What does it mean by “Member of Family Unit”? Can I add My Family in my Australian Visa Application

When applying for an Australian visa, applicants often wish to include certain family members as dependents. This enables families to receive the same visa for the same duration. However, there are specific requirements regarding which family members can be included. The article below will explain the rules and definitions.

Who is Considered a Member of the Family Unit (MoFU)?

The primary applicant, referred to as the "family head," can include the following individuals as MoFUs:

• Spouse or De Facto Partner

• Children:

  • A child or step-child of the family head or their spouse/de facto partner who:

    • Is not engaged and does not have a spouse or de facto partner.

    • Is under 18 years of age.

    • Is between 18 and 23 years old and financially dependent on the family head.

    • Is over 23 years old and is incapacitated for work due to a total or partial loss of bodily or mental functions.

• Dependent Grandchildren

Please note:

• Parents cannot be included as dependents.

• Children who are not financially dependent (up to 23 years of age) cannot be included unless they have a loss of bodily or mental functions. Speak to an Accredited Specialist if you find yourself in this situation.

What Does "Dependent" Mean?

A child is considered dependent on another person (e.g., a parent) if:

1. The child is fully or has been substantially reliant on the parent for financial support to meet basic needs (food, clothing, shelter).

2. This reliance is greater than any support received from other persons or sources.

This is straightforward for children living at home and studying full-time, but it may be complex if the child is working or no longer studying.

Additional Rules for Specific Visa Applications 

For certain visas, a person may still be considered a MoFU if:

• They hold a specific visa at the time of application for a new visa because they were a MoFU of someone who held the same visa.

• They are included in the new visa application.

Special Considerations for Other Visa Types 

Different rules may apply for applicants to include family members, such as protection/humanitarian visas, student visas, and Global Talent visas. For example, under-18 applicants for Global Talent visas can include a parent. Make sure to check with an immigration lawyer so your family members meet the specific visa requirements.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Understanding who qualifies as a Member of the Family Unit (MoFU) is essential for visa applicants who wish to include their family members in their Australian visa application. By adhering to the outlined definitions and requirements, applicants can ensure their families can join them in Australia. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux if you are unsure, our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.