If the child is outside Australia

Child (Permanent)
For children from overseas who are natural, adopted or step children of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Adoption (Permanent)
For children from overseas who have been or about to be adopted by an Australian citizen, the holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Dependent Child Visa
For children whose parent holds a temporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.

A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.

A parent category includes both parent and contributory parent visa category. But parent category is a low priority category and takes more time than contributory parent and other family visa categories.

Contributory Parent Visa
A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Parent Temporary Visa
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa.

If you are outside Australia

Partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply to enter and/or remain permanently in Australia. Partners are: :

For people from overseas to enter and stay in Australia with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizens. It may lead to a permanent visa after two years of ongoing spousal relationship.

Outside Australia

Remaining Relative Visa (Offshore)
For people to join their brothers, sisters or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually resident in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative
A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.

Carer Visa (Offshore)
For people needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.

This category is for people from overseas to enter Australia to marry their fiancée, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen within the visa-validity of nine months. It is a multiple entry visa and allows the applicant to work or study also.

Once married, and after fulfillment of certain conditions, the holders of this visa can then apply for a spouse visa in Australia to live permanently.

Interdependency Temporary Visa
For people from overseas to enter and stay in Australia with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. If two years after you apply, the interdependent relationship is ongoing, a permanent visa may be granted. This visa is generally for people in a same sex relationship.