Including Family in Visa Application
Applying for an Australian visa can be a daunting process, especially when considering whether your family members can join you on your journey. This blog will guide you through the key considerations and visa subclasses that allow family members to be included in your application..
1. Who Qualifies as a 'Family Member'
Before including someone in your visa application, it’s essential to understand how Australian immigration law defines a family member. Commonly, this includes:
2. Visa Subclasses That Allow Family Members
Several Australian visas provide options to include family members, such as:
- Skilled Migration Visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491): You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Allows inclusion of immediate family members.
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801, 309/100): Specifically for partners, and children can also be included.
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): Dependents such as spouses and children can be added to your application.
3. Criteria for Including Family Members
- Proof of Relationship: Provide evidence of the relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Dependency Evidence: For dependents other than a spouse or children, you’ll need to prove financial and other forms of dependency.
- Health and Character Requirements: All included family members must meet these visa conditions, including medical checks and police clearances.
4. Costs Involved
Including family members often increases the overall visa application fee. Additional charges apply for each family member added to your application.
5. Post-Lodgement: What Happens Next?
Once you lodge your application:
- Family members will be assessed alongside you.
- They may also need to provide supporting documents and attend interviews or health checks.
6. Can You Add Family Members After Lodging the Application?
In some cases, family members can be added after you submit your application but only before the visa decision is made. However, this depends on the visa subclass and specific circumstances.
Conclusion
Including family members in your visa application is a great way to bring your loved ones along as you start a new chapter in Australia. However, the process requires careful planning and attention to detail. If you’re unsure about eligibility or documentation, consulting with an immigration expert can make the process smoother.
Useful Links:
Visit the Department’s Website: Learn more about the official requirements for including your partner or family members in your visa application.
Family-Related Visa Services: Explore our services to find out how we can assist you with family-related visa applications.
Need Help? Contact Jade Immigration Lawyers for expert advice on your specific case. You can also check Jade’s profile to get to know her and her expertise in this area.