Want to get a family member to Australia? These changes may affect you

DIBP Australia; (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) has changed the definition of what a family member is. As strange as it sounds, it’s changing.

All the application made on or made after 19 November 2016 for MoFU (Member of Family Unit)will be limited only to direct family members.

From November 19^th, as per the new law, a person is your family member if they are your:

1. Spouse or de facto partner; which is a difficult term for a former partner who has been living with you domestically on a genuine basis.
2. Child or Step Child that have not turned 18 or if they are 18 but are not 23 yet and are financially dependent on you and your partner; or if they are 23, then there must be a genuine reason like a disability which makes them dependent on you or your partner.
3. Step-grand child or grandchild who is dependent and meets the eligibility requirements.

Here, we have to be clear that a child is not eligible to apply if he or she is engaged or has a spouse or a de facto partner.

This change shall not be applicable to refugee, humanitarian or protection visas but only and only for the permanent visa subclasses and some of the temporary and provisional visa classes.According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, this changed made will make the family members Member of Family Unit and can be including a visa application.

These changes shall provide more facilities to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents looking forward to bring family members to Australia.