Australian visa under the split family / special humanitarian visa program
Refugee & Humanitarian Visas
The ‘split family visa’, also referred to as special humanitarian visa, is probably the hardest visa to receive.
With only a small number of the ‘split family visa’ on offer each program year and a large number of applicants, it is crucial to put forward the best possible visa application for your loved ones to come and stay in Australia permanently.
One of our senior immigration lawyers has acted in almost 50 Australian visa applications for split families and has been successful in almost all of them. This is a remarkable achievement when less than 10% of all applications are approved.
Recently our team has successfully met again all the key Australian visa requirements for a ‘split family visa’ application to reunite a mother and her children who were living in Africa and that had not seen each other for many years.
Our success with Australian Family visas – the ‘split family’
The criteria for the split family visas are vague and it is very easy for the Department to refuse one of these visa applications. It is not enough to show that you have been granted a protection visa and that your family lives in fear in their country of origin. You must also prove, amongst other things, that their resettlement in Australia is appropriate in the circumstances.
Our success with getting these visas demonstrates the importance of clearly expressing your claims about why you satisfy the key visa requirements as part of your application and presenting credible evidence supporting your claims.
A thoroughly prepared Australian visa application which is supported by a considerable amount of evidence have been the things that set our applications apart from applications lodged by visa applicants themselves.
It is important that you keep in mind that the chance of your family members being granted a split family visa are statistically very low.
It is often the case that it is much better for your family members to apply for another type of visa such as a Partner visa or spouse visa, child visa, parent visa or remaining relative visa. The Partner visa processing times could be quicker than the processing time of a Split family visa. Although this usually means a higher application fee is payable, this is a small price to pay for ensuring that your family can live with you in Australia. We can advise you about the best solution for your family members.
How can I bring my family to Australia on a ‘split family’ visa?
You can make an application to bring family to Australia through the Australian offshore Refugee and Humanitarian migration program. You may have a husband, wife, partner or children (or if you are under 18, your parents) who you would like to bring to Australia through the refugee and humanitarian migration. You may be eligible to use the program if:
- You were granted a refugee, humanitarian or permanent protection visa in the last five years; and
- Your husband, wife, de facto partner, dependent children or parent (if you’re under 18) are still living in their home country, or living outside their home country.
This is called a ‘split family’ Australian visa application. Applications can take many years and we are not able to comment as each family’s circumstances are different.
Mini checklist for Split family visa requirements
- Step 1: Check whether your family is eligible for an Australian visa and whether you are eligible to propose/sponsor their application if applicable (this is when you should call us).
- Step 2: Gather identity documents and photos
- Step 3: Fill out the forms to apply for a visa
- Step 4: Get each adult family member to write a statement
- Step 5: Make copies, preferably certified or notarized copies, of all your and your family members’ documents
- Step 6: Apply for a visa by post or online
We have considerable expertise across all visa classes and are able to provide you with clear advice about what is the best option for your loved ones to come to Australian and stay in Australia permanently. Please phone us for a consultation if you would like advice about the best way to bring your loved ones to Australia.
Contact your immigration lawyer immediately
The next steps are to ensure that you have carefully put forward the best possible visa application on behalf of your family members. If you miss a single step, your family members may face a visa refusal or prolonged visa processing.
Craddock Murray Neumann Lawyers have more than 30 years’ experience in applying for protection, refugee and humanitarian visas on behalf of asylum seekers and refugees. We have extensive knowledge and professional immigration lawyers who can assist your family in coming to Australia and assist with putting forward the best possible visa application for your family.
Australian immigration law is complex and changes frequently, and the law may have been changed since this page was drafted in October 2021. Please Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers.
Our success with the ‘split family visa’ demonstrates the importance of clearly expressing your claims about why you satisfy the key visa requirements in your application and presenting credible evidence supporting your claims. We are able to provide you with clear advice and assistance to put forward the best possible visa application for your loved ones to come and stay in Australia permanently.