Family visa categories
Australia's family migration stream consists of four main categories under which you can be sponsored by a family member to live permanently in Australia.
Partner Migration
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen you are able to sponsor your married spouse, de-facto spouse, prospective spouse (fiance) or interdependent partner. In most cases your partner will initially be issued with a two-year provisional visa. Near the end of this two-year period you and your partner will need show that your relationship is still genuine and continuing in order for your sponsored partner to gain Australian permanent residence.
Parent Migration
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen who has been living in Australia for two years or more you may be able to sponsor your parent(s) for permanent residence. In most cases, a parent must have at least half of their children living permanently and legally in Australia to be eligible to apply.
Child Migration
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen you are able to sponsor a dependent child or dependent step child. The child will receive Australian permanent residence on approval.
Other Family Migration
If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen you can sponsor your adopted children, orphan relatives, aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carers for Australian permanent residence.
Skilled Sponsored Migration
If you are not eligible for any of the above visas you may still be eligible for a Skilled Family Sponsored visa.