Family Visas

We assist individuals and families to reunite in Australia through structured, evidence-based
applications, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and strong supporting
documentation.

Partner Visas


Subclass 820 / 801 (Onshore Partner Visa)
The Subclass 820 (temporary) visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen,
permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain in Australia while their permanent
visa is processed.
The Subclass 801 (permanent) visa is granted at the second stage, usually after two years, once the
relationship is assessed as ongoing and genuine.
Key features:

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is designed for people who are engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and wish to travel to Australia to marry their partner.

This temporary visa allows the applicant to enter Australia, marry their sponsor within the visa period, and then apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) after the marriage.

Key Requirements

  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
  • The couple must have met in person and know each other personally.
  • There must be a genuine intention to marry.
  • The marriage must take place within the visa validity period.
  • The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

Benefits

  • Live in Australia before marriage.
  • Work and study rights in Australia.
  • Travel freely while the visa is valid.
  • Pathway to permanent residence through the Partner Visa program.

Parent Visas

Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa – Permanent)
This visa allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to migrate permanently to
Australia with faster processing compared to non-contributory visas.
Key features:

  • Higher visa application charges
  • Must meet the Balance of Family Test
  • Access to Medicare and social benefits (subject to waiting periods)
  • Permanent residency pathway

    Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa – Onshore)
    This visa allows eligible older parents already in Australia to apply for permanent residency.
    Key features:
  • Applicant must be of pension age
  • Long processing times
  • Bridging visa allows lawful stay during processing
  • Lower cost compared to contributory visas

    Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa – Onshore)
    This is a faster-processing permanent visa for aged parents who are already in Australia.
    Key features:
  • Higher application charges
  • Faster processing than subclass 804
  • Must meet age and Balance of Family requirements
  • Access to bridging visa during processing

    Subclass 884 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa – Temporary)
    This temporary visa is the first stage toward permanent residency for aged parents applying in
    Australia.
    Key features:
  • Two-step pathway (884 → 864)
  • Allows stay in Australia while progressing to permanent visa
  • Requires meeting contributory requirements

    Other family visas
    Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
    Key features:
  • Child must be dependent or meet age criteria
  • Must satisfy parental responsibility and custody requirements
  • Leads to permanent residency

Child Visas

Child Visas allow dependent children of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia with their parent.

Types of Child Visas

Child Visa (Subclass 101 – Offshore)
This visa is for children who are outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted. It allows eligible children to migrate permanently to Australia and reunite with their parent.

Child Visa (Subclass 802 – Onshore)
This visa is for children who are already in Australia. Eligible children can remain in Australia while their application is processed and may become permanent residents once the visa is granted.

Who Can Apply?

A child may be eligible if they:

  • Are the biological, adopted, or stepchild of an eligible parent.
  • Are generally under 18 years of age, or
  • Are aged 18–25 and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent while studying full-time, or
  • Are over 18 and unable to work due to a disability.
  • Are single and not in a de facto relationship or married.

Benefits of a Child Visa

  • Permanent residence in Australia.
  • Access to Medicare.
  • Ability to study in Australia.
  • Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
  • Access to Australia’s education and healthcare systems.

Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 / 835)


This visa is designed for applicants whose only near family members are settled in Australia.

  • Subclass 115 – offshore application
  • Subclass 835 – onshore application
    Key features:
  • Applicant must have no close family outside Australia
  • Sponsor must be an eligible relative
  • Very limited places and long processing times
  • Permanent residency pathway
    Our approach:
    We focus on relationship evidence, financial interdependency, and legal compliance, ensuring
    applications are decision-ready and aligned with legislative requirements

Carer Visas (Subclass 116 and 836)

Australian Carer Visas provide a pathway to permanent residence for people who need to move to Australia, or remain in Australia, to provide ongoing care for a relative with a long-term medical condition, disability, or illness.

Subclass 116 – Carer Visa (Offshore)

The Subclass 116 visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant. It allows eligible carers to migrate permanently to Australia to provide substantial and continuing care to an Australian relative.

Subclass 836 – Carer Visa (Onshore)

The Subclass 836 visa is for applicants who are already in Australia. Successful applicants become permanent residents and can continue living in Australia while providing care to their eligible relative.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • The person requiring care must generally be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • The need for care must be confirmed by an approved medical authority.
  • The care required must be substantial, ongoing and directly related to the person’s medical condition or disability.
  • Reasonable care must not be available from other relatives, welfare services or community organisations in Australia.
  • The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

Benefits of a Carer Visa

  • Permanent residence in Australia.
  • Ability to work and study without restriction.
  • Access to Medicare.
  • Opportunity to sponsor eligible family members in the future.
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship if eligible.

How Melton Migration Can Help

Carer visa applications are evidence-heavy and require careful preparation. Our team can assist with:

  • Eligibility assessments.
  • Medical evidence and specialist reports.
  • Sponsorship and family relationship requirements.
  • Preparation and lodgement of the visa application.
  • Responding to Departmental requests for further information.