​Family visa processing priorities​

The order in which Australian family visas are processed is governed by Ministerial Direction No. 102 under sections 47 and 51, and Ministerial Direction No. 103 under section 91 of the Migration Act 1958.

Current Processing Priorities (from highest to lowest):

1. Family visa applications subject to Ministerial intervention;
2. Partner or dependent child visa applications;
3. Orphan relative visa applications;
4. Contributory Parent and Contributory Aged Parent visa applications;
5. Carer visa applications;
6. Parent, Aged Parent, Remaining Relative, and Aged Dependent Relative visa applications

Policy Update Notice

The lowest priority previously assigned to applicants sponsored by unlawful maritime arrivals has been removed as of 9 February 2023.

Applicants affected by this change do not need to contact the Department. Cases will be processed in date order, typically starting with the oldest applications.

Visa Subclasses Subject to Ministerial Directions

The following visa subclasses are subject to Ministerial Direction, including but not limited to:

• 100 / 801 / 309 / 820 – Partner visas
• 300 – Prospective Marriage visa
• 101 / 802 / 445 – Child visas
• 103 / 804 – Parent visas
• 143 / 173 / 864 / 884 – Contributory Parent visas
• 114 / 838 – Aged Dependent Relative visas
• 115 / 835 – Remaining Relative visas
• 116 / 836 – Carer visas
• 117 / 837 – Orphan Relative visas

Processing Times & Priority Consideration

Processing times vary based on individual circumstances. Some cases may be prioritised due to compassionate or compelling reasons.

Partner and child visas are generally prioritised.

Queuing Information for Other Family Visas

Contributory Parent, Parent, and other family visas are subject to annual caps and queuing arrangements.

Queue Release Dates and Estimated Processing Times for Parent Visas

According to information published by the Department of Home Affairs, the following are the queue release dates and estimated processing times for parent visa subclasses as at 31 March 2025. All applications are processed in accordance with migration program planning levels, and queue dates are assigned once an applicant meets the basic visa requirements, including health and character checks.

Applicable Visa Subclasses

• 103 – Parent visa
• 804 – Aged Parent visa
• 143 – Contributory Parent visa
• 173 – Contributory Parent visa (Temporary
• 864 – Contributory Aged Parent visa
• 884 – Contributory Aged Parent visa (Temporary

Queue Release Dates (as at 31 March 2025)

Estimated Processing Times

• Contributory Parent visas: approximately 14 years
• Parent and Aged Parent visas: approximately 31 years

Queue Release Dates and Estimated Processing Times for Other Family Visas

The following outlines the queue release dates and estimated processing times for other family visa subclasses as at 31 March 2025. These visas are subject to annual caps and are assessed in queue date order.

Applicable Visa Subclasses

• 116 / 836 – Carer visa
• 114 / 838 – Aged Dependent Relative visa
• 115 / 835 – Remaining Relative visa

Queue Release Dates (as at 31 March 2025)

Estimated Processing Times

• Carer visas: approximately 8 years
• Aged Dependent Relative and Remaining Relative visas: approximately 27 years

Important Information

Estimated processing times are indicative only and subject to change based on individual circumstances and migration program planning levels. Once the annual visa cap is reached, remaining applications are carried over to the following financial year. The Department does not respond to individual enquiries regarding queue positions or processing times.

For tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please contact our team of registered migration consultants. We are committed to providing accurate and comprehensive guidance in line with current immigration policy.