Provisional Partner visas (subclasses 309 and 820)
Other permitEligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
10 ways to enter
Christmas Island visas
Christmas Island family visa
Family visas cover eligible partners, relatives and carers. Residence visas include permanent residency and permission for residents to leave and return.
Ways to get a Christmas Island family visa
Migrant Partner visas (subclasses 100 and 801)
Other permitEligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
Other permitEligible fiancés under the family visa arrangements.
Other family member visas
Other permitEligible children, parents, aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives and carers of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Permanent residency visa
Other permitPeople granted Australian permanent residency; eligibility rules are not specified.
- Stay
- Indefinite.
Resident Return visas (subclasses 155 and 157)
Other permitCurrent and former permanent residents seeking to return as permanent residents after travelling abroad.
- Stay
- Return as a permanent resident.
- Valid for
- May be issued for 5 years or 3 months.
- Entries
- Unlimited returns during the visa's validity.
Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
Other permitFormer residents; detailed eligibility is not specified.
Provisional Resident Return visa (subclass 159)
Other permitFormer holders of Norfolk Island Temporary Entry Permits or General Entry Permits.
Confirmatory Residence visa (subclass 808)
Other permitFormer Norfolk Island unrestricted entry permit holders, or former Temporary Entry Permit or General Entry Permit holders who meet residence requirements.
- Stay
- Indefinite.
- Entries
- Free travel out of and back into Australia during the visa's validity.
Ex-citizen visa
Other permitPeople whose Australian citizenship is cancelled while they are physically within the Australian migration zone.
- Stay
- Permanent, while the visa remains in effect.
- Valid for
- Ends when the holder leaves Australia.
- Entries
- Does not provide re-entry after departure.
Who needs it
Eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens can use family visa routes. Separate routes cover permanent and former residents.
Good to know
- Permanent residency allows an indefinite stay and work, with benefits including medical coverage under Medicare.
- A Resident Return visa has a separate period during which it allows travel back to Australia.
- Norfolk Island residence schemes have specific eligibility and location limits.
Questions
Do I need a family visa for Christmas Island?
Eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens can use family visa routes. Separate routes cover permanent and former residents.
What are the ways to get a family visa for Christmas Island?
There are 10 options: Provisional Partner visas (subclasses 309 and 820) (a special permit); Migrant Partner visas (subclasses 100 and 801) (a special permit); Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) (a special permit); Other family member visas (a special permit); Permanent residency visa (a special permit); Resident Return visas (subclasses 155 and 157) (a special permit); Former Resident visa (subclass 151) (a special permit); Provisional Resident Return visa (subclass 159) (a special permit); Confirmatory Residence visa (subclass 808) (a special permit); Ex-citizen visa (a special permit).
Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Christmas Island?
Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Christmas Island visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.
Can a family visa for Christmas Island be refused?
Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.
Where do I check the latest Christmas Island family visa rules?
On Christmas Island's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.
Can I change my family visa once I am in Christmas Island?
Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.
Reviewed by @snuck