​​According to the Department of Home Affairs.

Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens can apply to sponsor their family to live permanently in Australia, through four categories of visas​:​

Partner visas, which allows a spouse, de facto partner or prospective spouse to live in Australia

Parent visas, which allow parents to move to and stay in Australia

Child visas, which allow parents to sponsor their dependent or adopted child, or an orphaned relative to live with them in Australia

Other Family visas, which allow family members to sponsor carers, remaining relatives and aged dependent relatives to live with them in Australia.​

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Australian government provides pathways to sponsor a spouse or de facto partner.

The Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships across four main pillars; financial interdependence, the nature of the household, social recognition, and long-term commitment.

Generally, de facto partners must demonstrate a shared life for at least 12 months prior to application.

Subclass 309, for partners applying from outside Australia.

Subclass 820, for partners already inside Australia on a valid visa.

Both pathways typically lead to permanent residency (Subclass 100 or 801) after a two-year waiting period, provided the relationship remains genuine and continuing.

Australia provides several pathways for parents of settled citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their families.

These options are divided into two categories: Permanent Residency (PR) and Strategic Temporary Stay.

The Australian Government manages permanent parent migration through a strict annual quota. For the 2025–26 Migration Program year, the total quota is set at 8,500 places.

Because demand significantly exceeds the 8,500 annual limit, processing times for new permanent applications are lengthy.

Once the annual limit is reached, no further grants are issued until the following July 1st. Applications are assessed in "Queue Date" order.

The Australian Child Migration Framework allows for the permanent sponsorship of children by eligible parents or relatives.

(Subclass 101 & 802)

This pathway is for biological, adopted, or step-children of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Generally for children under 18.

Children aged 18 to 25 may be aligned with this pathway if they are full-time students and financially dependent on the sponsoring parent.

The child must be single (not married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship).

(Subclass 117 & 837)

A highly specialized pathway for children under 18 who cannot be cared for by their parents due to death, permanent incapacity, or disappearance.

Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or their step equivalents who are settled in Australia.

This pathway requires high-level documentation proving the parents' status and the relative's capacity to provide a permanent home.

(Subclass 102)

For children adopted outside of Australia by an Australian citizen or resident. 2026 regulations require strict alignment with international adoption treaties and local state welfare authorities.