Norfolk Island family visa

Family visas cover partners and relatives of eligible people in Australia. Residence options include permanent residence, return visas and special arrangements for former Norfolk Island permit holders.

Ways to get a Norfolk Island family visa

Provisional Partner visas (subclasses 309 and 820)
Other permit
Eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Migrant Partner visas (subclasses 100 and 801)
Other permit
Eligible partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
Other permit
Eligible people seeking to join a fiancé who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Family member visas
Other permit
Eligible family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Permanent residency visa
Other permit
People granted Australian permanent residence; detailed eligibility is not specified here.
Stay
Indefinitely.
Resident Return visas (subclasses 155 and 157)
Other permit
Current and former permanent residents seeking to leave and re-enter the Australian migration zone as permanent residents.
Stay
Return as a permanent resident.
Valid for
May be issued for 5 years or 3 months.
Entries
Unlimited re-entry during the visa's validity.
Provisional Resident Return visa (subclass 159)
Other permit
Former Norfolk Island Temporary Entry Permit or General Entry Permit holders covered by the transition arrangements.
Confirmatory Residence visa (subclass 808)
Other permit
Former Norfolk Island Unrestricted Entry Permit holders, or former Temporary Entry Permit or General Entry Permit holders who have met the residence requirements.
Stay
Live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Entries
May leave and enter Australia freely during the visa's validity.
Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
Other permit
A Former Resident visa exists; detailed eligibility is not specified here.
Ex-citizen visa
Other permit
People whose Australian citizenship is cancelled while they are physically within the Australian migration zone receive this visa by law.
Stay
Permanently, while remaining in Australia.
Valid for
Ends when the holder leaves Australia.
Entries
Does not allow re-entry after departure.

Who needs it

Partners and eligible relatives seeking family permission, and people seeking residence or a return visa, need the option that matches their circumstances.

Good to know

Family visas cover relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
The Norfolk Island subclass 159 visa allows living and working on Norfolk Island, but living elsewhere in Australia only for education.
Old Norfolk Island immigration permits stopped being valid on 1 July 2016.
The special Norfolk Island residence visas depend on a person's former permit status.
Permission to remain indefinitely and permission to return after overseas travel are separate matters.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Norfolk Island?

Partners and eligible relatives seeking family permission, and people seeking residence or a return visa, need the option that matches their circumstances.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Norfolk 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); Family member visas (a special permit); Permanent residency visa (a special permit); Resident Return visas (subclasses 155 and 157) (a special permit); Provisional Resident Return visa (subclass 159) (a special permit); Confirmatory Residence visa (subclass 808) (a special permit); Former Resident visa (subclass 151) (a special permit); Ex-citizen visa (a special permit).

How long can I stay on a Norfolk Island family visa?

Permanent residence allows an indefinite stay. Other options vary.

What rules do I have to follow on a Norfolk Island family visa?

Family visas cover relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. The Norfolk Island subclass 159 visa allows living and working on Norfolk Island, but living elsewhere in Australia only for education.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Norfolk Island?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Norfolk Island visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Norfolk 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 Norfolk Island family visa rules?

On Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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