Applying for a family visa to Australia requires careful preparation and attention to detail. A complete and accurate application, known as a “decision ready” submission, can help applicants avoid delays or even refusals. The Department of Home Affairs has outlined common mistakes made by applicants and explained the correct process for different visa categories, including Partner, Parent, Child, and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas.
Applications that include all required documents and accurate information are processed faster, according to the Department. Applicants are urged to review their forms carefully before submission and respond promptly to any departmental requests for additional information to ensure a smooth and timely outcome.
What the family visa category covers
Family visas allow eligible applicants to join close relatives in Australia. The main categories include Partner, Sponsored Parent (Temporary), Parent, Child, and Other Family visas. The department has clarified that while Partner and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa applications must be filed online through ImmiAccount, Parent, Child, and Other Family visas continue to require paper forms.
Applicants must pay the prescribed application fee and include the receipt number on the paper form before posting it. Regular monitoring of the applicant’s ImmiAccount or consultation with an authorised representative is advised to ensure timely responses to departmental communication.
Submitting a ‘decision ready’ application
To reduce processing time, applicants must provide complete documentation and accurate information. Applicants must visit the web page of the relevant visa type and review the “Step-by-step” section to confirm required documents.
They must also:
Specific visa requirements
Partner visa
Applicants must provide a full record of their relationship history, including previous marriages or partnerships. Required documents include marriage certificates, divorce or separation papers, death certificates, and statutory declarations.
A 10-year residential and travel history is also mandatory for both the applicant and any dependents.
The department emphasised the need for accuracy in name spellings and consistency with the passport used for the application. Previous names must also be disclosed. Applicants are advised to complete any biometric data collection promptly to prevent delays.
Parent visa
Parent visa applicants must provide similar documentation regarding residential and travel history, ensure name accuracy, and supply biometric information as requested.
They are also required to update the department about any change in their situation, which can be done via ImmiAccount. For paper applications, the Parent Visa Processing Centre form can be used to import the application into the digital portal.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
For this visa, the sponsor must submit and receive approval for the sponsorship before the visa application is lodged. The sponsor’s documents must include a Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office.
The visa applicant must complete all health and character checks and demonstrate a genuine temporary stay intention by submitting evidence such as property ownership, employment commitments, or family ties in their home country.
Applicants must also prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Child visa
All Child visa applications must be submitted in paper form using Form 47CH for migration and Form 40CH for sponsorship. The forms must be signed in all required sections, and only one parent can act as the child’s sponsor.
Applicants are advised to opt for electronic communication by providing an accessible email address.
Documents must include evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates or passports.
If the child was conceived through IVF or surrogacy, additional medical and custody documentation must be provided, including any relevant court orders.
For applicants aged 17 or above, police clearance certificates are required for any country of residence exceeding 12 months since turning 16. For child applicants under 18, the sponsor and their partner (if applicable) must also provide police checks for all such countries.
Health examinations should be undertaken only when requested, as they have limited validity.
Using ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount remains the central platform for lodging, tracking, and managing applications for online visa categories. Applicants are advised to:
The Home Affairs Department says that the key to a smooth and timely decision lies in accuracy and readiness. Applicants who ensure all details are correct, documents are complete, and translations are properly certified are more likely to avoid delays.
Applications that include all required documents and accurate information are processed faster, according to the Department. Applicants are urged to review their forms carefully before submission and respond promptly to any departmental requests for additional information to ensure a smooth and timely outcome.
What the family visa category covers
Family visas allow eligible applicants to join close relatives in Australia. The main categories include Partner, Sponsored Parent (Temporary), Parent, Child, and Other Family visas. The department has clarified that while Partner and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa applications must be filed online through ImmiAccount, Parent, Child, and Other Family visas continue to require paper forms.
Applicants must pay the prescribed application fee and include the receipt number on the paper form before posting it. Regular monitoring of the applicant’s ImmiAccount or consultation with an authorised representative is advised to ensure timely responses to departmental communication.
Submitting a ‘decision ready’ application
To reduce processing time, applicants must provide complete documentation and accurate information. Applicants must visit the web page of the relevant visa type and review the “Step-by-step” section to confirm required documents.
They must also:
- Translate all non-English documents into English.
- Include the NAATI practitioner number for translations completed in Australia.
- For translations done overseas, mention the translator’s name, address, contact number, and qualifications.
- Notify the department immediately of any change in circumstances or contact details.
Specific visa requirements
Partner visa
Applicants must provide a full record of their relationship history, including previous marriages or partnerships. Required documents include marriage certificates, divorce or separation papers, death certificates, and statutory declarations.
A 10-year residential and travel history is also mandatory for both the applicant and any dependents.
The department emphasised the need for accuracy in name spellings and consistency with the passport used for the application. Previous names must also be disclosed. Applicants are advised to complete any biometric data collection promptly to prevent delays.
Parent visa
Parent visa applicants must provide similar documentation regarding residential and travel history, ensure name accuracy, and supply biometric information as requested.
They are also required to update the department about any change in their situation, which can be done via ImmiAccount. For paper applications, the Parent Visa Processing Centre form can be used to import the application into the digital portal.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
For this visa, the sponsor must submit and receive approval for the sponsorship before the visa application is lodged. The sponsor’s documents must include a Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office.
The visa applicant must complete all health and character checks and demonstrate a genuine temporary stay intention by submitting evidence such as property ownership, employment commitments, or family ties in their home country.
Applicants must also prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Child visa
All Child visa applications must be submitted in paper form using Form 47CH for migration and Form 40CH for sponsorship. The forms must be signed in all required sections, and only one parent can act as the child’s sponsor.
Applicants are advised to opt for electronic communication by providing an accessible email address.
Documents must include evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates or passports.
If the child was conceived through IVF or surrogacy, additional medical and custody documentation must be provided, including any relevant court orders.
For applicants aged 17 or above, police clearance certificates are required for any country of residence exceeding 12 months since turning 16. For child applicants under 18, the sponsor and their partner (if applicable) must also provide police checks for all such countries.
Health examinations should be undertaken only when requested, as they have limited validity.
Using ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount remains the central platform for lodging, tracking, and managing applications for online visa categories. Applicants are advised to:
- Opt in for electronic messaging for faster updates.
- Check their account regularly for progress updates or information requests.
- Upload additional documents or make corrections through the portal.
The Home Affairs Department says that the key to a smooth and timely decision lies in accuracy and readiness. Applicants who ensure all details are correct, documents are complete, and translations are properly certified are more likely to avoid delays.
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