Most of the migrants under this category are spouses of Australian citizens who are responsible to take custody of the requestor in the course of two consecutive years. For most cases, after the completion of a successful process, one receives a temporary visa for two years, but is not eligible for the social benefits like unemployment payments and healthcare.

The common categories are:

Partner: A husband or wife who has lived with an Australian citizen for a minimum of two years. At the end of a successful request, the candidate receives a temporary visa for two years, and afterwards, if the relationship is genuine and lasting, one can become a permanent resident.

Prospective marriage: A spouse who plans on marrying an Australian citizen. They receive a temporary visa for 9 months and afterwards it is required that they marry. After two years, if the relationship is genuine and lasting, the partner receives a permanent resident.

Parent: The son or daughter of a parent has to be an Australian citizen for at least two years. The amount of children who are living in Australia has to be higher or equal to the amount living outside of Australia.

The number of visas that are allocated to parents under this category is reduced to 500 per year, and the waiting time has become very long (5 years and more).

Dependent child: The child has to be less than 18 years of age, and the parent has to be an Australian Citizen or one who holds a temporary visa on a family basis. The visa will be temporary and afterwards the child may request a permanent visa under the parent.