Family-stream Permanent Visa (Partner, Parent, Child)

The Family-stream permanent visa allows eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.

This stream is designed to reunite close family members—partners, parents, and dependent children—with their loved ones in Australia.

Key Benefits

• Permanent residency in Australia.

• Right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).

• Ability to sponsor other eligible family members.

• Travel to and from Australia freely during the visa’s validity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Must meet health and character requirements.

• Relationship with the sponsor must be genuine and ongoing (for partner/child).

• Parents must meet balance-of-family test (majority of children living in Australia).

Relationship Requirements

• Partner Visa: Must be in a genuine marital, de facto, or registered relationship with an eligible sponsor.

• Parent Visa: Applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen/permanent resident/eligible NZ citizen who is settled in Australia.

• Child Visa: Must be a dependent biological, adopted, or stepchild of an eligible sponsor.

Location Requirement

• Depending on the visa subclass, the applicant may need to apply from inside Australia (onshore) or outside Australia (offshore).

• At the time of visa grant, the applicant must be in the correct location as per subclass rules.

Age Requirement

• Partner visa: No specific age limit, but both partners must be at least 18 to be recognized as de facto or married partners.

• Parent visa: No strict age requirement, but parent visas often have long processing times.

• Child visa: Generally for children under 18, or full-time dependent students under 25, or children with disabilities.

Health & Character Requirements

• Must undergo a medical examination to prove good health.

• Must provide police clearance certificates for character assessment.

• Must not have outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Visa Conditions

• Must obey Australian laws.

• Must continue genuine family relationship with the sponsor (for partner visas).

• Visa holders can live, work, and study without restriction.

• Eligible for Centrelink and other social benefits after waiting period (if applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)