Family migration and the Lunar New Year
The world’s largest annual human migration is about to commence. And no, it’s not to Australia. Although as migration agents, we wish it was!
The Lunar New Year will see hundreds of millions of people in China travel home to visit family. During this period, an estimated 3 billion trips will be made. It’s an important time for many to be with and share the festivities with their loved ones. This is also a perfect time to consider some of the visa options available for people wanting to reunite with their family in Australia.
Partners
If you are a spouse, de facto partner or a fiancé of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for a partner or prospective marriage visa for migration to Australia.
Key requirements:
Be sponsored by a spouse, de facto partner or fiancé who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Be either married to your sponsor, in a de facto relationship with your sponsor or be engaged to be married to your sponsor
Meet health and character requirements
The sponsor is obligated to provide accommodation and financial assistance to the visa applicant and their dependents for the first 2 years after the visa is granted
The sponsor must disclose any relevant offences
Costs: From $7,160*
Processing time: Between 13 months to 39 months (depending on the visa subclass)
Children
There are permanent visa options for a child of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen to migrate to Australia to live with their parent. There is also a temporary visa for a child who is dependent on a parent who holds a first stage temporary partner visa.
Key requirements:
Be either a biological, adopted or step child of their parent
Be dependent on their parent
Be sponsored by their parent or parent’s spouse or de facto partner
Be either under 18 years of age, between 18-25 if they are a full-time student or over 18 years of age with a disability
Never been married, engaged or in a de facto relationship
If under 18 years of age, have consent from all legal custodians to migrate to Australia
Meet health and character requirements
No outstanding debts by the child or their family to the Australian government
Costs: $2,470*
Processing time: Between 8 months to 18 months (depending on the visa subclass)
Parents
There are a range of temporary and permanent visas available for the parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to migrate to Australia.
Key requirements:
Be sponsored by a child who is either a settled Australian citizen, a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
At least half of your children are living in Australia
Meet health and character requirements
Have access to guaranteed financial support (Assurance of Support)
The sponsor is obligated to provide support, accommodation and financial assistance to the visa applicant and their dependents for the first 2 years after the visa is granted
Costs: From $6,100 (non-contributory) to $47,455 (contributory)*
Processing time: Between 4 years (contributory) to 30 years (non-contributory)
Carers
A person may apply to migrate to Australia to care for a relative or a member of their relative’s family with a long-term medical condition.
Key requirements:
Provide a medical certificate from Bupa Medical Visa Services that states that your relative or their family member has a medical condition that requires care
The person who requires care must be unable to reasonably access care in Australia
Be willing and able to provide ongoing substantial care and support to relative or their family member
Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is 18 years of age and over
Meet health and character requirements
Costs: From $1,665*
Processing time: At least 4 ½ years or more
Family Visitors
You can also be invited by a family member or relative to visit Australia as a tourist. Visitor visas are a great option for those looking to reunite with family for a short time or for special occasions.
Key requirements:
Be invited by a family member or relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Have access to funds to support your stay in Australia (either your own funds or supported by a family member or organisation)
Be genuinely visiting on a temporary basis
Costs: $140*
Processing time: Between 15 to 27 days
Looking to reunite with your family in Australia?
If you are interested in applying for or sponsoring someone to Australia on one of the visas listed above, contact us or book a consultation online.
*Costs are those payable to the Department of Home Affairs for the relevant visa application charge. They are subject to change and do not include service fees charged by Titan Migration or other third party costs.
About Peter Chang
Peter Chang is a registered migration agent based in the Western Sydney hub of Parramatta, Australia. He is the co-founder of Titan Migration, a consultancy specialising in providing Australian immigration advice and visa assistance services.