Family visas facilitate the reunion of eligible family members with their loved ones residing in Australia, fostering family unity and enabling relatives to establish their lives in the country. As Australian Migration Agents, we understand the significance of these visas in bringing families together. With various visa options available, tailored to diverse family relationships and situations, we aim to guide you through the process seamlessly, ultimately leading to the possibility of permanent residency. When considering the costs associated with applying for an Australian family visa, it's essential to assess the specific subclass and your individual circumstances. To navigate this process effectively and ensure comprehensive preparation, we recommend enlisting the expertise of an Australian Migration Agent.
Let us assist you in initiating your journey towards reuniting with your family in Australia.
What is a Family visa?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers a range of family visas catering to diverse circumstances. These visas encompass several subclasses:
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (Subclass 461)
- This visa caters to individuals who are not New Zealand citizens but are part of a family unit with a New Zealand citizen. It permits residence and employment in Australia for up to five years.
- These subclasses facilitate children's permanent stay in Australia with their parents. The 802 visa applies when the child is in Australia, while the 101 visa is for children outside Australia.
- The Adoption Visa (Subclass 102) enables children adopted outside Australia to reside in Australia with their adoptive parents, either post-adoption or during the adoption process.
- This permanent visa allows individuals to remain in Australia to care for someone with a long-term medical condition. The subclass differentiation depends on the applicant's location during application and visa grant.
Remaining Relative visa (Subclass 115)
- Designed for individuals outside Australia with all close relatives residing in Australia, this visa grants permanent residency in Australia.
Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 114 and 838)
- These permanent visas enable elderly individuals reliant on a relative in Australia for financial support to relocate permanently. The subclasses distinguish between onshore and offshore applications and grants.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for both applicants and sponsors vary based on the visa type applied for. However, some common family visa requirements include:
Age: Both applicants and sponsors must be over 18 years old.
Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor.
Relationship: The applicant must be a relative of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or Eligible New Zealand Citizen.
Health: Both applicants and sponsors must meet the health requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities.
Character: Both applicants and sponsors must meet the character requirements stipulated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Application fees
When considering the cost of family visas in Australia, it's essential to understand the payment requirements outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. Depending on the specific visa type, such as contributory parent visas or parent visas, the payment expectations may vary. For instance, contributory parent visas entail additional costs compared to standard parent visas, reflecting their expedited processing and eligibility for permanent residency. These fees are integral components of the visa application process, ensuring compliance with the eligibility criteria set forth by the Australian government. Additionally, understanding the visa application fee structure and any associated government fees is crucial for budgeting purposes. It's advisable to consult with an Australian Migration Agent to navigate the application process efficiently, especially when considering factors like health and character requirements and maintaining adequate health insurance. Ultimately, seeking expert guidance can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of a successful visa outcome, whether you're applying as a main applicant, additional applicant, or sponsor.
Here's a highly detailed list format for the information:
- New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461):
- Main Applicant Cost:
- Over 18 years: $215
- Under 18 years: $105
- Payment Timeline: Pay in full at the time of lodging your application.
- Main Applicant Cost:
- Child visa (subclass 101/802):
- Main Applicant Cost: $3,055
- Additional Applicant Base Cost:
- Over 18 years: $1,530
- Under 18 years: $765
- Payment Timeline: Pay in full at the time of lodging your application.
- Adoption visa (subclass 102):
- Main Applicant Cost: $3,055
- Additional Applicant Base Cost:
- Over 18 years: $1,530
- Under 18 years: $765
- Payment Timeline: Pay in full at the time of lodging your application.
- Carer visa (subclass 116/836):
- Main Applicant Cost: $4,120
- Additional Applicant Base Cost:
- Over 18 years: from $3,095
- Under 18 years: from $2,580
- Payment Timeline:
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
- Main applicant: $2,055
- Additional applicant 18 and over: $1,030
- Additional applicant under 18: $515
- Second Instalment (paid when the Department requests): AUD2,065 for each applicant
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
- Note: The second instalment may be waived if the Minister determines severe financial hardship.
- Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115):
- Main Applicant Cost: $7,055
- Additional Applicant Base Cost:
- Over 18 years: $4,560
- Under 18 years: $3,315
- Payment Timeline:
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
- Main application: AUD4,990
- Additional applicant 18 and over: AUD2,495
- Additional applicant under 18: AUD1,250
- Second Instalment (paid when the Department requests): AUD2,065 for each applicant
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
- Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114/838):
- Main Applicant Cost: $7,055
- Additional Applicant Base Cost:
- Over 18 years: $4,560
- Under 18 years: $3,315
- Payment Timeline:
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
- Main application: AUD4,990
- Additional applicant 18 and over: AUD2,495
- Additional applicant under 18: AUD1,250
- Second Instalment (paid when the Department requests): AUD2,065
- First Instalment: at the time of lodgement
Additionally, consider pre-submission costs related to migration agent or lawyer services, which may cover consultations and meetings necessary for application preparation.
Other associated costs
Navigating the visa application process involves several essential steps, including medical examinations, biometrics collection, police checks, and document translation. These requirements ensure that applicants meet the necessary health and security standards for entry into Australia.
Medical Examination:
Every individual included in your visa application is required to undergo a medical examination. The cost for this examination is approximately $400 per adult and $350 per child. Payment for this fee is made directly to the healthcare professional conducting the examination.
Biometrics Collection:
As part of the visa application process, applicants may be asked to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial photos. The fee for this service is paid to either the Australian Biometric Collection Centres or their affiliated overseas service providers.
Police Checks:
Depending on your residential history, you may need to obtain police clearance certificates from countries where you have resided for 12 months or longer. These fees are paid directly to the respective police authorities.
Document Translation:
If your documents are not in English, they must be translated. The cost for document translation services varies, and payment is typically made directly to the translator or translation agency.
It's important to note that the fees mentioned above are accurate as of 1 July 2023. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to verify the current fees on the Australian Government's official website or consult with an Australian Migration Agent.
Australian Migration Agent Fees
In certain scenarios, individuals residing in Australia as either citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens might seek to bring their parents from overseas to join them in Australia. These individuals may opt to act as sponsors for their parents, who will then apply for either the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173/143) or the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884/864).
The primary distinction between the Contributory Parent Visa and the Contributory Aged Parent Visa, in contrast to other parent visa options, lies in the associated expenses. These specific visa applications incur higher costs compared to alternative parent visas.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances or require clarity on your next steps, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you with whatever support you may need.
[registered_migration_agents] [/registered_migration_agents]
Benefits of using an Australian Migration Agent
In the ever-evolving realm of Australian immigration, obtaining a Family visa can appear daunting, given the multitude of factors involved. Yet, entrusting your journey to Australian Migration Agents can significantly ease these challenges. These professionals not only provide expert guidance through the intricate process but also offer flexible payment options tailored to your specific situation. By delivering cost-effective and fair charges, Australian Migration Agents ensure that pursuing your Partner visa remains financially feasible. Additionally, with their commitment to transparent fixed-fee structures, you gain clarity regarding the total expenses of your visa application.
Whether navigating the intricacies of the assurance of support or meeting health and character prerequisites, these agents are devoted to simplifying the process and enhancing your prospects of success. So why tackle the Family visa journey solo? Reach out to an Australian Migration Agent today and commence your journey towards Australian residency with assurance.