Do you want to bring your loved ones to Australia? It can feel hard, like a long trip in the desert. In 2026, Australia’s family visa rules have become more digital and strict. The process uses online systems a lot now. The government checks everything carefully.
This guide helps you understand the Family Migration Program in 2026. It covers quotas, money rules, and digital steps. The total migration program for 2025-26 is 185,000 places. The family stream has about 52,500 places. Most go to partner visas.
Australian Partner Visas: Subclass 820, 801, and 309
Partner visas are the most common way for married couples or de facto partners to come to Australia. De facto means living together like married for at least 12 months.
In 2026, the sponsor check is stricter. The sponsor gets approved first before the main application.
Key Requirements for 2026
- Genuine and Continuing Relationship You must show proof in four areas: money matters, home life, social life, and commitment to each other. Examples include joint bank accounts, shared bills, photos with friends, and messages showing love.
- Form 888 (Statutory Declarations) These are now fully online. Friends or family who are Australian citizens or permanent residents fill them to support your relationship story.
- The Digital Workflow All applications go through ImmiAccount. This is the online portal. It has real-time checks for your identity using digital tools.
Common Query: Differences between Subclass 309 and Subclass 820 in 2026?
Subclass 309 is for people applying from outside Australia (offshore). Subclass 820 is for people already in Australia (onshore) with a valid visa. If you apply onshore, you often get a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This lets you stay in Australia while waiting for the decision. You can work and study on it in most cases.
Partner visas usually have two stages. First is temporary (820 or 309), then permanent (801 or 100) after about two years. The process is online only now. No paper forms. Fees are around AUD 9,000 or more. Processing times can be 9 to 18 months or longer, depending on your case.
Bringing Parents to Australia: Rules and Quotas
Sponsoring parents is a big step. It needs strong commitment. The Family Migration Program 2026 has limited places for parents. Only about 8,500 places total for parent visas. Wait times are long because of high demand and low numbers.
The Financial Pillar: Assurance of Support (AoS)
Most parent visas need an Assurance of Support. This means the sponsor promises to support the parent. The parent will not get government help like social security.
- Income Test for Sponsors The sponsor must earn enough money. Centrelink checks this. The amount is based on the minimum wage and family size.
- Bank Guarantee For contributory visas, there is a big bond. It is held for 10 years. The amount is high, often AUD 10,000 or more per parent.
- Balance of Family Test At least half of the parent’s children must live in Australia as settled residents.
Pain Point Alert: How long is the wait for Australian Parent Visa 2026?
Non-contributory visas like Subclass 103 have very long waits. It can be 30 years or more because queues are old. Contributory visas like Subclass 143 are faster but cost a lot. Fees can be around AUD 50,000 or more per person. Wait times are still 12 to 15 years or longer for new applications.
Contributory visas give permanent residency quicker. But the cost is very high. Non-contributory are cheaper but take decades.
Always check the latest queue dates on the Home Affairs website.
Australia Child Visa Subclass 101 Guide
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and your child is overseas, the Child Visa Subclass 101 is the main option.
Eligibility
- The child is usually under 18 years old.
- Or under 25 if a full-time student and fully dependent on you for money.
- The child must be single.
- They must be your biological, adopted, or step-child.
The child applies from outside Australia for Subclass 101. There is also Subclass 802 for onshore.
Health and Character
- Everyone needs health checks, even babies. Character checks are for older children.
- Health waivers are hard to get. You must show no big cost to Australia’s health system.
- This visa leads to permanent residency. The child can live, study, and work in Australia.
Australia Family Visa Roadmap 2026
Here is a simple table of main family visas:
| Visa Type | Subclass | Primary Eligibility | 2026 Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner (Onshore) | 820/801 | Married or De Facto | Provisional then PR |
| Partner (Offshore) | 309/100 | Married or De Facto | PR after wait period |
| Contributory Parent | 143 | Balance of Family Test | Immediate PR (High Cost) |
| Child Visa | 101/802 | Biological/Adopted | Permanent Residency |
Partner visas have about 40,500 places. Child visas have around 3,000 places. Other family visas have only 500 places.
FAQ: Navigating 2026 Pain Points
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Can I apply for a Partner Visa in Australia while on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, if your visitor visa has no “No Further Stay” condition (8503). You can apply onshore and get a bridging visa to stay.
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What are the AoS income requirements for sponsoring two parents 2026?
The income needed is higher for two parents. It changes with the minimum wage. Use the Centrelink tool for the latest 2026 numbers.
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How do I check my visa status?
Use VEVO online. It is the best way to show your visa details to work or live in Australia.
In 2026, everything is more digital. Use ImmiAccount for applications. Check the official website often for changes. Family visas help bring loved ones together. But rules are strict. Prepare well with good evidence.
Ready to start? The rules are tough in 2026, but many families succeed with careful planning. Ask questions about your subclass below. Share this with friends planning to migrate.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) for the latest and correct details before you apply.