Australia is a top destination for families looking to reunite with their loved ones. The Australian government offers various family visa options that allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives. For Pakistanis with family members living in Australia, understanding the visa process is essential to ensure a successful application. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Australia Family Visas and how Pakistanis can sponsor their relatives to join them in Australia.

What is an Australia Family Visa?

The Australia Family Visa program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members to come and live in Australia. The purpose of these visas is to help families reunite and build a life together in Australia. Depending on your relationship with the sponsor, there are different types of family visas you can apply for.

Types of Family Visas Available for Pakistanis

There are several types of family visas that Pakistanis can apply for when they wish to join their relatives in Australia. Below are the most common family visa categories:

1. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103 and 804)
3. Child Visa (Subclass 101 and 802)
4. Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)
5. Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 and 835)
6. Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114 and 838)

Each visa category has its own eligibility requirements, processing times, and application fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Visa Sponsorship

To sponsor a family member for a visa, the sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:

• Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Age Requirement: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• Financial Capability: The sponsor must demonstrate that they can financially support the applicant during their stay in Australia.
• Good Character: The sponsor must meet the good character requirements set by the Australian government.

Partner Visa for Spouses and De Facto Partners

The Partner Visa is one of the most popular family visas for Pakistanis. It allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia. The visa is available in two stages:

1. Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309): This is the initial visa granted to applicants. It allows them to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent visa is being processed.
2. Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100): After two years, the applicant can apply for permanent residency if the relationship is still ongoing.

To apply for a Partner Visa, you need to provide evidence of your relationship, including joint financial accounts, shared property, and photos.

Parent Visa Options for Pakistani Parents

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your parents to join you in Australia. There are two main types of Parent Visas:

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 and 173): These visas have shorter processing times but require a higher application fee.
2. Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103): These visas have a lower application fee but longer processing times, often taking more than 10 years.

Your parents must meet health and character requirements, and they may need to undergo medical examinations.

Child Visa for Pakistani Children

The Child Visa (Subclass 101 and 802) allows dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. The child must be:

• Under 18 years old
• Financially dependent on the sponsor
• Unmarried

In some cases, older children up to the age of 25 may qualify if they are full-time students and dependent on the sponsor.

Carer Visa for Family Members Needing Assistance

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836) is for family members who need to care for an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen with a long-term medical condition. The sponsor must demonstrate that there are no other relatives in Australia who can provide the required care.

Remaining Relative Visa for Last Remaining Family Members

The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 and 835) is for individuals who have no close family members left in their home country. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and the applicant must be the last remaining relative.

Aged Dependent Relative Visa for Elderly Family Members

The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114 and 838) allows elderly relatives who are financially dependent on an Australian sponsor to live in Australia permanently. The applicant must be over the age of 65 and meet dependency requirements.

Application Process for an Australian Family Visa

The process of applying for a family visa involves several steps:

1. Check Visa Eligibility: Determine which family visa category you qualify for.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including identity proofs, relationship proofs, financial statements, and health assessments.
3. Submit Visa Application: Lodge your application online through the ImmiAccount portal.
4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the relevant visa application fee.
5. Await Processing: Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.
6. Attend Interviews or Medical Exams: Some applicants may need to attend an interview or undergo medical examinations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Family Visa

• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure that all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.
• Incorrect Visa Category: Apply for the correct visa category based on your relationship with the sponsor.
• Ignoring Health and Character Requirements: Complete all health checks and police clearance certificates as required.
• Providing False Information: Always provide accurate and truthful information.
• Relying on Unlicensed Agents: Work with registered migration agents to avoid scams.

Conclusion

The Australia Family Visa program offers Pakistani families a chance to reunite and build a life together in Australia. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or other relative, understanding the different visa options and requirements is essential for a successful application. By avoiding common mistakes and ensuring your documentation is complete, you can improve your chances of a smooth visa process. If you are unsure about any aspect of the application, consider seeking guidance from a registered migration agent to help you navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system.