FAMILY SPONSORED VISA AUSTRALIA:
PARENT, CHILD & RELATIVE VISAS
Why Choose a Family Visa in Australia
More than 50,000 people apply for family visas to Australia each year-many waiting years for a chance to reunite with parents, children, or close relatives. Australia’s family sponsorship visa options give you the legal right to bring loved ones home and offer them stability, care, and permanent residency.
At Stepping Stones Career Solutions, we’ve helped families across the globe reunite through Australia’s family stream visas, with clear advice, MARA-registered guidance, and ongoing support.
Types of Family Sponsored Visas for Australia
Australia offers several family visa subclasses to help reunite you with your loved ones. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
Child Visas Australia
Child Visa
(Subclass 802)
Adoption Visa
(Subclass 102)
Child Visa
(Subclass 101)
Aged, Dependent & Carer Visas
Aged Dependent Relative Visa
(Subclass 114)
Aged Dependent Relative Visa
(Subclass 838)
Carer Visa
(Subclass 116)
Carer Visa
(Subclass 836)
Remaining & Relative Visas
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
New Zealand Family Visa
NZ Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Family Visa Applicants
Most family stream visas lead to permanent residency in Australia, but the timelines and caps vary depending on the visa subclass. Here’s how the most common pathways work:
Family Visa Australia Requirements
Each subclass under the family sponsorship visa Australia program has its own set of rules. Here’s a breakdown of the key
eligibility criteria:
Eligibility for Child Visas (Subclass 101, 802, 102)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Usually under 18 (some exceptions) |
| Relationship | Must be a biological, adopted or dependent child |
| Sponsor | Must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen |
| Location at Application | 101/102 (offshore), 802 (onshore) |
| Dependency | Must be financially dependent |
Eligibility for Child Visas (Subclass 101, 802, 102)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age & Financial Support | Must be of pension age (114/838), or medically dependent (116/836) |
| Sponsor | Must be a close relative in Australia |
| Medical/Dependency Criteria | Medical report or dependency proof required |
| Location at Application | Offshore (114/116), Onshore (838/836) |
Eligibility for Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Remaining Close Family | Must have no other near relatives outside Australia |
| Sponsor | Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen |
| Capped Visa | Yes – extremely long wait times |
Eligibility for NZ Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Must be a family member of eligible NZ citizen |
| Sponsor's Status | NZ citizen living in Australia on Subclass 444 |
| Visa Type | 5-year temporary visa (renewable) |
Checklist for Family Visa Australia
Gathering the right documents is critical to avoid processing delays or rejection. Here’s what most family sponsored visa applicants will need-grouped by visa type.
Documents Checklist for Child & Adoption Visas (Subclass 101, 802, 102)
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Passport and birth/adoption certificate | ✔ |
| Proof of sponsor's Australian status | ✔ |
| Evidence of relationship with sponsor | ✔ |
| Consent forms from both parents | ✔ (if applicable) |
| Police & medical checks (if over 16) | ✔ |
Documents Checklist for Aged Dependent & Carer Visas (Subclass 114, 838, 116, 836)
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | ✔ |
| Medical reports (carer or aged dependency) | ✔ |
| Proof of financial dependency | ✔ |
| Sponsor's identity and PR/citizenship | ✔ |
| Police clearances | ✔ |
Documents Checklist for Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Evidence showing no remaining family overseas | ✔ |
| Sponsor's citizenship/PR documentation | ✔ |
| Proof of financial support (if applicable) | ✔ |
| Character and health assessments | ✔ |
Documents Checklist for NZ Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461)
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| NZ citizen's Subclass 444 visa proof | ✔ |
| Proof of family relationship (partner, child) | ✔ |
| Passport and ID documents | ✔ |
| Health and police checks | ✔ |
Which Family Visa Is Right for You?
Compare visa options side-by-side to find out which family sponsorship visa matches your needs.
| Visa | Apply From | Relationship Type | Path to PR | Processing Time | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child (101) | Outside Australia | Yes – on grant | ~12 months | $2,790 AUD | Child Visa 101 |
| Child (802) | Inside Australia | Yes – on grant | ~12 months | $2,790 AUD | 309 Partner Visa |
| Adoption (102) | Outside Australia | Yes – on grant | ~18 months | $2,790 AUD | Adoption Visa 102 |
| Carer (116) | Outside Australia | Yes – direct PR | 4–6 years (capped) | $2,055 AUD | Carer Visa 116 |
| Carer (836) | Inside Australia | Yes – direct PR | 4–6 years (capped) | $2,055 AUD | Carer Visa 836 |
| Aged Dep. (114) | Outside Australia | Yes – direct PR | 10–30 years (capped) | $4,990 AUD | Aged Dep. 114 |
| Aged Dep. (838) | Inside Australia | Yes – direct PR | 10–30 years (capped) | $4,990 AUD | Aged Dep. 838 |
| Remaining Rel. (115) | Inside Australia | Yes – direct PR | 15+ years (very limited places) | $4,990 AUD | Remaining Relative 115 |
| NZ Family (461) | Inside or outside Australia | No – temporary visa | 3–6 months | $385 AUD | NZ Family 461 |
Family Visa Costs & Processing Times
Family visa subclasses can vary widely in both waiting periods and government fees. Here’s a quick overview to help you plan:
| Visa | Processing Time | Base Application Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child (101 / 802) | Around 12 months | $2,790 AUD | Faster if documents are complete & relationship clear |
| Adoption (102) | 18–24 months | $2,790 AUD | Must be adopted before application |
| Carer (116 / 836) | 4–6 years (due to cap) | $2,055 AUD | Long wait despite low volume |
| Aged Dep. (114 / 838) | 10–30 years (capped) | $4,990 AUD | One of the longest queues in family stream |
| Remaining Rel. (115) | 15+ years (very limited) | $4,990 AUD | Extremely limited spots each year |
| NZ Family (461) | 3–6 months | $385 AUD | Renewable 5-year visa, not a PR pathway |
Stepping Stones Career Solutions - Immigration, Visa & Education Consultants
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 147 Google reviews
Previously I have worked with many agencies for visa purposes and found lack of communication in terms of supplying right information and resources. Upon reaching out to so many agencies for right guidance, I finally put my trust with Stepping stone agency. The team who handled my visa application was very helpful and was able to do certain arrangements for me within the dedicated timeframe. I got my visa granted after 3 months. I would like to especially thank Mr Vineet Thakral for your service. It was amazing working with you and hope to work together in future.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support and assistance throughout my immigration process. Your expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness are really great. Special thanks to Saniya.
I’m really happy with the support I received from my agency throughout my study journey. They were professional, helpful, and always available to answer my questions. Thanks to them, everything went smoothly!
I personally believe they are one of the most genuine consultants . They don’t charge you on any visits it’s just one you need to apply for a visa . They are very good with communicating with their clients , my personal experience- I’m a hyper client but they were always there to calm me down no matter how many times I call them . Thank you to Anchal, Saniya , Sadgi, Manveer and Vineet . I’m still going to be working with them and I would recommend others to consider them too .
Thank you for the great support with my visa process. The service was professional and efficient. Highly recommended!✨ Thank you again🙏
Visa Extension Approved in Just 20 Days! 🎉 I’m beyond happy to share that my student visa extension was approved within just 20 days after one day of my medical. I’m truly grateful for the smooth and fast process. A big thank you to Anchal mam from stepping stone immigration for the guidance and support throughout the application. Your professionalism and timely communication made all the difference. If anyone is planning to apply for a visa extension or has any doubts about the process, I highly recommend starting early and staying organized – it really helps!
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I recently applied for subclass 804 parent visa and Stepping Stones Career Solutions was very helpful in the process. They are very knowledgeable and professional, and I highly recommend taking their services. I'd like to thank Manveer with whom I had initial discussion, and I knew instantly that they are the perfect choice. A very special thanks to Arisha who guided at every step and is very hard working. I had so many queries but she always answered them patiently to ensure that I had a successful outcome. I'd like to wish her and Stepping Stones all the success. Thank you!
Highly Recommended for Career and Education Guidance! I had a wonderful experience with Stepping Stones Career Solutions. The team is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping students find the best academic and career pathways based on their individual circumstances. They listened to my situation carefully and offered tailored advice that made a real difference in my journey. Whether you’re looking to change your course, explore more affordable study options, or plan for long-term goals like PR, they provide reliable and professional support throughout. What stood out most was their transparency and their willingness to go the extra mile to clarify even the smallest doubts. I’d definitely recommend Stepping Stones to anyone seeking genuine, personalized support in their education or migration journey. Thank you to the team for your incredible guidance and support!
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I had an excellent experience with Stepping Stones career solutions ! Their service is truly amazing, and I highly recommend them. The entire team is highly dedicated and focused on understanding and meeting their clients' needs. They treat every case as if it were their own, demonstrating professionalism, care, and a genuine commitment to helping their clients succeed. Their personalised approach made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I am extremely grateful for their support and would confidently recommend their services to anyone seeking immigration assistance.
I’m incredibly grateful to Stepping Stones Career Solutions for their outstanding support throughout my permanent residency process. From the initial consultation to the final approval, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive every step of the way. They provided clear guidance, timely updates, and expert advice tailored to my specific situation. Their attention to detail and thorough preparation made a huge difference in the smooth and successful outcome of my application. Thanks to Stepping Stones, I am now a proud permanent resident! I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and experienced migration agent.
I had the best experience with Stepping Stones Career Solutions while applying for my Subclass 485 visa. Their team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. They provided clear guidance, handled all the paperwork efficiently, and kept me updated at every step. Thanks to their expertise, my visa application was smooth and successful. I truly appreciate their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable visa and migration services.
I had an amazing experience with Stepping stones! They handled my student visa application with great professionalism, taking care of all the hard work so I didn’t have to stress about the process. Their team was incredibly knowledgeable, efficient, and always available to answer my questions. The communication was clear and timely, keeping me updated every step of the way. Thanks to their dedication, I got my student visa without any hassle. I highly recommend Stepping stones to anyone looking for a smooth and reliable visa application process!
I had a great experience with Stepping Stone Career Solution for my student visa process. A big thank you to Anchal for her helpful guidance and constant support throughout. She was always professional, friendly, and quick to respond to any questions I had. Also, special thanks to Mr. Gaurav Sir, for overseeing everything so smoothly. I truly appreciate the effort and care the team put in to make my visa application successful. Highly recommend their services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Visas Australia
What are the requirements for a visitor visa in Australia?
The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state, or family.
How much money do I need to sponsor a visitor to Australia?
Subclass 189 is independent and offers more flexibility since it doesn’t require state or territory sponsorship. Subclass 190, however, provides additional points for state sponsorship but may require you to live in a specific state initially.
How much is a 3-month visitor visa in Australia?
While 75 points may qualify, higher points improve your chances due to the competitive nature of invitations. The required points vary depending on the occupation and invitation rounds.
How much does an Australian tourist visa cost?
The minimum required is 65 points, but achieving higher points significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation.
Who can sponsor a visitor visa to Australia?
The application fee for the subclass 189 visa starts at AUD 4,640 for the main applicant, with additional costs for dependents.
How much money do you need in account for an Australian tourist visa?
A minimum IELTS score of 6 in each band (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is required. However, higher scores can earn more points for English proficiency.
Can I visit Australia without a sponsor?
The subclass 189 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely. You can travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date.
What is proof of funds for tourist visa Australia?
Subclass 189: Independent visa; no sponsorship needed; live/work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190: Requires state sponsorship; may need to live in the sponsoring state initially; adds 5 points to eligibility.
