Are you dreaming of starting a new life in Australia? Moving to Australia is an exciting opportunity, but can feel daunting due to the process of getting a family visa. Fortunately, with the right information and preparation, it doesn’t have to be difficult or scary – it’s just about knowing what steps need to be taken in order for your application for a family visa to Australia to be successfully processed. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to get a family visa in Australia so that you can make your dream of living Down Under become reality!
Australian visa family process
The process of applying for a family visa in Australia is relatively straightforward, although there are several steps that need to be taken. Firstly, you’ll need to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). An EOI is essentially an application form that outlines your personal information and details about your relationship with the applicant – if any. Your form will then be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs, and they will determine if you are eligible to apply for a family visa.
If your EOI is accepted, then you can proceed to the next steps in applying for a family visa. This includes providing documentation proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, such as marriage certificates or proof of cohabitation. You will also need to provide evidence of financial capacities, such as bank statements or salary slips, and any other documents that may be required.
Once you have submitted the necessary documentation and paid the applicable visa application fees, the Department of Home Affairs will then decide whether to grant your family visa. The decision-making process can take several months, but you will be notified as soon as a decision is made.
After being granted your visa, the next step is to organise travel arrangements and lodging in Australia. You will need to arrange onward travel before arriving in Australia, and make sure you have appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay. It’s also important to ensure you have the necessary funds to support yourself and any dependents while in Australia.
The different options for Australian family visa
There are several different family visa options available in Australia. These include:
• Partner Visa – This type of visa is for people who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and want to live together in Australia.
• Parent Visa – A parent visa allows parents of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
• Prospective Marriage Visa – This visa is for people who intend to marry their Australian partner within the next nine months.
• Child Visa – A child visa enables parents of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to bring a child under 18 years old to Australia.
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa – This type of visa is for people who are dependent on an Australian relative who is over the age of 65.
• Carer Visa – This type of visa is for people who need to take care of a family member in Australia who requires full-time care due to a medical condition.
How long does it take to process an Australian family visa?
The processing timeframe for an Australian family visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the volume of applications being processed. Generally, the Department of Home Affairs aims to process most partner visas within 12 months, but it can take up to 24 months or more in some cases. Parent visas can take up to three years to be processed, while child visas can take up to two years. The processing time for other family visa types is generally shorter than that of partner and parent visas.
It’s important to note that the processing timeframe is an estimate only and may vary depending on individual circumstances. You should also keep in mind that any changes made to your application or additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs may result in delays.
When your visa application has been approved, you will be notified and informed of the conditions and validity period of your Australian family visa. You must meet all the conditions of your visa to avoid any penalties or loss of rights. It is also important to make sure that you renew your visa before it expires, or leave Australia if you don’t wish to renew.
We hope this article has provided enough information about Australian family visas and the various options available. If you require any further assistance with your visa application, please do not hesitate to contact a migration agent for advice.
How much does it cost to get an Australian family visa?
The cost of an Australian family visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, partner visas range in price from $7,000 to $10,000 while parent and child visas typically cost around $3,500 each. Prospective marriage visas are slightly cheaper at around $2,400. For other types of family visas, the cost varies depending on individual circumstances.
In addition to the application fee, you may also be required to pay other fees such as health examination fees or a refundable bond. You should contact a registered migration agent for more information about the associated costs of applying for an Australian family visa.
Finally, remember that there are a number of other costs associated with moving to Australia, such as transport and the cost of living. You should factor these into your budget when planning your move. Also, due to the many challenges that are associated with moving to Australia, it is advisable to enlist the help of Australian immigration law services who can provide you with guidance and assistance. Doing so will ensure that your visa application process is as smooth and successful as possible.
Conclusion
The Australian family visa process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to understand the different types of visas available, the costs associated with applying for one, and the processing times involved. You should also make sure that you meet all the conditions of your visa to avoid any penalties or loss of rights. If you require assistance with your visa application, it is advisable to enlist the help of a registered migration agent. Doing so will ensure that your visa application process is as smooth and successful as possible. Good luck with your visa application!
