Australia is a popular destination for skilled workers, international students, and permanent residents — and it’s also one of the most welcoming countries for family migration. If you’re moving to Australia or already living there, this guide explains how you can bring your spouse, children, or parents legally under Australian immigration law.
Bring Your Family to Australia
We cover everything: eligible visa types, financial requirements, processing times, and which family members can join you.
Who Can You Bring to Australia?
You can sponsor the following family members to join you in Australia:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 18)
- Children over 18 who are full-time dependent students or have a disability
- Parents (under special parent visa subclasses)
- Other dependent relatives (in rare cases)
Your eligibility depends on your visa type, relationship status, and financial ability to support your family in Australia.
Bringing Family to Australia on a Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 482, 186, 189, 190)
If you’re coming to Australia as a skilled worker, you can bring eligible family members with you on a dependent visa.
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
- Lets you sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children).
- Family can live, work, and study in Australia.
- Health insurance is required for all dependents.
- Your sponsor (employer) must be aware of the family members included.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- This is a permanent visa.
- You can bring your partner and children at the time of application or later.
- Once granted, your whole family becomes permanent residents.
Subclass 189 & 190 (Points-Tested Skilled Visas)
- Both allow inclusion of spouse and children in the application.
- Partner points may increase your score if they meet criteria (age, skills, English).
- These visas lead to permanent residency.
Bringing Family on a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia allows international students to bring their family through Subclass 500 – Dependent Visa.
Eligibility
- You must be studying a course longer than 3 months.
- If you’re studying a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD), you can bring your spouse and children.
- If you’re a government-sponsored student, dependents can also come.
Conditions for Family Members
- Spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your study term (unlimited during breaks).
- Children must attend school; you’ll cover their school fees.
- Proof of financial ability and health insurance is required.
Bringing a Partner to Australia
If you’re already in Australia or planning to go, your spouse or partner can join under the Partner Visa pathway.
Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
- For those already in Australia.
- Temporary visa (820) converts to permanent (801) after 2 years.
- You must prove a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner Visa)
- Applied from outside Australia.
- Subclass 309 is the temporary visa.
- Subclass 100 is the permanent visa after the relationship is reassessed.
Important: Both married and de facto partners (including same-sex couples) are eligible. You’ll need evidence of shared finances, cohabitation, and joint responsibilities.
Bringing Parents to Australia
You can bring your parents through Australia’s Parent Visa program, but it’s highly competitive with long wait times unless you pay for fast-track options.
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa)
- Permanent residency for parents.
- Processing time: 2 to 5 years.
- Application charge: AUD $48,365 per parent (plus assurance of support bond).
Subclass 870 (Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa)
- Temporary visa valid for 3 to 5 years (renewable up to 10 years).
- No work rights.
- You must be a permanent resident or citizen to sponsor.
- Must show household income over AUD $83,454.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bringing Your Family to Australia
Step 1: Check Your Visa Eligibility
Your visa type determines if you can sponsor family. Use the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Finder Tool to confirm.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Birth and marriage certificates (translated if needed)
- Relationship proof (photos, lease agreements, joint accounts)
- Health checks
- Police clearances
- Valid passports
Step 3: Show Financial Evidence
- Skilled workers must show they can support dependents.
- Students must show proof of at least AUD $7,362/year for each dependent.
- Sponsors of parents must meet income thresholds and may need to provide bonds.
Step 4: Apply Online via ImmiAccount
All applications must be lodged online. You can apply for family at the same time as your visa or add them later through the “subsequent entrant” process.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Typical wait times:
- Partner visa: 12–20 months
- Dependent student visa: 2–3 months
- Skilled worker dependents: 1–3 months
- Parent visas: 2 to 10 years (unless contributory fast-track)
Can Family Members Work or Study?
Yes, in most cases:
- Spouses of skilled workers and permanent residents can work full-time.
- Student visa spouses can work 48 hours per fortnight (unlimited if the student is in a postgraduate program).
- Children can attend public or private schools (fees apply in most states).
Can They Get Permanent Residency?
If the main visa holder becomes a permanent resident, dependents included in the application get PR too. If added later, they can apply for PR through family reunion streams or onshore partner/family visas.
Costs to Consider
- Partner visa: AUD $8,850
- Parent visa: From AUD $4,350 to $48,000+
- Student dependent: AUD $650–$1,500
- Medical checks: AUD $300+ per person
- Health insurance: AUD $1,000+ annually per person
- Translation, police checks, and admin fees: AUD $500+
Australia offers many family migration options depending on your visa status. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or permanent resident, your spouse, children, or even parents may be eligible to join you. However, you must plan ahead, gather documents early, and understand financial responsibilities.
Target countries like Australia continue to welcome skilled migrants and their families, making it an attractive option for long-term settlement.
