For the people who make a place home.
Your life together.
A considered beginning.
When a move is about someone you love, the details feel personal. Make room for a careful conversation about your relationship, your family and your plans.
Explore visa guides
Start with the bigger picture
For partners and families exploring the possibility of living closer together.
Family migration is not one single pathway. The relationship, sponsor’s status, where family members live and their circumstances help shape the questions to explore. Partner and parent categories have different requirements and processes. Start with the family story before deciding which application might be relevant.
An emotional commitment or family connection does not by itself satisfy a visa’s legal requirements. Avoid treating another couple’s evidence list or timeline as a rule for your own case.
Understand the landscape
Pathways to explore.
Partner visa — apply in Australia
For eligible spouses and de facto partners applying in Australia. The temporary 820 and permanent 801 form a two-stage partner pathway.
Explore requirements & processPartner visa — apply overseas
For eligible couples lodging the partner application while the applicant is outside Australia. The provisional 309 leads to assessment for permanent subclass 100.
Explore requirements & processContributory Parent visa
A permanent parent pathway with substantial government charges and a queue. Assess family eligibility, sponsorship and the long-term financial commitment together.
Explore requirements & processParent visa
A permanent parent pathway subject to a long queue. Consider eligibility alongside the practical implications of waiting and future family plans.
Explore requirements & processExamples for discussion, not an exhaustive list or eligibility assessment. Current requirements must be checked against your circumstances.
Make the first conversation useful
Bring your story.
We’ll start there.
Questions worth exploring
- What is the relationship and the sponsor’s status in Australia?
- Where are both people located, and what visas are currently held?
- What are the important dates in your relationship or family history?
- Are there previous applications or decisions to discuss?
Useful information to have nearby
- A simple relationship or family timeline
- A summary of each person’s citizenship and visa status
- A list of previous relevant applications or decisions
- Questions about evidence, timing, location and costs
These are preparation prompts, not mandatory evidence requirements. Don’t send sensitive documents with an initial enquiry.
A little more clarity
Your questions, considered.
Should we collect every possible document before a consultation?
Start with a clear summary. Evidence should address the relevant requirements, not simply fill a large folder. Agree a secure sharing method before sending personal documents.
Does getting married guarantee a partner visa?
No. A visa application has requirements beyond the fact of marriage. Your circumstances and the relevant rules need to be assessed.
Can we discuss a parent visa on the same basis as a partner visa?
Parent and partner categories are different. Tell Shikha which family relationship you want to discuss so the consultation can focus on the appropriate questions.
A useful next read
Partner & family · 4 min read
Planning a conversation about your partner or family pathway.
Start with your shared circumstances, rather than someone else’s document list.
Read the guideOne thoughtful first step