Introduction
Australia’s migration system isn’t just designed for skilled workers and students, it also provides robust, compassionate, and future-focused pathways for family sponsorship and permanent residency. These options reflect Australia’s commitment to keeping families together, particularly as international movement becomes increasingly common and family separation continues to affect the well-being of migrants worldwide.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, in the 2024–25 migration program planning levels, 52,500 places were allocated to the family stream, making up over 25% of the total migration intake. This allocation includes visas for partners, parents, children, and other eligible relatives — demonstrating how seriously Australia takes family reunification as part of its social fabric.
Whether you’re looking to bring your parents, siblings, or other close relatives to live with you in Australia, there are a variety of family sponsored visa Australia options that can help you reconnect and build a stable, long-term future together. For many migrants, family reunification is not just a personal goal — it’s a priority that ranks just as highly as employment, study, or permanent residency planning.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore how to sponsor a family member to Australia, who qualifies, how the system works, and what types of family stream permanent visas are available to suit different needs. We’ll also walk through the documentation process, outline important financial considerations, and share practical tips to help ensure your application succeeds the first time.
Looking for information regarding the 485 subsequent entrant visa instead? Click here
What is a Family Sponsored Visa in Australia?
A family sponsorship visa Australia allows Australian citizens, permanent residents (PR holders), and eligible New Zealand citizens to formally sponsor close relatives to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently. It is one of the most significant pathways in Australia’s migration policy and is designed to strengthen family ties, social cohesion, and long-term community building.
The Department of Home Affairs processes thousands of family visas annually. In fact, partner visas alone made up nearly 90% of all family stream visas granted in 2022–23, showing that immediate family reunification remains a strong priority in policy execution.
The family visa Australia category includes several key subclasses, each tied to the nature of your relationship with the applicant:
- Partner visas (subclass 820/801 or 309/100) — for spouses or de facto partners
- Parent visas (subclass 103, 143, or 870) — for biological, adoptive or step-parents
- Child visas (subclass 101 or 802) — for dependent or adopted children
- Other family visas — covering carers, aged dependent relatives, and in rare cases siblings or extended family
The family stream permanent visa options allow successful applicants to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship. Beyond the benefits for applicants, these pathways also enhance Australia’s demographic stability, improve migrant retention, and reduce long-term integration issues.
Here is a breakdown of the number of places allocated to the family stream:
| Year | Allocation Places | Percentage of Total Migration Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 52,500 | Over 25% |
Who Can You Sponsor?
One of the most common and emotionally driven questions we hear from clients is:
Can I sponsor my sister to Australia?
Can I sponsor my brother to live in Australia?
Can I bring my nephew to Australia permanently?
While partner, child, and parent sponsorships are widely supported and clearly structured, options for other relatives such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or carers are more limited and situational.
Here are some scenarios where family sponsorship is possible:
- Parents: The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is the most common choice, offering faster processing in exchange for a higher application fee. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) allows parents to stay for up to 10 years with no pathway to PR, but is a great short-term option.
- Children: The Child Visa (subclass 101 or 802) is designed for dependent, adopted, or biological children. These are among the fastest and most straightforward family visas to obtain.
- Siblings, nieces, nephews: These family members may qualify under the Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115) or the Carer Visa (subclass 116). However, strict criteria apply, including proof that the applicant has no other close relatives outside Australia, which can be difficult to meet.
| Visa Type | Visa Subclass | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Remaining Relative Visa | 115 | Strict criteria, proof of no other close relatives outside Australia |
| Carer Visa | 116 | Strict criteria, proof of no other close relatives outside Australia |
| Contributory Parent Visa | 143 | Faster processing, higher application fee |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa | 870 | Stay up to 10 years, no PR pathway |
| Child Visa | 101, 802 | For dependent, adopted, or biological children |
The government assesses not only your relationship but also your financial capacity, residency status, and long-term stability. In most cases, the family sponsored visa Australia category is your best shot — but it’s important to understand both the legal and practical requirements before you begin the process.
How to Sponsor a Family Member to Australia
The process to sponsor a family member to Australia involves multiple stages. Here’s what you need to know:
- Determine Eligibility
You must be:- Over 18 years of age
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Able to meet financial requirements and commit to supporting the applicant for a set period
- Choose the Right Visa Subclass
Not every family situation fits the same visa. A family reunion visa Australia might be more suitable if your goal is to bring over a dependent relative who isn’t your spouse or parent. Partner, parent, or carer visas each have their own eligibility frameworks. - Lodge the Sponsorship Application
You will need to create or access your ImmiAccount, prepare identity and relationship documents, and submit the application online. - Wait for Approval
Processing times vary. Some partner and child visas may be processed within 12 months, while parent visas can take several years. Keep your documents updated and respond promptly to requests from the Department.
Key Considerations for 2025
In 2025, Australia continues to prioritize family unity within its broader immigration strategy. However, due to high demand and complex case loads, wait times are increasing for some subclasses — particularly family PR visas for parents and relatives.
Applicants must also meet strict character, health, and in some cases, English language criteria. If sponsoring parents or other relatives, be prepared for additional financial commitments such as the Assurance of Support.
Applying through the correct subclass and providing strong evidence early will improve your chances of a faster outcome.
Conclusion
Bringing your loved ones to Australia is a life-changing step, and with the right visa and preparation, it’s entirely possible. From sponsoring your brother to live in Australia to applying for a family reunion visa Australia, there are multiple pathways available.
Understanding the process, knowing your options, and choosing the right subclass are essential to your success. Australia’s family sponsored visa programs are built on the values of unity, support, and opportunity, and Kandel Consultancy is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact our team today for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward bringing your family home.