Fact Sheet 37 - Processing Priorities

The Australian Government has established processing priorities for applicants who apply to migrate under the family stream.

Higher priority is given to immediate family categories such as dependent children (including children for adoption), orphan relatives, partners and fiancés.

Within these categories:

• a distinction is made based on whether the applicant has been sponsored by an Australian citizen (these sponsors have a higher priority than non-citizens), and
• higher priority is also given to partner category applications involving dependent children of the sponsor in Australia.

Lower priority is given to all other family stream applicants such as carers, remaining relatives, parents, and aged dependent relatives.

Within the priority processing order for family stream, applicants are generally considered in order of the date of lodgement.

However, a higher priority in processing may be appropriate in cases where there are compelling or compassionate circumstances. If such circumstances exist, applicants will need to advise the visa office where their application is being processed. Their request for higher priority will then be considered.

Within the parent migration stream, the contributory parent category has a higher processing priority than the parent category.

Further information is available on the department's web site.
See: www.immi.gov.au

The department also operates a national telephone service inquiry line.
Telephone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm (recorded information available outside these hours) for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.

Fact Sheet 37. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Revised 1 July 2009.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2009.