Significant Update to Australian Travel Exemptions – Immediate Family Members Can Reunite for

Major Travel Exemption Update: Parents of Adult Australian Citizens and PRs Can Now Reunite for Christmas

From 1 November 2021, the Australian Government expanded its definition of ‘immediate family member’ to include parents of adult Australian citizens and permanent residents for the purposes of travel exemption assessments.

This change offers thousands of families the chance to reunite for the holidays, especially after extended periods of separation due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Who Is Now Considered an Immediate Family Member?

As of 1 November 2021, the following relationships qualify for travel exemption consideration:

• Spouse
• De facto partner
• Dependent child
• Parent/legal guardian of a dependent child
• Parent of an adult (18+) Australian citizen or permanent resident (new inclusion)
• Immediate family of New Zealand citizens usually residing in Australia

Eligible Parent Types Now Included

If your adult child (18 years or older) is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can now apply for a travel exemption as an immediate family member if you are their:

• Biological parent
• Legal or adoptive parent
• Step-parent
• Parent-in-law

Note: If you are in a de facto relationship with the parent of the Australian citizen or PR, evidence of the relationship must be provided.

Evidence Required for Travel Exemption

To apply, you must provide:

• Proof of your child’s Australian citizenship or PR status, such as:
  1. Australian passport
  2. Citizenship certificate
  3. Birth certificate
  4. Visa grant letter or proof of permanent residency

• Proof of your parental relationship, such as:
  1. Birth certificate
  2. Adoption papers
  3. Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
  4. Family status certificate or family book

Visa Requirements

• You must hold a valid visa to enter Australia.
• If you do not yet have a visa, you cannot travel even if granted a travel exemption.
• Partner (subclasses 100, 309, 801, 820) and Child (subclasses 101, 102, 445) visa holders do not need to apply for a travel exemption.

Travel Exemption Application Process

You must apply for a travel exemption if you:

• Don’t hold a visa yet
• Hold a temporary visa (except Partner or Child visas mentioned above)
• Hold a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa — note that an intention to marry is not sufficient evidence to qualify as an immediate family member

Important: All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Incomplete, false, or misleading information may delay or affect your application outcome.

Supporting Evidence by Relationship Type

Here are some examples of what you can provide:

Spouse

• Marriage certificate
• Joint documents (e.g., bills, leases, bank accounts)
• Evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship

De Facto Partner

• Evidence of living together
• Shared finances
• Government recognition of the relationship

Dependent Child (under 18 or financially dependent)

• Birth certificate
• Custody or adoption papers
• Financial dependency evidence (for over 18s)

Parent or Guardian of a Dependent Child

• Legal documents confirming guardianship
• Evidence of long-term care responsibilities

Need Help Applying for a Visa or Travel Exemption?

VisaRepublic can assist you with:

• Exploring visa pathways
• Preparing and lodging strong applications
• Evaluating your eligibility for Partner, Parent, or other family-based visas
• Navigating exemption requirements and documentation