Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must meet the following requirements.

Child in Australia

You must have a child who is settled in Australia as one of the following:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Eligible sponsor

You must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor. Usually, your child will sponsor you. If your child is under 18 years you may also be sponsored by one the following:

• your child's partner
• a close family relative or guardian of your child
• a close family relative or guardian of your child's partner
• a community organisation.

Balance of family

The balance of family test requires that:

• half your children must be permanently resident in Australia
  or
• you have more children permanently resident in Australia than any other overseas single country.

There is more information to help you understand the balance of family test.
See: Balance of Family Test

Health requirements

You, your partner and all dependent family members must meet certain health requirements and may need to undergo a health examination.
See: Health requirements

Character requirements

You, your accompanying partner and all dependent family members aged sixteen and above must meet the character requirements.
See: Character and penal clearance requirements

Limitations on applications

If you are in Australia, you may be prevented from applying for this visa if for example:

• you do not hold a substantive visa (which is any visa other than a bridging visa, a criminal justice visa or an enforcement visa) and have had a visa cancelled or refused since you last arrived in Australia
• your last visa was granted on the condition that you would not be granted a substantive visa while you remain in Australia
• you hold a sponsored visitors visa
• you are in immigration detention
• you have previously applied for a protection visa.

If any of the above circumstances apply, contact your nearest departmental office before making an application.
See: Contact Us

Australian Values Statement

If you are aged 18 years or over, you are required to sign an Australian values statement. The statement is included in your visa application form and all applicants aged 18 years and over will need to sign it to confirm that they will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws. Before signing this statement you are required to have read, or had explained to you, material made available by the government on life in Australia which is contained in the Life in Australia book.

The Life in Australia book provides more information on the values that Australians share and their way of life.
See:
Australian Values - Overview
Life in Australia Book