Family reunion visas represent one of the most significant and emotionally meaningful categories in the Australian immigration system. Over the past week, De1 Consultancy received numerous inquiries from clients across Vietnam and Australia regarding partner sponsorship, parent visa queues, and dependent child eligibility.
Below, De1 synthesizes the top 3 most common family visa questions along with strategic, compliant advice under current Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regulations.
Question 1: Does registering a Relationship Certificate (De Facto) waive the 12-month cohabitation rule?
Under Migration Regulations, registering a formal relationship with an Australian state or territory births, deaths, and marriages registry waives the strict 12-month living-together requirement for de facto couples. However, relationship registration is not a substitute for substantive evidence. Applicants must still prove a genuine and continuing relationship across the four key pillars: financial aspects, nature of the household, social recognition, and mutual commitment.
Question 2: What are the differences between Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)?
Subclass 143 is a permanent residency visa with higher government contribution fees and significant waiting queues subject to annual migration planning caps. In contrast, Subclass 870 is a temporary stay visa (granting 3 or 5 years up to a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years) that allows parents to reside in Australia without requiring the Balance of Family test or conferring permanent residency rights.
Question 3: Can adult children sponsor parents while holding temporary visas?
To sponsor parents for permanent residency (Subclass 143/864/103), the child must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia. Holders of temporary visas (such as Subclass 482 or Subclass 485) cannot sponsor parents for permanent parent visas, but can facilitate standard Visitor Visas (Subclass 600) for family visits.
Professional Consultation with De1
Family visa regulations involve intricate legal requirements and substantial government lodgment fees. De1 Consultancy provides expert assessment, evidence auditing, and tailored pathway planning to ensure your family’s Australian reunion proceeds smoothly.
Source: Department of Home Affairs / De1 Migration Analysis
