The decision to live permanently in Australia is a significant step in anyone’s life. However, when you have children and legal residency, it’s natural to wonder if your child can also benefit from this opportunity.
In this blog post, we will explore whether having residency in Australia means that your child can also obtain it.
Can my child obtain residency if I already have it in Australia?
The answer to this question may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of visa or residency you have in Australia. Below, we will review some of the most common options:
Permanent Residency by Application
If you are in the process of applying for residency, it is possible that your children can obtain a permanent resident visa as your dependents, as long as they are also in Australia. This primarily applies to children who were included in the same application before the decision on your visa is made.
Unfortunately, if your application is approved and your children were not included in your application, they will not be able to obtain residency through the same application. However, there are visa options available for which you can sponsor them once you have obtained your permanent residency.
Approved Permanent Residency
If you already have Australian residency, you may be able to sponsor your children for family residency visas, whether they are in or outside the country. However, the rules and requirements vary depending on the type of visa and the family relationship.
It’s important to research and understand the available options.
Important Considerations:
Teen or Adult Children
If you wish to include your family in your application, it is essential to understand the age limits that may apply. Age limits are an important factor to consider. For this reason, you need to ensure that you submit the application within the relevant timeframes to ensure they are eligible as part of your visa application.
For children over the age of 18, dependency is an important criterion. Keep in mind that the dependency requirement applies at the time the application decision is made. This means that if you submit your visa application today and your child no longer qualifies as a dependent when the decision is made, they will not be granted the visa.
This is especially important now due to the extended processing times that tend to occur for certain types of visas.
Children Born After Application Submission
If your child is born after you submit your application (but before a decision is made), the child will automatically be included in your application. This applies regardless of whether the child is born in Australia or overseas. You will need to notify the Department of Immigration about the birth as soon as possible.
Children Under and Over 18
- Children under 18 are automatically considered members of the family group.
- Children over 18 may currently be included in visa applications, as long as they are financially dependent on their parents. In general, it is sufficient to provide proof that they are still studying and have not started full-time work.
The only exception to the age limitation and full-time student requirement is when the child has a disability that prevents them from working.
In Summary
Having residency in Australia can provide opportunities for your children to also obtain residency, but it’s important to understand that this will depend on several factors, including the type of visa you hold and the age of your children. In many cases, you may need to take additional steps, such as applying for specific visas, to ensure that your children can enjoy the benefits of residency in Australia.
Therefore, it’s always advisable to seek professional advice. For specific guidance on your situation, you can contact us through the form to get up-to-date information about the requirements and application process.
