Australia Family Visa Application Guide 2026

Bringing your loved ones to Australia is an exciting step. But the rules for family visas have changed a bit in recent years. The Department of Home Affairs has a new Migration Strategy. This means more checks on applications, but also easier online ways to apply. In 2026, things are stricter, yet more digital and streamlined.

This guide helps you understand the main family visas. It covers partner visas like Subclass 820/801 or 309/100. It also explains parent visas and child visas. You will learn about processing times in 2026 and how to make a strong application. Always check the official website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) for the latest rules, as this is just general information.

Partner Visas: Subclass 820/801 and 309/100

If you want to bring your husband, wife, or de facto partner to Australia in 2026, you have two main choices. You can apply from inside Australia (onshore) or from outside (offshore).

Onshore Partner Visa 820/801

This visa is for people already in Australia on a valid visa. You apply for both the temporary visa (Subclass 820) and the permanent visa (Subclass 801) at the same time. When you submit your application, you often get a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This lets you stay in Australia legally. You can usually work full-time and use Medicare for health care while you wait for the decision.

The process has two stages. First, you get the temporary 820 visa. After about two years, the Department checks again for the permanent 801 visa.

In 2026, processing times for the temporary stage (820) are around 12 to 20 months for most cases. The permanent stage (801) can take 6 to 15 months more after you become eligible.

Partner Visa Subclass 309/100

This is for people applying from outside Australia (offshore). You apply for the temporary visa (Subclass 309) first. Later, it leads to the permanent visa (Subclass 100).

The Department has focused on these visas to help families reunite after hard times like the pandemic. In 2026, offshore partner visas often take 8 to 28 months, but many good applications process in 12 to 20 months.

Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300

This is also called the fiancé visa. It lets your partner come to Australia to marry you. You must get married within 9 to 15 months after arrival. Then, you can apply for a partner visa (like 820/801 if onshore).

This visa is useful if you are not married yet but plan to marry soon.

Sponsoring Parents and Children in 2026

The Australian Family Migration Program has limits on how many parent visas it gives each year. In 2025-26, there are about 8,500 places for parent visas. This makes wait times long.

Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143

This is the faster option for parents, but it costs a lot more money. You pay a big fee (around AUD 48,000 or more). It is called “contributory” because the family helps pay for the costs.

Even with the high fee, it can still take several years. In 2026, new applications may wait 12 to 15 years because of the queue. Some older applications from 2018 are being processed now.

Balance of Family Test Australia

To get most parent visas, you must pass the Balance of Family Test. This means at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia as citizens or permanent residents.

If you have two children, at least one must live in Australia. If you have four, at least two must be here.

Child Visa Subclass 101/802

These visas are for children of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Subclass 101 is for applying from outside Australia. Subclass 802 is for children already in Australia.

These visas get priority, so they process faster than parent visas. They are good for dependent children under 18 or sometimes older if they meet rules.

The “Four Pillars” of Relationship Evidence

For partner visas in 2026, you must prove your relationship is real and will last. The Department looks at four main areas, called the “Four Pillars.” A marriage certificate alone is not enough.

1. Financial Aspect Show you share money and costs. Examples include joint bank accounts, shared rent or house loans, joint bills for electricity or phone, or insurance in both names.
2. Nature of the Household Evidence Prove you live together like a family. Show how you share home duties, cook together, care for children or pets, and plan your daily life as a couple.
3. Social Aspect Friends and family know you as a couple. Get Form 888 Statutory Declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents. They write about how they see your relationship. Photos from events with family and friends also help.
4. Commitment Show you plan a long future together. Examples include being each other’s beneficiaries in wills, superannuation (retirement funds), or life insurance. Letters about your plans, trips together, or shared goals are good too.

For de facto partners (not married), you usually need to prove you lived together for at least 12 months. Exceptions exist if you registered your relationship in an Australian state or have special reasons (like children together).

The Step-by-Step Procedural Guide

Here is a simple step-by-step plan for family visa applications in 2026.

1. Check Sponsor Eligibility Australia 2026 The sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) must pass a character test. This includes police checks (like AFP check in Australia).
2. Create an ImmiAccount All applications go online through ImmiAccount. Make an account, fill forms, and upload clear color scans of documents. Keep everything updated.
3. Health & Character Applicants need medical exams. Book through Bupa Medical Visa Services. For offshore applicants, use VFS Global centers for biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
4. Sign the Values Statement Everyone must agree to respect Australian laws and way of life by signing the Australian Values Statement.
5. AOS (Assurance of Support) 2026 For parent visas, the sponsor gives a financial bond through Centrelink. This promises the parent will not need government help like welfare.

Processing Times and Home Affairs Interaction

Processing times change based on how many applications there are.

• Partner visas: Temporary stage often takes 6–20 months. Full process can be 12–30 months.
• Parent visas: Non-contributory can take 30+ years. Contributory (143) around 12–15 years due to queues.

If the Department sends a Request for More Information (RFI), reply fast. Delays happen if you miss deadlines.

Sponsors must show they can support the family. There is no fixed salary rule like in some countries, but you must prove no need for public funds.

FAQ: Australia Family Visas 2026

Disclaimer: Are you planning to move to Australia in 2026? This guide gives basic steps, but rules can change. Always visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for exact details. This article is for information only, not legal advice.