Family Visa Australia from Thailand

If you have family in Australia who are citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, you may qualify for the Family Visa Australia. This visa allows people from other countries, including Thai nationals, to live in Australia as permanent residents. Unlike the Australia Spouse Visa, Australia Fiance Visa, or Australia Partner Visa, which are specifically for couples, the Family Visa Australia or Australian Family Member Visa is designed for those looking to reunite with other family members such as parents or children.

To apply for the Australian Family Member Visa, your family member in Australia must sponsor you. The process can be more involved than it appears, so let’s walk through the details and steps you need to take to successfully apply for this visa.

Who is eligible for a Family Visa Australia?

If you're a Thai citizen or live in Thailand with a non-immigrant visa and work permit, you can apply for the Family Visa Australia. You must have a child or parent in Australia who is a citizen or permanent resident to sponsor you. Other family members, like brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles, are generally not eligible to sponsor you, except under certain circumstances. Australian Immigration grants this visa for reasons such as:

• Reuniting with parents or children
• Caring for a sick relative
• Living with a parent (for a child visa)

What are the important conditions for a Family Visa Australia?

If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen planning to sponsor your Thai family member for a Family Visa Australia, there are several conditions to keep in mind. As the sponsor, you must provide financial support and accommodation for the first two years of their stay, so they won’t need to rely on public assistance.

Your family member must pass health and character checks. This includes undergoing a medical exam and providing police clearance from any country they’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.

Once your Thai family member holds the Australia Family Member Visa, they will have the right to work and study in Australia. However, they won’t be eligible for government benefits during the first two years, so doing some financial planning ahead is necessary. Visa processing times can be lengthy, and travel may be restricted while waiting for approval.

If the relationship with the sponsor breaks down, protections are in place for cases like domestic violence, ensuring the visa holder's safety.

How to Apply for an Australian Family Member Visa

To apply for the Australian Family Member Visa for your Thai family member, you as the Australian relative must act as a sponsor. Siam Legal can assist in submitting the online application and providing proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizen status. After the sponsorship application is lodged, your Thai family member will need to provide biometric information at the Australian Visa Application Centre in Thailand.

The application will then be forwarded to the Australian Embassy for processing, which can take 12 to 24 months, depending on the visa type. Your Thai family member will need to:

• Complete the required forms and submit all necessary documents.
• Pass a health examination.
• Submit police clearance certificates as part of the character check.

As the sponsor, you will need to provide:

• A written statement promising to support your family member with accommodation and finances for the first two years in Australia.
• Proof of your financial ability to support them, so they won’t need to rely on public assistance during this period.

What documents are required for an Australian Family Member Visa?

When applying for an Australian Family Member Visa for your Thai family member, both you (the sponsor) and your family member will need to provide several important documents. These documents will help prove the relationship, eligibility, and your ability to support them during their stay in Australia. Here’s what you’ll need:

For Your Thai Family Member:

• Visa Application Forms: These must be filled out and submitted online.
• Proof of Identity: This includes their passport, birth certificate, and any other official identification.
• Evidence of Relationship: Depending on the visa subclass, this could include birth certificates, adoption papers, or documents that prove your family connection such as for a Parent Visa or a Child Visa. For visas involving other family members, you’ll need to provide legal documents that confirm the relationship.
• Biometric Information: Your family member will need to provide fingerprints and a digital photo at the Australian Visa Application Centre in Thailand.
• Health Clearance: A medical examination with an approved provider is required to meet Australian health standards.
• Character Check: Police clearance certificates from any country they’ve lived in for over 12 months in the past 10 years.

For You (the Sponsor in Australia):

• Proof of Citizenship or Residency: You will need to provide a copy of your Australian passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent residency visa.
• Sponsorship Forms: The appropriate sponsorship forms must be completed (usually Form 40 or a subclass-specific form).
• Financial Documents: Proof of income, bank statements, or tax returns to show your ability to financially support your family member.
• Accommodation Plan: Evidence of where your Thai family member will live for the first two years such as a lease agreement or proof of homeownership.

Apply for an Australian Family Member Visa

Applying for an Australian Family Member Visa is a meaningful step toward reuniting with your family in Australia. The process may seem challenging, but with the right guidance, you can move forward confidently without fears of extended delays or a denial of entry.

At Siam Legal, we understand the importance of bringing families together. Our role is to guide you through the visa requirements, helping you navigate each step and making sure your application progresses smoothly. We’re here to support you, offering clear advice and helping you stay on course throughout the process of applying for this or any other Australian Visa.

Once your visa is approved, you’ll be able to swiftly join your family and start building a new life together in Australia. Whether it’s settling into your new surroundings or creating lasting memories with loved ones, with Siam Legal’s application assistance services you’ll be able to focus on what really matters — enjoying life with your family by your side.

Our fee for end-to-end Australian Family Member Visa services is 44,500 baht (VAT and government fees not included)

Contact Siam Legal today and secure your family's future in Australia without the risk of delays or legal complications that could keep you apart longer than necessary.

What Can We Do For You

Our comprehensive Australian visa service in Thailand offers the following support:

• A full review of your eligibility and your sponsor’s eligibility to meet the Family Member Visa requirements. 
• A comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if applicable).
• Professional preparation of your visa application to ensure accuracy.
• Submission of your application to the appropriate government agencies.
• Handling all correspondence with the relevant government agencies.
• Expert guidance on how to approach your visa interview (if required).
• Unlimited phone support from our Australian visa specialists to address any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process an Australian Family Member Visa?

Processing times for an Australian Family Member Visa can vary widely. Some visas such as those for partners, may take 12-24 months. Conversely, others like parent visas, can take much longer due to high demand.

What are the financial requirements for an Australian Family Member Visa?

As the sponsor, you need to show that you can financially support your family member for the first two years of their stay. This involves providing documents such as income statements, tax returns, or bank statements to prove your financial stability and your ability to cover their living and accommodation expenses. There is no set number, as Australian Immigration takes many factors into account and will approve on a case by case basis.

Can family members work or study in Australia on an Australian Family Member Visa?

Yes, most family members holding an Australian Family Member Visa can work and study in Australia. However, they may not be eligible for government benefits during their first two years in the country, so it’s important to plan ahead financially.

Who can sponsor a family member for an Australian Family Member Visa?

To sponsor a family member, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must also meet certain financial criteria to provide support for the family member during their stay.

Do applicants for an Australian Family Member Visa need to meet health and character requirements?

Yes, all applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This includes undergoing a medical examination and submitting police clearance certificates from any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Can children be included in an Australian Family Member Visa application?

Yes, dependent children can be included in the Australian Family Member Visa application. The children must be under 18 or financially dependent if they are older. Stepchildren may also be included if they meet the eligibility criteria.