How to Apply for a Visa for Your Family as a Skilled Worker in Australia

As a skilled worker in Australia, one of the benefits of your visa is the opportunity to bring your family with you.

Understanding the process of applying for a visa for your family as a skilled worker is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application.

This guide outlines the steps and requirements to apply for family visas, providing clarity on eligibility, documents, and how to include your spouse, children, and other dependents in your application.

How to Apply for a Visa for Your Family as a Skilled Worker in Australia

If you are already in Australia on a skilled worker visa, such as a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482) or a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), you are likely eligible to sponsor your family members to join you.

These family members can include:

• Spouse or Partner: Your legally married spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex relationships).
• Children: Your biological or adopted children under 18 years old. In some cases, children over 18 but under 23 may also be included if they are financially dependent on you.
• Other Dependents: In certain circumstances, other relatives who are financially dependent on you, such as elderly parents, may be eligible.

Let’s take a look at other very important details you may need to know about.

Types of Family Visas Available

Australia offers several visa options for skilled workers looking to bring their family members.

The most common visa types include:

• Dependant Family Visa (subclass 482): If you hold a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, your family members can apply for a dependent visa to join you. This visa allows your spouse to work or study in Australia, while your children can attend school.
• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): If you hold this permanent visa, your family members can apply for a visa to join you and enjoy the same benefits, including work and study rights, as permanent residents.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by an Australian state or territory, to sponsor family members to live and work in Australia permanently.
• Family Stream Visa: For other types of dependents, including parents, there are family stream visa options that allow relatives to reunite with you in Australia under specific circumstances.

Meet the Financial Requirements

To apply for a visa for your family as a skilled worker, you will need to demonstrate that you can financially support your dependents.

This means providing proof of income, assets, or sponsorship arrangements to show that your family members will not require government assistance.

The exact financial requirements will depend on your visa subclass and the number of dependents you plan to sponsor.

Prepare Required Documents

When applying for a visa for your family as a skilled worker, you must gather and submit several documents to prove your family’s eligibility.

These documents generally include:

• Marriage Certificate or Proof of Partnership: If you’re applying for your spouse or de facto partner, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, or lease agreements.
• Birth Certificates: For children, provide their birth certificates and, if necessary, adoption papers.
• Proof of Financial Dependency: For dependents such as parents or children over 18, you’ll need to submit proof that they rely on you financially.
• Passports and Photos: Valid passports and recent passport-sized photographs of all applicants.
• Character and Health Checks: Family members will need to pass health examinations and submit police clearance certificates as part of the visa application process.
• English Language Proficiency (if applicable): Some visas, especially permanent visas, require adult dependents to prove their English language proficiency.

Submit the Visa Application

Once you’ve gathered all necessary documents, you can submit the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Follow these steps:

• 1. Create an ImmiAccount: You will need to create an account on the Australian immigration website (ImmiAccount) to manage your visa applications.
• 2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the appropriate application form for the visa subclass you are applying for. Be sure to include all family members and provide accurate information.
• 3. Pay the Application Fee: Visa applications come with fees, which vary depending on the number of applicants and the type of visa you are applying for.
• 4. Submit Health and Character Documents: After submitting your application, you may be asked to schedule health exams and submit police certificates for your dependents.

Processing Times and Approval

Visa processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, number of applicants, and the country of origin.

It’s important to apply well in advance of your planned move to Australia.

Processing times can range from a few months to over a year, so it’s crucial to be patient and ensure that all documents are correctly submitted.

Once the visa is approved, your family members will receive their visa grant notification and can make travel arrangements to join you in Australia.

Rights and Benefits for Family Members

Family members who successfully obtain a visa as dependents of a skilled worker in Australia will enjoy several benefits, including:

• Work and Study Rights: Spouses or partners typically receive full work rights, while children can attend school.
• Access to Healthcare: Depending on your visa subclass, your family members may have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare).
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: If you hold a temporary visa, such as the TSS visa, your family members can later apply for permanent residency if you become eligible. For permanent visa holders (subclass 189 or 190), family members will automatically receive permanent residency status upon approval.

Conclusion

Applying for a visa for your family as a skilled worker in Australia is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and attention to detail.

By understanding the visa options available, meeting the financial and eligibility requirements, and submitting a complete application with all necessary documentation, you can successfully bring your family to Australia.

As a skilled worker, having your family with you can enhance your experience living and working abroad, making the transition to a new country smoother for everyone involved.