Family Sponsored Visa
Family-Sponsored Visa in Melbourne
Australia attracts many migrants due to its appealing culture, low crime rates, and abundant job prospects. Various visa options cater to those seeking permanent residency or temporary stays under specific terms. Among these is the family-sponsored visa. Termed as subclass 491, this provisional visa permits residence and employment within a specified regional area of the country. Eligibility hinges on having a sponsoring family member, necessitating the submission of diverse documents and participation in interviews and assessments.
To Be Eligible:
Family-sponsored visas offer families a means to remain united in Australia. However, as with any visa application, there’s a substantial amount of paperwork, and comprehending the diverse eligibility criteria can be perplexing. Simplifying the visa application process, we’ve highlighted the essential eligibility prerequisites for the 491 family-sponsored visa below.
- Should be sponsored by an eligible relative and nominated by a state or territory
- Sponsor must be an Australian citizen
- Occupation must be on the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled occupation list
- Have suitable skills for said occupation
- Meet certain health and character requirements
- Must have not been refused a visa on character grounds or convicted of any offence punishable by imprisonment for one year or more
Sponsorship by an Eligible Relative
As stated in the eligibility requirements for a 491 family-sponsored visa, your sponsor can be an eligible family member legally residing in Australia. To be more specific:
Your sponsor must be:
- Aged 18 years old or above
- A certified resident in a designated region of Australia
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
- A legitimate relative of yourself or your partner
An eligible relative can be:
- A parent (mother or father)
- A child or step-child
- A brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister
- An aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
- A nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
- A grandparent
- A first cousin
- Your partner’s eligible relatives
Benefits of the 491 Family-Sponsored Visa
Are you looking for a way to join your family in Australia? If so, the 491 family-sponsored visas might be the perfect solution for you! Its benefits include the following:
- A pleasant stay in Australia for the valid of your sponsor’s visa
- Freedom to live, work and study in a designated regional area
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
- Paves the way for permanent residency after 3 years of being granted this visa
On top of all that, you will also have access to a range of government services and programs. This includes health care, child care, and education. Plus, you will be able to sponsor other eligible family members for visas once you acquire PR status.
Professional Family Visa Agent in Melbourne
Our team has been in this business for more than ten years and have helped thousands of families reunite with their loved ones in Australia. We know what it takes to help you through every step of your visa application journey, from pre-approval to visa grant to settling into your new life in and around Melbourne, Australia. Our extensive services can also help you with:
- Onshore Partner Visa : If your partner holds Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or qualifies as an eligible New Zealand citizen, you’re eligible to seek the partner visa subclass 820. This visa grants a temporary stay of two years in Australia to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship. Following this period, you can progress to apply for the permanent partner visa subclass 801
- Offshore Partner Visa : The visa’s procedure and advantages closely resemble its onshore equivalent. The primary distinction lies in the ability to submit an application without residing in Australia. This category encompasses two visas: partner visa subclass 309 and 100. Consequently, meeting the condition for this permanent visa entails being separated from your partner for a minimum of one year. However, an offshore partner visa boasts quicker processing times for stage 1, potentially advancing by up to 6 months.
- Prospective Marriage Visa : The subclass 300 prospective marriage visa permits foreign individuals to enter Australia for the purpose of marrying an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa, issued by the Department of Home Affairs, permits a stay in Australia ranging from 9 to 15 months. Once married to your partner, you can proceed to apply for a partner visa, leading to temporary and eventual permanent residency in the country. Applying for this visa necessitates being outside of Australia.
