to Australia
• Bringing an adopted child into Australia

Similarly, the overseas child or dependent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen may obtain a visa allowing the child to live permanently with his or her parent. In such a case, the parent acts as the child’s sponsor and applies for the visa on the child’s behalf. Adult children under 25 years old are also included in this type of visa.

A parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen may receive a temporary or permanent visa. There may be a 2-year waiting period before the temporary visa is replaced by a permanent one.

There are options to process an aged parent’s visa in a more expedient manner, but this accelerated process typically costs more than the regular process.

One may apply for any of the above visas online on the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship website, or one may choose to have an immigration consultant prepare a full application and lodge it on his or her behalf.

Have you had any experience applying for a family visa? Please share your tips below.

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