Family visas are a category of visas that allow eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their loved ones in Australia. These visas are designed to promote family unity and allow close relatives to live, work, and study in Australia. The Australian government offers several types of family visas to cater to different family relationships and circumstances and some of which can lead to permanent residency.
Visa application costs are an important factor to consider when planning to apply for an Australian family visa. The cost of the visa can vary depending on the specific subclass and the circumstances of the applicant. To ensure you’re well prepared and informed about your visa application, we recommend you enlist the assistance of one of an Australian Migration Lawyer to get you started.
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Associated costs
Below is an overview of common Australian family visa subclasses and their associated costs. For more specific information around your circumstances, contact us at Australian Migration Lawyers.
A note about the Visa Application Fee: This is the cost you need to pay to the Australian Government when you submit your application.
Payment timelines with associated costs
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the Department of Home Affairs will have different requirements for payment regarding your visa applications. All payments for submissions listed below commence at the time of lodgement with no government fees to be paid prior to this. Understanding the payment expectations and requirements by the department is paramount in efficiently getting your visa application processed. It’s recommended that you speak to a migration lawyer to ensure you don’t miss a deadline.
A family visa can normally incur the following fees:
| Visa Type | Main Applicant Cost (AUD) | Additional Applicant Base Cost (AUD) | Payment Timeline (AUD) |
|---|
| New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461) | $445 | - $225 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $110 for an applicant under 18 years. | The full fee is payable in a single instalment at the time of application |
| Child visa (subclass 101/802) | $3,235 | - $1,615 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $810 for an applicant under 18 years. | Paid in full |
| Adoption visa (subclass 102) | $3,055 | - $1,615 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $810 for an applicant under 18 years. | Paid in full |
| Carer visa (subclass 116/836) | $4,240 | - $3,115 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $2,610 for an applicant under 18 years. | #First Instalment:
- Payable at the time of application. The base charge is $2,175
- Additional charges are $1,090 (18 or over) and $545 (under 18).
#Second instalment:
A fee of $2,065 is payable for each applicant before the visa is granted. This may be waived if the Minister determines it would cause severe financial hardship. |
| Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) | $7,345 | - $4,705 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $3,390 for an applicant under 18 years. | #First Instalment:
- Payable at the time of application. The base charge is $5,280
- Additional charges are $2,640 (18 or over) and $1,325 (under 18).
#Second instalment:
A fee of $2,065 is payable for each applicant before the visa is granted. |
| Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114/838) | $7,345 | - $4,705 for an applicant 18 years or older.
- $3,390 for an applicant under 18 years. | #First Instalment:
- Payable at the time of application. The base charge is $5,280
- Additional charges are $2,640 (18 or over) and $1,325 (under 18).
#Second instalment:
A fee of $2,065 is payable for each applicant before the visa is granted. |
Any costs that may be incurred by the applicant prior to submissions may be related to service fees of migration agents or lawyers where clients are required to have their consultations and meetings paid prior to lodgement.
Other visa application requirements
Medical Examination
Each person included in your application will need to undergo a medical examination. These costs can vary, and you'll pay this fee directly to the doctor conducting the examination.
Biometrics Collection
Visa applicants may be requested to provide biometrics including fingerprints and face structure (photos) during the application process. This fee is paid to the Australian Biometric Collection Centres or their overseas service providers.
Police Checks
Depending on where you've lived, you might need to pay for police checks. This fee is paid to the police authorities in the countries where you've lived for 12 months or more.
Document Translation
If your documents are not in English, they will need to be translated. The fee for this service varies, and you'll pay it directly to the person responsible for translating your documents.
Remember, these are the fees as of 1 July 2023. It's always a good idea to check the most current fees on the Australian Government's website or with an Australian Migration Lawyer to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Contributory parent visa application
In some circumstances, people living in Australia as an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen may wish to have their parents living internationally to join them in Australia. These people may choose to sponsor one of their parents who would submit for a parent visa application under the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173/143) or the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884/864).
The significant difference of a Contributory Parent Visa and the Contributory Aged Parent Visa compared to other parent visa types is the cost. These particular parent visa applications are more expensive than the rest.
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