Bring Your Children Home and Reunite Your Family in Australia

Absolutely! Family visas (both temporary and permanent subclasses) grant children complete work and study rights in Australia. This means your child can pursue educational goals, enrol in schools or universities, and contribute to the Australian economy while building their life in Australia with you.

Character requirements for family visa sponsors are taken seriously. While minor offences might not automatically disqualify you, significant criminal history or character concerns could hinder your ability to sponsor a child visa.

If you have any character-related concerns, it's crucial to seek immediate legal advice from a qualified migration lawyer. They'll assess your specific circumstances and advise whether you meet sponsorship eligibility and what options might be available to address potential issues.

No, you don't need to pay the entire cost upfront. Here's a typical breakdown:

Government Lodgement Fees: These fees are due within five days of your application's lodgement.

Professional Fees: Our firm generally requires payment of professional fees upon signing the services agreement. This ensures we can dedicate the necessary resources to your case.

Payment Methods: We accept credit cards for both government and professional fees (note that a 1.40% surcharge applies to credit card payments for government fees).

The overall process involves two stages:

Preparation Time: The timeframe for gathering evidence, completing forms, and preparing your application typically ranges from 1 to 3 months. However, our firm can expedite the process for urgent cases.

Department of Home Affairs Processing Time: Current processing times can vary significantly. Here's the latest information as of March 2024 (always check the official website for the most up-to-date figures):

• Subclass 802 Child Visa (Onshore): 20-27 months

Please visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website to learn more and monitor processing times.

While it's technically possible to lodge a child visa application on your own, it's strongly recommended to engage a qualified migration lawyer or registered agent. Family visa regulations are complex, and expert guidance significantly increases your chances of success.

Here's why seeking professional help is crucial:

Avoiding costly mistakes: Seemingly minor errors can lead to refusals and delays. Professionals ensure your application is complete, accurate, and persuasive.

Limited options after refusal: If you receive a refusal, you have a very short window to respond. Engaging a lawyer proactively gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

Navigating complex situations: If your family circumstances, custody arrangements, separated parents, or character background present any complexities, a lawyer will develop strategies to address these potential issues.

Here's a list of common requirements and considerations. Please note that specific requirements can vary depending on the visa subclass:

• Child's age (under 18, or 18-25 studying full-time, or over 18 with disability)
• Child's dependency on sponsor
• Sponsor's status (Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen)
• Application fee
• Genuine parent-child relationship
• Good character
• Health requirements
• Custody arrangements documented
• Proof of financial support
• Child not married or in de facto relationship
• Prior visa refusals

Always consult the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website and consider seeking professional advice from a migration lawyer for the most accurate information tailored to your situation.