Is There A Quota On Family Visas?
By Avelyn Chen
The Big Picture: Family Visa Numbers
First things first, let's look at the recent trends in Family Visa allocations:
2021-22 77,300 places (Whoa, that's a lot!)
2022-23 50,000 places (A bit of a dip)
2023-24 52,500 places (On the up and up)
2024-25 52,000 places (Holding steady)
Yes, the Australian Department of Home Affairs does have quotas on the different family visas in every financial year. These numbers don't mean that applications that are lodged later in the year as the quota gets filled will be refused though, it just points us to the direction on what program the department is focusing on in this financial year, and whether processing times are likely to be faster or slower compared to previous years.
The processing times for the Department of Home Affairs are influenced by various factors, including the volume of applications, the completeness and accuracy of submissions, and the specific visa category. Applications requiring extensive documentation, security, or health checks may take longer, particularly for complex cases. Policy changes, government priorities, global events, and economic conditions also play significant roles in determining processing speeds.
Internal departmental resources, such as staffing levels and technology systems, along with the applicant's country of origin, can affect timelines. These are all factors beyond the visa applicant's control.
Not to mention, further delays can occur if refused applications require appeals or administrative reviews. Ensuring that applications are thorough and accurate can help minimise processing delays.
Partner Visas: Star of the show
Here's the exciting part: Partner Visas have been the star of the show since 2021. We're talking about 40,500 spots in the 2024-25 financial year. W
What About the Parents?
If you're thinking about bringing the whole family over eventually, here's some good news about Parent Visas:
- 2021-22: 4,500 places
- 2024-25: 8,500 places
Given the huge backlog on parent visas the department has been stepping up allocating more resources to processing these. Hopefully we will see a drop in processing times in the coming months.
Other Family Visas
Child Visas and Other Family Visas have taken a bit of a backseat, dropping from 1,000 to 500 spots. Not a huge deal for most young couples, but worth keeping in mind for future family planning.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Feeling pumped about bringing your partner to Oz? Here's what you can do next:
- Check out the Department of Home Affairs website for the nitty-gritty details.
- Start gathering your documents (think love letters, photos, and all that mushy stuff that proves you're the real deal). We have also released some detailed guides here for you to read, if you're into doing some digging.
- Consider talking to a migration agent or immigration lawyer to get personalised advice.
Remember, every family's story is special and so is every visa journey. But with these insights, you're already ahead of the game.Here's to love, adventure, and your future life together in Australia!
Need help with deciding on which one is more suited to your circumstances? Have some burning questions about the 820, 300 visa or 309 visa that are still unanswered? The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice or information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.