Important updates to our Australian emigration services
We have withdrawn our Australian emigration legal services as of April 2024 and are unable to assist with enquiries or advice about moving to Australia.
This information remains accessible to aid anyone wishing to make the move to Australia, however please note that this information was last updated in August 2023.
Emigrate to Australia is a London-based Australian emigration service who may be able to assist with any enquiries, however please note that we do not endorse any one provider’s services. They can be contacted on 020 7427 5290.
Obtaining a family visa in Australia can seem daunting but it’s essential to get the right visa. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different family visas available to UK citizens who are looking to move to Australia.
Family visas Australia.
The Australian government created the family visa program to bring together its citizens with their relatives who live abroad. There are a few main types of family Visas which are available to UK citizens.
Different types of family visas in Australia
- Partner visas: This applies to spouses (this includes married couples or civil partners) or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Child visas: This applies to dependent children, adopted children, and orphan relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Parent visas: This visa applies to parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Other family visas: This may apply to remaining relatives, carers, and aged dependents of Australian citizens or permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizen
To apply for any type of family visa you must meet certain requirements. You must have a family member who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen willing to sponsor you. You must also meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
Each type of family visa has its own specific requirements and application process so it’s essential to choose the right visa category based on your situation.
Applying for a family visa in Australia from the UK.
When applying for a family visa to move to Australia, you can apply online or by post. To ensure a successful application, it’s important to provide accurate and complete information.
You must meet all the requirements and submit all the required supporting documents and evidence. Seeking legal advice and assistance will also help increase your chances of success.
The application process for a family visa in Australia
- Checking your eligibility: This ensures you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific family visa you’re applying for.
- Gathering supporting documents: You must collect all the required documents and evidence. This includes your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificates and proof of relationship.
- Completing the application form: You must ensure you fill in the application form accurately, providing all the required information.
- Paying the application fee: This application fee may vary depending on the type of family visa you apply for.
- Submitting the application: When applying online or by post, you must include all the supporting documents and evidence.
- Attending biometrics and health checks: You may be required to provide biometrics and undergo health checks as part of the process.
- Waiting for a decision: The processing time for family visa applications can vary. This depends on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed
Partner visas.
The partner visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. You can also apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. You can only apply for a partner visa if you’re married to or in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
To be eligible for a partner visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner
- Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government
The partner visa application process
The partner visa application process involves two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa: This stage allows you to live and work in Australia for up to two years while your permanent partner visa application is being processed
- Permanent Partner Visa: This stage allows you to live and work in Australia permanently
When applying, you must submit a joint application with your sponsor. The application process involves providing evidence of your relationship, such as photos, joint bank accounts, and statements from family and friends. You must also provide police clearance certificates and undergo health checks.
It’s important to note that the partner visa application process can be complex, expensive, and lengthy. The Department of Home Affairs may also request additional information or evidence.
Child visas.
If you have a child who is dependent and living overseas, you may be eligible to bring them to Australia on a child visa. The child visa allows your child to live and study in Australia permanently and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
For your child to be eligible for a visa they must:
- Be under the age of 18 and single
- Be your child or your partner’s child
- Be dependent on you or your partner for financial support
- Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government
The application process involves providing evidence of your relationship with the child, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or court orders. You must also provide evidence of financial support and custody arrangements if applicable.
It’s important to note that, just like any other visa, the processing time for applications can be lengthy, and the Department of Home Affairs may request additional information or evidence.
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