Family Visa Services
Reunite Your Family in Australia
Pathway Lawyers & Migration Agents helps partners, parents, and children navigate Australia's family visa streams — from first enquiry through to visa grant. Expert guidance every step of the way.
Family Visa Streams We Handle
Pathway specialises in three family reunion pathways under Australia's migration program. Whether you are sponsoring a partner, bringing a parent to Australia, or applying for your child, our registered migration agents guide you through each subclass with precision and care.
Partner Visa
For married or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Covers both offshore (subclass 309/100) and onshore (subclass 820/801) pathways.
Parent Visa
For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Options include contributory and non-contributory pathways (subclasses 103, 143, 173, 884, 804) depending on your timeline and budget.
Child Visa
For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Includes both temporary and permanent subclasses (101, 102, 445, 802).
Why Family Reunion Matters
Bringing family to Australia is more than a visa application — it is a life-changing milestone. Pathway's migration agents understand the personal stakes involved and work with families to achieve reunion as efficiently as possible.
• Live and work together in Australia permanently
• Access Medicare and Australia's public health system
• Children can attend Australian schools and universities
• Pathway to Australian citizenship over time
• Full work rights for partner visa holders from day one
• Family unity during stressful immigration transitions
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by visa subclass and family relationship. Select the visa type relevant to your situation to review the key requirements.
Partner Visa
Parent Visa
Child Visa
Relationship Requirements
The sponsor and applicant must be in a genuine married or de facto relationship. De facto couples must have lived together for at least 12 months prior to application (unless registered under state/territory law).
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or over and meet character requirements.
Health & Character
All applicants must meet Australian health requirements (medical examination) and character requirements (police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16).
Relationship Requirements
The applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The "balance of family" test must be met — at least half of the applicant's children must be lawfully and permanently settled in Australia.
Sponsor Requirements
The child in Australia must be willing and able to act as the sponsor or nominator and must meet character and financial requirements.
Health & Character
Applicants must satisfy Australian health requirements and provide police clearances. Contributory parent visa applicants must also pay a significant second instalment of the visa application charge upon assessment.
Relationship Requirements
The applicant must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and typically be under 18 (or 18-25 if a full-time student, or any age if incapacitated and unable to work).
Sponsor Requirements
The Australian parent must sponsor the child and meet character requirements. For step-children, evidence of the genuine family relationship between the sponsoring parent and child is required.
Health & Character
Children must meet health requirements. Character requirements apply to applicants aged 16 and over.
Required Documents
A strong, well-prepared application reduces the risk of requests for further information and delays. Below is an overview of the key documents typically required for family visa applications. Pathway will provide you with a tailored checklist at your consultation.
Relationship Evidence
• Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
• Joint financial statements, lease agreements, or utility bills
• Statutory declarations from people who know the relationship
• Photos and communications showing the genuine relationship
• Evidence of cohabitation (for de facto applicants)
Identity Documents
• Valid passports for applicant and sponsor
• Birth certificates for all parties
• Police clearances from all relevant countries
• Medical examination results (completed by approved physician)
• National Identity Card (where applicable)
Sponsor Documentation
• Australian citizenship certificate or permanent resident visa evidence
• Sponsor's Australian passport (if applicable)
• Completed sponsor application forms
• Evidence of financial capacity (for parent visa sponsors)
• Any prior sponsorship declarations (if applicable)
Family Visa Application Process
From your first consultation to visa grant, here is what to expect when applying for an Australian family visa with Pathway.
Initial Consultation
Meet with a Pathway migration agent to assess your relationship, sponsorship eligibility, and the most appropriate visa subclass for your situation.
Document Preparation
We provide a tailored checklist and assist you in gathering and organising all required relationship evidence, identity documents, and sponsor documentation.
Application Lodgement
Your Pathway agent prepares and lodges your complete visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Case Management & Monitoring
We monitor your application, respond to any requests for further information from the Department, and keep you updated throughout the processing period.
Visa Grant
Upon successful grant, we guide you and your family through the next steps — including conditions, reporting obligations, and pathways to permanent residence or citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Australian family visas — answered by Pathway's registered migration agents.
How long does the partner visa take to process?
Processing times vary significantly depending on visa subclass and individual circumstances. Onshore partner visas (subclass 820/801) and offshore partner visas (subclass 309/100) are granted in two stages — a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa typically two years later. Current Department of Home Affairs processing times should be checked at the time of lodgement, as they change frequently.Can my partner work in Australia while their visa is being processed?
Yes. If your partner has lodged an onshore partner visa application (subclass 820), they will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows them to remain in Australia and work full-time while their application is being assessed.What is a de facto relationship and how do I prove it?
A de facto relationship means you and your partner live together in a genuine couple relationship but are not married. Evidence includes joint financial accounts, shared lease agreements, utility bills, statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple, and photographs showing your shared life.How does the balance of family test work for parent visas?
The balance of family test requires that at least half of your children are lawfully and permanently settled in Australia, or that more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. A Pathway migration agent can assess whether your family meets this test.Can a child over 18 apply for a child visa?
In some circumstances, yes. Children aged 18-25 may be eligible if they are full-time students and dependent on the sponsoring parent. Children of any age may be eligible if they have a disability and are unable to work. Pathway can advise on the specific subclass applicable to your child's situation.What happens if my family visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may have the right to seek a review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Pathway's legal team handles reviews and appeals — see our Reviews & Appeals service for more information. Time limits apply, so act quickly after receiving a refusal notice.
Related Visa Pathways
Family members may also qualify for other Australian visa streams independently. Explore these related pathways or speak with a Pathway migration agent to understand all available options.
Skilled Visa
Family members with skilled qualifications may be eligible to apply for a skilled independent or nominated visa in their own right, potentially providing a faster pathway to permanent residence.
Employment Visa
If a family member has a job offer from an Australian employer, an employer sponsored visa may provide an alternative or complementary pathway to living and working in Australia.
Reviews & Appeals
If a family visa application has been refused, Pathway's legal team can assist with Tribunal reviews and Ministerial appeals to fight for a successful outcome.
Get Expert Advice
Ready to Reunite Your Family?
Every family situation is different. Pathway's registered migration agents provide personalised advice on the visa subclass best suited to your relationship, timeline, and budget. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward bringing your family together in Australia.
