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MIGRATION

FAMILY VISA

Australia is known for its strong family values and offers a variety of visa options for individuals seeking to reunite with their loved ones. However, Australian family migration laws are complex and subject to frequent changes, making it essential to have knowledgeable professionals on your side.

At Nevett Ford, our family visa lawyers stay up to date with the latest developments in immigration policies and regulations, ensuring that you receive accurate and reliable advice tailored to your unique circumstances. We recognise the emotional significance of family reunification, so we aim to alleviate your concerns and simplify the visa process, allowing you to focus on what matters most – being with your loved ones.

Our dedicated team will work closely with family members at every step of the process, providing personalised attention to every detail of your family visa application. From gathering the required documentation to preparing “decision-ready” applications, our lawyers will employ our expertise to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.

Whether you are looking to bring your children, parents, or other family members to join you in Australia, our family visa lawyers can help you navigate the immigration system smoothly. Contact us today to plan a brighter future with your family in Australia!

What We Specialise In

Child Visas
  • Subclass 802 and 101 – Child Visa
  • Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa
  • Subclass 102 – Adoption Visa
  • Subclass 117 and 837 – Orphan Relative Visa
Relative Visas
  • Subclass 117 and 837 – Orphan Relative Visa
  • Subclass 115 and 835 – Remaining Relative Visa
  • Subclass 114 and 838 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa
  • Subclass 836 and 116 – Carer Visa
Parent Visas
  • Subclass 103 – Parent Visa
  • Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa
  • Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa
  • Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa
  • Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa
  • Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa
  • Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
  • Subclass 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa

Why Choose
Nevett Ford 

Over 150 Years of Experience

With our extensive experience spanning several decades, our family visa lawyers offer comprehensive family visa migration assistance – from initial eligibility assessments to application lodgement and management.

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Personalised, Tailored Service

At Nevett Ford, our team of skilled lawyers understand the importance of personalised service when it comes to family visa applications. We prioritise your unique circumstances and requirements, providing tailored solutions that go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

High Success Rates

Our goal is to help you achieve a successful family visa result, even in cases where your previous application has been rejected by other lawyers. We understand the challenges you may have faced, which is why we go the extra mile to assist you in preparing a “decision-ready” application.

Stress-Free Application Process

Our dedicated team of family visa lawyers are committed to easing your burden throughout the visa application process. We strive to streamline the process by assisting you in submitting a complete visa application, helping you stay on your deadlines, and liaising with the authorities on your behalf.

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Fast Responses

When you reach out to us, you can expect a prompt response from our team, typically within 15 minutes or less. We understand the importance of timely support and aim to provide you with the reassurance and guidance you need throughout your visa application journey.

Initial Fixed Cost Consultations

Our family visa lawyers are committed to delivering transparent, efficient, and cost-effective migration advice. Trust our team to guide you through the migration process with professionalism and integrity.

Child Visas

For parents who wish to bring their child to live permanently in Australia, the law provides several visa options to facilitate this migration. Parents – who are also considered as the “sponsor” – must be above 18 years old and fulfil either one of the following criteria:

  • An Australian citizen, or
  • An Australian permanent resident or the holder of a permanent visa, or
  • An eligible New Zealand citizen.

For applications requiring the child to be below the age of 18, children who are 18 years or older may still apply but must be unmarried and either financially dependent on the parents or disabled to apply for this visa.

Subclass 802 and 101 – Child Visa

The 802 visa allows a child to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and potentially obtain citizenship. To be eligible for this visa, the child must be under 18, in Australia at the time of application and decision, unmarried, meet health and character requirements, and receive migration consent.

The 101 visa’s features and eligibility criteria are similar to the 802 visa, except that the 101 visa states the child must be overseas at the time of application and decision.

Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa

A child must apply for the 445 visa if they were not included in their parent’s granted application for a Temporary Partner Visa but wish to apply for the same permanent partner visa as their parent. Once granted this visa, the child must promptly apply for the same permanent partner visa as their parent.

The child must apply for their visa before a decision is made on their parent’s permanent partner visa application. Failure to do so may result in the child becoming unlawful if they are in Australia when the decision on their parent’s visa is made. This could potentially limit their permanent visa options.

This visa allows the child to temporarily move to or stay in Australia until their parent’s permanent partner visa application is decided. They can work, study, and travel to and from Australia through this visa.

To apply for the 445 visa, the child must be:

  • Either in or out of Australia at the time of application.
  • A dependent child of a parent who holds a Subclass 309 – Partner Provisional Visa, Subclass 310 – Interdependency Visa, Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa, Subclass 820 – Partner Visa, or Subclass 826 – Interdependency Visa.
  • Sponsored by the same person sponsoring their parent (with limited exceptions).
  • Meet the health and character requirements.
  • Have consent to travel to Australia.

Subclass 102 – Adoption Visa

    The 102 visa allows a child to stay in Australia indefinitely with their adoptive parent, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and potentially obtain citizenship.

    To be eligible for this visa, the child must be sponsored by their parent or their parent’s partner, be adopted or in the process of being adopted by the sponsor parent, meet the health requirement, and be under 18 at the time of adoption, application submission, and decision.

    Subclass 117 and 837 – Orphan Relative Visa

      Through the 117 visa, the child can stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.

      The child must be out of Australia at the time of application and decision to apply for this visa. They must be a relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and be sponsored by such a relative. The child must also be unable to be cared for by their parents due to their parents being missing, deceased, or permanently incapacitated. Additionally, they must be under 18 years old at the time of application, have consent to migrate to Australia, and meet the health and character requirements.

      Meanwhile, the 837 visa allows the child to live permanently in Australia, study and access public healthcare, and apply for Australian Citizenship, if eligible. Similar eligibility criteria apply to this 837 except that to apply for this visa, the child must be in Australia but not in immigration clearance at the time of application and decision.

      Parent Visas

      The Australian government has provided a few visa options for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to live temporarily or permanently in Australia. The sponsor of these visas must satisfy the following requirements:

      Must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
      Must be 18 years of age or over.
      Has lived in Australia lawfully for at least two years before the parent lodges their visa application.

      Certain visas require a Balance of Family Test which evaluates their connections to Australia and is satisfied if at least half of the parent’s children live permanently in Australia or if more of their children reside permanently in Australia than in any other country.

      The following are examples of common matters our business and corporate teams can assist clients with:

      Subclass 103 – Parent Visa

      The 103 visa allows the parent to permanently move to or stay in Australia, sponsor eligible family members, and potentially apply for Australian citizenship.

      To be eligible, the parent must apply from outside Australia, have a child living in Australia, desire to become a permanent resident, meet the Balance of Family Test, meet health and character requirements, and have a sponsor.  

      Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa

      This 804 visa allows the parent to permanently move to or stay in Australia, sponsor eligible family members, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

      To apply for this visa, the parent must be onshore, have a child living in Australia, desire to become a permanent resident, meet age requirements – old enough to receive the age pension in Australia – satisfy the Balance of Family Test and meet health and character requirements.

       

      Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

      The 870 visa allows the parent to visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa and apply for further visas to extend their total stay to a maximum of 10 years, but they are not permitted to work in Australia.

      To apply for this visa, the parent must be sponsored by an approved parent sponsor, be at least 18 years old, be outside Australia for at least 90 days if the parent holds or has previously held a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – unless invited to apply in writing by the Department – meet residency and health insurance requirements, and satisfy health, character, and national security criteria.

      Additionally, the sponsor of this visa must have a minimum taxable income of $83,454.80.

      Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa

      The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa allows the parent to live in Australia for up to 2 years, work and study there without government support, and apply for a Subclass 864 – Permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa.

      To apply, the parent must be in Australia, have a child living here, have the desire to live here temporarily for up to 2 years, meet age requirements, be willing to pay higher visa application charges for faster processing, satisfy the Balance of Family Test, and have a sponsor.

      Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa

      The 864 visa allows the parent to stay in Australia as a permanent resident, work, study, and access public healthcare.

      To apply for this visa, the parent must be in Australia, have a child living in Australia, wish to become a permanent Australian resident, meet age requirements, be willing to pay higher visa application charges, satisfy the Balance of Family Test, meet health and character requirements, have an assurance of support, and have a sponsor.

      It is best to keep in mind that if the parent currently holds a Subclass 884 – Temporary Contributory Aged Parent Visa and wishes to stay in Australia permanently, they can apply for this 864 visa before their temporary visa expires.

      Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa

      work, study, access public healthcare, and apply for a permanent Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa.

      To apply for the 173 visa, the parent must be overseas, have a child living in Australia, desire to live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years, be willing to pay higher visa application charges for faster processing, have a sponsor, meet the Balance of Family Test, and meet health and character requirements.

      Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa

      This visa allows the parent to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access Australia’s public healthcare system, sponsor family members to come to Australia, travel to and enter Australia for 5 years, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

      To apply for this visa, the parent must apply as a retiree, have a sponsor, meet the Balance of Family Test (if not applying as a retiree), meet the health and character requirements, and not have a previous visa cancellation or refusal.

      Relative Visas

      Subclass 117 and 837 – Orphan Relative Visa

        The 117 and 837 visas allow the applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and potentially apply for Australian citizenship.

        To apply, the applicant must have a sponsor and be under 18 years old, single, and without a parent to care for them. They must have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident. The application must be made and decided on while the applicant is overseas. Additionally, the applicant must meet the health and character requirements.

        Subclass 115 and 835 – Remaining Relative Visa

        • The 115 visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and potentially apply for Australian citizenship.

          To apply, the applicant must have a sponsor and be under 18 years old, single, and without a parent to care for them. They must have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident. The applicant must be in Australia but not in immigration clearance at the time of application and decision. Additionally, the applicant must meet the health and character requirements.

          As for the 835 visa, similar benefits and eligibility criteria apply except that to apply for this visa, the applicant must not have other near relatives and have an assurance of support.

        Subclass 114 and 838 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa

          The Aged Dependent Relative Visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, and potentially apply for Australian citizenship.

          To apply, the applicant must be overseas at the time of application and decision, be of Australian pensionable age, be dependent on their relative in Australia, have no partner, have an assurance of support, and meet the health and character requirements.

          Although the 838 visa provides the same benefits, its eligibility requirements slightly differ. To apply for this visa, the applicant must be in Australia but not in immigration clearance at the time of application and decision. They must also have no further stay conditions and no previous visa cancellations/refusals.

          Subclass 836 and 116 – Carer Visa

            The 836 visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, access public healthcare, sponsor relatives, travel to and from Australia for 5 years, and potentially apply for Australian citizenship.

            To apply, the applicant must be in Australia at the time of application and decision, be a carer capable of providing significant care and ongoing support to their Australian relative, have a sponsor, hold or have held a substantive visa, and meet the health and character requirement.

            The only difference between the 836 and 116 visa is that the applicant for the latter requires the applicant to be overseas at the time of the application and decision.

            New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa

            Subclass 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa

            For New Zealand citizens, the Australian government provides a Subclass 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) Visa for non-New Zealand family members to live and work in Australia for up to five years.

            Applicant must be related to the New Zealand citizen as either their partner, child, stepchild, or their partner’s child or stepchild, or the dependent child of you or your partner’s child or stepchild.

            The eligibility criteria for this visa are as follows:

            ● Applicant must not be a New Zealand citizen.
            ● Applicant must be a member of the family unit of a New Zealand citizen.
            ● The applicant’s New Zealand citizen family member must not be an Eligible New Zealand Citizen.
            ● The applicant’s New Zealand citizen family member must be living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) or will be travelling with you to Australia and will be granted a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) on arrival.

            WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

            David Stratton

            Managing Director

            Ryan Curtis-Griffiths

            Director

            Heather Dzviti

            Senior Lawyer

            Rebecca Henzel

            Senior Lawyer

            Melissa Vincenty

            Senior Lawyer

            Kiriaki Stefanidis

            Lawyer

            Lili Sibic

            Lawyer

            Helen Zheng

            Special Counsel

            Chloe Wang

            Legal Assistant

            Shalini Kodikara

            Paralegal

            Professional Qualifications & Associations

            Testimonials

            Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

            “Friendly, professional service. Subject matter promptly dealt with. Will recommend them.”

            Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

            “Ryan Curtis-Griffiths and Jacqui Azouz provided excellent legal work.  I am a lawyer in the United States so I expect a lot.  And I got it from Ryan and Jacqui.  They are knowledgeable, efficient and very easy to work with. I will use them whenever I have an opportunity. “

            Professionalism, Responsiveness, Value

            “I cannot find any words to describe the professionalism of thos firm. Everyone from the reception to financial services and not to say Mae who helped out was absolutely amazing. I had Richard Hamilton who was definitely someone I will always have to represent me if I need any further help. Keep up the fantastic work ?  “

            Reliable Lawyer and Good Expertise

            “Richard Hamilton is a very genuine lawyer with very good expertise, good values and ethics of responsibility. He is not one of the lawyers in the market who would deceive you with false hopes. I found him very reliable which is something you need when you are going through a difficult family court case. Richard is also very good in returning to calls and emails. I definitely recommend him.”

            Excellent services and advice

            “Ryan has been my migration lawyer of a number of years now and has been successful in obtaining PR and Australian Citizenship for me. His advice is clear, straight forward and tailored to an individual’s needs. He puts in the effort and time and always cares for his clients. Overall, I received a first-class service from him, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for migration advice.”

            The best immigration service provider in Mel

            “In all respect to achieve your PR and the pathway for citizenship was done very professionally ! Special thanks to Rayan ( MD) who helped me in all the way throughout to achieve goal.”

            Best choice

            “Ryan Curtis-Griffiths knowledge of immigration law, a skills in preparing all documents, excellent communication skills, rapid response to my inquiries, thoughtful and good listener.”

            Professional Service with Attention to Detail

            “We engaged Nevett Ford Lawyers to prepare our 186 Business Nomination and Visa Application. Ryan provided outstanding service by assisting us with all his experience in the industry. It was the best decision to work with Ryan as he always listened to our instructions and assisted with timely advise. I would definitely recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for a Immigration lawyer.”

            Professional Service and Prompt Response

            “Ryan and his team made sure the process of 186 Business Nomination and Visa application were as seamless as possible. We always received prompt response and correct advise regarding the matter. I would happily recommend Ryan and Nevett Ford to anyone who wants assistance with 186 visas.”

            Best Lawyers in the business

            “Looked after me. Always made sure I knew what was going on and why, but also made sure my mental health was top priority.”

            Very professional team

            “Great professional team, best communicating with the customer.”

            Legal expertise, Client focused service, Courtesy

            “Nevett Ford Lawyers, including paralegals and administrative staff, displayed professional and reliable services. All staff with whom I interacted responded promptly to my queries and requests. Their polite and friendly manner was appreciated and reassuring.”

            Professional, Efficient & Supportive

            “A Positive outcome of Permanent Residency from a Ministerial Intervention is what we achieved through Nevett Ford Lawyers. David Stratton and his Team have been highly efficient and professional along the entire journey through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Ministerial Intervention. The Team managed our file with great care and patience while supporting us through the entire process during the past four years. We would highly recommend Nevett Ford Lawyers for their Professionalism and Task Accomplishments.”

            Ryan and Shalini worked extremely hard for us

            “Ryan and Shalini’s communication skills were what really stood out to us. They replied to emails most of the time within minutes and did a good job on helping us stay realistic about expectations as our case was extremely difficult and had a high chance of failure, they did a brilliant job of getting the visa through for my partner.”

            Service provided was professional & prompt

            “Great communication, friendly interaction with all staff (including reception), prompt and did what they said they would do.”

            Navigating a tricky workplace case

            “Generous with their time. Fair and pragmatic advice from which I was able to make an informed decision.”

            Mlam Camou (MlCam)
            Mlam Camou (MlCam)
            2023-08-31
            I will recommend definitely this services to anyone who wants a clear and positive outcome for his immigration case. Professionalism and experience are also 2 very important points to consider when you decide Nevett ford to represent you. I am satisfy with their work to be honest.Thank you Nevett Ford Lawyers for your excellent work.
            Lisa-Marie Hinton
            Lisa-Marie Hinton
            2023-08-31
            My visa application was the most challenging time of my life. It was so much pressure, lots of tears and emotions. Ryan and the wonderful Team guided our family and secured my husband and children Citizenship and my PR. I think Ryan has a beautiful heart and is very kind. He listened to me when I was at my wits-end and could only cry on the phone. I would choose Ryan again. It has been a difficult journey but he never gave up on helping my family in the fight of staying together. Forever grateful. The Hintons xxx
            Vivien Karabinas
            Vivien Karabinas
            2023-08-31
            The expertise and service received by lawyer Sophie Stickland was efficient, caring and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. Thank you.
            Jervin Paul Dhas
            Jervin Paul Dhas
            2023-08-30
            Had the pleasure of working with Lili for my PR application and I had a very good experience. She was very responsive and guided me and provided updates in every step and the entire process was smooth and quick. Highly recommend their services and one of the best. Thanks again Team
            Tom Simpson
            Tom Simpson
            2023-08-29
            During the period between 2020 - 2023 i was applying for a permanent partner visa and hired Ryan to assist me.I had spoke to 7 other immigration lawyers prior to Ryan, and the general feedback i would get back was negative (installing doubt into my mind about the likelihood of obtaining a visa in my circumstance). Ryan was the only lawyer who had a positive attitude and was optimistic about my situation and gave me a lot of free advice about what i could do even before i hired him, this was a major green flag to me so i made the decision to hire him.I couldn't of asked for a better lawyer, i would highly recommended his services to anyone. Good communication, fast responses, never hesitant to answer any queries, pleasant to speak to and most importantly a good lawyer that gets the job done.I recently obtained my PR after a 3 year process and I cannot thank Ryan (and the team) enough for their service.
            Hieronim Wiatrowski
            Hieronim Wiatrowski
            2023-08-23
            Lili Sibic was ery professional and helpful. Highly recommended ????
            Jessica Liu
            Jessica Liu
            2023-08-21
            Awesome and extremely professional and patient. Highly recommended!!!
            Antonia
            Antonia
            2023-08-17
            Experienced, organised and friendly, Ryan is always helpful and reassuring during the entire visa application process. The entire duration has made him more than just a lawyer but a friend.
            Hiro Kamisugi
            Hiro Kamisugi
            2023-08-16
            Nathan and Jean as team helped me for my first home purchase. Even though I knew nothing of this matter, they made my whole journey nice and comfortable. Everyone around myself tells me that purchasing home is a very stressful journey, but I was totally fine with their help. Don’t think I can ever ask anyone else for my next home in the future!

              Contact us


              If you are overseas, please call our office on +61 3 9614 7111 between the hours of 9:00am to 5:30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Outside of these hours, please indicate your email address below and we will reply to you as soon as possible.