What are the Options for My Siblings to Come to Australia?
If you are living in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident (PR), or New Zealand citizen, there are several pathways for your siblings to join you in Australia. Here are some options available for your siblings:
Visitor Visa – Sponsored Family Visa Stream
The Visitor Visa - Sponsored Family Stream allows individuals sponsored by a family member to visit Australia. Key criteria include:
Sponsorship: a family member in Australia sponsors the applicant.
Application Location: The applicant must be outside Australia when applying for the visa and at the time of the decision by the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA).
Entry Restrictions: This visa generally permits only one entry, meaning the individual must apply for another visa to return after leaving Australia.
Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa. It is designed for family members of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Its features include:
Duration: Allows siblings to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years.
Sponsorship Requirement: An approved relative sponsor is necessary for the application.
Alternative to Visitor Visa: This option provides longer stays compared to Visitor visas.
Eligibility for PR: This pathway offers a permanent residency opportunity for your siblings to stay in Australia after holding at least 3 years of Subclass 491 visa.
Remaining Relative Visa – Subclass 115/ Subclass 835
The Remaining Relative visa (Subclass 115/Subclass 835) is available for individuals whose only relatives have settled in Australia. The important details include:
Eligibility: The applicant must be the last remaining relative in their home country.
Sponsorship: They must be sponsored by an eligible parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling, or partner of their relative.
Assurance of Support: Sponsors must provide an assurance of support as part of the application.
Carer Visa - Subclass 116/ 836
The Carer Visas Subclass 116 / Subclass 836 allows individuals to live in Australia permanently to provide care for a relative who needs assistance. Key aspects include:
Eligibility: The relative must be unable to receive necessary care from other relatives or community services due to a medical condition.
Conditions: The person needing care must have:
A long-term medical condition that prevents them from performing daily activities, or
A need for practical support to care for a family member with a medical condition.
These options provide various pathways for your siblings to join you in Australia, whether for temporary visits or permanent residence. It is essential to consider each visa's specific requirements and consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a migration agent for personalised guidance based on your situation.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Depending on your objective for your sibling, the migration pathway strategy for your sibling may differ. We encourage you to seek professional assistance for tailored advice and creative strategies, do not hesitate to contact us. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law and team of immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling +612 8310 5230 or email us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If these aren’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.